Euro hosts Germany will meet Scotland in the opening game of the Euro 2024, which will kick off in Munich on the 14th of June.
The second biggest celebration in the footballing world will have 24 teams competing for Europe’s biggest prize. The defending champions of the Euro, Italy, are grouped with Spain, Croatia, and Albania in group B.
The tournament opener is expected to have sold-out Euro 2024 tickets as the hosts look positively ahead in making it to the next round. However, getting their second-ever Euro qualification, Scotland will want to make a good statement in the opener, aiming to pounce on Germany’s distressed run of form.
The draw held in December saw France and Netherlands in Group D, indicating exciting footballing action. England is in Group C, accompanied by Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia.
Belgium is in Group E and will take on Romania, Slovakia, and the winner of playoff B.
Group F features Portugal, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and playoff winner C. The host nation, Germany, will also contend with Hungary and Switzerland in Group A.
The playoffs for the Euro will happen in March and will determine the final three teams that will make the trip to Germany. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 16.
Euro Groups:
Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Group C: England, Denmark, Slovenia, Serbia
Group D: France, Austria, Netherlands, playoff winner A
Group E: Belgium, Romania, Slovakia, playoff winner B
Group F: Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic, playoff winner C
In the meantime, all fans have voiced their sentiments over the sold-out Euro 2024 tickets for crucial games. But trusted resellers still have ample options for fans.
England Football – Who Makes the Squad?
England coach Gareth Southgate has a golden generation upon him with a wealth of options ahead of the Euro 2024. For English fans who’ve not had the chance to see their team lift a trophy, 2024 will be that year.
The draw with North Macedonia showed stiff competition in the squad for the Euro tickets.
The English fans, who’ve been responsible for sold-out Euro 2024 tickets in the opening game, are anxiously awaiting the final confirmation of the squad from Gareth Southgate.
Each team can name only 23 players.
The team’s journey to Euros witnessed a stylish victory against reigning champions Italy but grappled in subsequent matches against Malta and North Macedonia, raising questions about form and cohesion. The draw against Brazil intensified this thought process as Southgate’s worries worsened.
But some key players already secured their place ahead of the Euros.
Captain Harry Kane continues to shine in the English jersey and is in the form of his life at Bayern Munich. He has kept England on top over the years and is expected to give it another go in Germany.
Pairing up with him will be rising start Jude Bellingham, who has emerged as an exceptional performer at Real Madrid. The midfielder’s synergy with Kane presents a promising partnership for England’s offense.
For Bellingham, the switch to Madrid made him realize that he could be more than just a midfielder as he is transitioning to an attacking midfielder, bringing in valuable goals for the Spanish club.
Declan Rice, who was phenomenal at West Ham, winning the Europa League Cup, has continued his form at Arsenal. In the midfield, Rice has shown that he is unstoppable and will surely be a confirmed name on the England team card.
Treble winner Kyle Walker is also a definitive name on the sheet, as Southgate has always stressed experience. Walker has been ferocious at the back for Manchester City and has been manager Pep Guardiola’s reliable choice.
Additionally, Jordan Pickford, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Kieran Trippier, and Harry Maguire are all integral to Southgate’s plans.
One of the names that might have raised eyebrows will be Harry Maguire. Maguire had a distressed start to his club season this year but remained an essential player in the Manchester United side. Despite the club performances, Maguire has always been impressive in an English jersey.
Players who are nearly there
While the above players look like definitive places, Southgate has a wide choice of players to pick from for the rest of the places, including his preference for the goalkeeper.
One clear candidate for left-back is Luke Shaw. At 100% fitness, he is one of the strongest and key players when considering set pieces.
But Shaw has been out due to injury, and players such as Ben Chilwell and Kieran Tripper have stepped up.
A favored choice for Southgate is Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, but his spot needs to be more determined, with him getting limited game time at the club.
But his experience will rank him higher than the other midfielders and will be one of the closing factors for his selection.
James Maddison, who returned to professional football after his injury at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has shown promise for Tottenham Hotspur.
The choice of Maddison is straightforward for Southgate.
Ben Chilwell missed the Euros last time around due to injury, but this time around, he is a strong contender for the squad.
Jordan Henderson was booed on his return in an England jersey after he left Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League. But he is still a vital ally for England in their Euro journey.
The Liverpool legend will be a confirmed name on the England team sheet.
The choice of goalkeeper will be a challenge, but current England #1, Aaron Ramsdale, might continue through to the Euros in Germany.
But Southgate will look at only Ranslade for the starting number. With his experience and team chemistry, playing with this group of players, he will likely start in front of the goal.
Several other players, such as Raheem Sterling, Sam Johnstone, Lewis Dunk, Reece James, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, are eyeing places in this English team. Ultimately, the choice will entirely depend on these players’ positions, form, and versatility.
Manager Southgate has ample time to make his final decisions.
