With the domestic season across all of Europe’s top leagues reaching the business end of proceedings, attentions are starting to turn towards this summer’s European Championships.
Set to take place in Germany from the 14th June, this month long spectacle of football will see millions all over the world tune into action.
What makes this summer’s upcoming tournament even more exciting is that a host of teams look capable of winning this prestigious championship.
Ahead of what is bound to be a superb tournament, here is a a look at some of the teams that look to hold a major chance of returning to their country victorious.
England
Not since 1966 has England enjoyed such a strong spell on the international stage. Beaten finalists in Euro 2020, England’s window to finally land a second major title is starting to close.
Key men such as Kyle Walker, Harry Kane and Harry Maguire are all in their 30s and time is beginning to run out.
Blessed with an abundance of attacking talent, England should have no problems in scoring goals and Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and of course Kane will be a thorn in the side of any opposition defence.
Containing depth and quality throughout their team, it will be a major disappointment if England don’t return from Germany with their second major title in the bag.
France
At international level, experience can play a vital role and no team will be as experienced as France this summer.
World Cup winners back in 2018, they almost repeated the trick in 2022 and the team will head to Germany with high hopes that they will be able to win their first European title since 2000.
When it comes to the Euros, betting is big business, and many will be using some of the best sports betting apps in the industry to place their bets throughout the tournament. With the presence of Kylian Mbappe in their lineup, it’s likely that France will start the tournament as the heavy odds favourites for victory.
A world class player who can produce many magic moments, few would argue that he is the game’s brightest talent. A lover of the big stage, Mbappe has thrived on the international stage and will hope to captain his side to yet more international glory and reward those who have backed him and his team.
Germany
Rewind twelve months ago and few would have believed that the Germans had any sort of chance of capturing yet another European title.
Despite boasting an array of attacking talent, the team wasn’t functioning under Hansi Flick and the decision was made to remove Flick from his role.
The German FA were quick to act and duly appointed former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann into the post.
Under their new enigmatic boss, Germany have thrown themselves into the conversation as potential Euro winners.
Recent victories over both France and the Netherlands showed the Germans have the quality and strength to beat the very best teams in Europe. Due to play in front of a passionate home crowd, Germany easily have the potential and momentum to go all the way.
Spain
After a few years in the international wilderness, Spain have shown in recent tournaments that they are a side that can mix it up with the big boys of European football.
Beaten semifinalists to Italy in Euro 2020, Spain have a team that contains a great mixture of youth and experience.
Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Gavi could all take this tournament by storm and with Rodri at the base of their midfield, Spain’s possession dominated game could be hard to overcome.
Whilst they may lack a cutting edge up front, Spain has a great record in this tournament and they can’t be discounted.
Other teams that look to have a chance
Although each of the four teams we have highlighted above are likely to start as the favourites, there are several other talented teams that will travel to Germany hoping to produce the shock.
Italy
Having missed the last two World Cups, Italy headed to Euro 2020 regarded as one of the tournament’s also rans, but built on a hugely experienced defence, Italy were able to grind their way to the final and battled past England on penalties to complete a historic victory.
Having been grouped with England in qualification, the Italians were able to sneak through to this year’s Finals and will be determined to defend their crown with everything they have.
They may now be lacking some experienced heads, but Italy will hope to draw on their success of three years ago and defy expectations once more.
The Netherlands
The Dutch always head into tournaments with a talented squad and this summer seems to be no different.
With an exciting blend of youth and experience, the Dutch certainly won’t be pushovers and will prove to be a match for every side in the tournament.
Whether they have enough goals in their team remains a huge sticking point, but if they can be clinical, they have a great chance of winning a first European title since 1988.
