With UEFA EURO 2024 fast approaching, the anticipation among football fans is reaching a fever pitch. The tournament, set to be held in Germany, will feature 24 of Europe’s top national teams, each vying for continental supremacy. As we count down the days, let’s delve into the current form of these teams based on their six most recent games and look at how their preparations are shaping up, including their pre-EURO friendly matches.
The Current Form of Contenders
- Germany (Hosts) – As hosts, Germany automatically qualifies but hasn’t taken their foot off the gas. Their recent performances show a mix of resilience and tactical experimentation, with impressive wins against top-tier teams.
- France – The reigning World Cup champions have been in fine form, winning five of their last six matches. Their attacking prowess continues to terrify defenses, with Mbappe leading from the front.
- Spain – Always a team with flair, Spain has shown consistency in possession and control, though they have struggled to convert opportunities into wins, drawing half of their recent outings.
- Italy – The Azzurri have rebounded from their World Cup qualification failure with a series of solid performances, indicating a return to their structured and formidable defensive play.
- England – Despite high expectations, England’s recent form has been a mixed bag with some unexpected stumbles in qualification, but they remain a team capable of going deep into the tournament.
- Belgium – Known for their ‘golden generation,’ Belgium has continued to display effective football, though recent games suggest a slight dip in the dominance they’ve shown in past years.
- Portugal – With a blend of experienced stalwarts and exciting new talents, Portugal’s recent performances have been robust, highlighted by strong defensive displays and clinical finishing.
- Netherlands – The Dutch team has been revitalizing under new management, showing flashes of the classic total football approach that has historically defined them.
- Croatia – The 2018 World Cup finalists continue to perform reliably, with a midfield that remains among the best in international football.
- Denmark – One of the surprise packages recently, Denmark’s team has shown they can upset the odds, marked by a series of emphatic wins.
- Poland – Reliant on Lewandowski, Poland has shown they can mix it with the best but need to find consistency.
- Switzerland – Always tough to beat, Switzerland has continued to build on their reputation as a hard-working and disciplined team.
- Wales – Having reached the later stages of recent tournaments, Wales hopes to continue their strong form, though recent matches have posed challenges.
- Austria – Mixed results in recent games have left some questioning their potential, but Austria remains a team with capable talents.
- Sweden – With a blend of youth and experience, Sweden looks solid but unspectacular in recent outings.
- Czech Republic – Known for their tactical intelligence, the Czech team has been competitive in all recent fixtures.
- Russia – Despite off-field controversies, on the pitch, Russia has been performing well, securing some key results.
- Turkey – Always unpredictable, Turkey has shown flashes of brilliance interspersed with disappointing performances.
- Ukraine – Amidst immense challenges, Ukraine’s national team has shown incredible spirit and resilience, translating into some heartening performances on the field.
- Serbia – With a robust playing style, Serbia has been a tough opponent for anyone recently, managing a few notable scalps.
- Slovakia – Slovakia continues to be competitive, with recent results suggesting they could be dark horses.
- Hungary – Hungary has surprised many with their recent upturn in form, proving they can compete with more established teams.
- Scotland – Scotland’s resurgence has been notable, with their recent form suggesting they could make an impact at the EUROs.
- Finland – Finland’s recent qualification has filled the team with confidence, though they remain outsiders in the tournament.
Pre-EURO Friendly Matches
The pre-EURO friendlies are crucial for fine-tuning tactics and building team cohesion. Each contender has scheduled matches against varied opposition, providing them with the opportunity to experiment with lineups and strategies. For instance:
- Germany has lined up friendlies against high-caliber teams like Argentina and Spain, providing them with robust tests ahead of the tournament.
- France is set to face Portugal in a rematch of the 2016 EURO final, which will be a significant psychological and tactical battle.
- England will test their mettle against Italy, giving them a chance to avenge their EURO 2020 final defeat.
These matches will not only provide entertainment but also offer insights into the readiness of the teams for the main event.
As the countdown to UEFA EURO 2024 continues, the form of the 24 contenders provides a glimpse into what can be expected at the tournament. The mix of seasoned powerhouses and ambitious underdogs promises a competition full of drama, surprises, and top-quality football. With each team bringing its unique strengths and strategies to the fore, the stage is set for a memorable tournament in Germany. As they fine-tune their preparations with strategically picked friendlies, the final compositions and readiness of these teams will soon come into clearer focus, much to the anticipation of fans around the globe.
Also Read:
