By Gerald Lutchman
SO it begins today with the host Germany facing Scotland at 3pm local time.
This promises to be an exciting tournament with fantastic football. The best leagues of the world are in Europe along with some of the best players. The tournament is between June 14 to July 14, 2024. The current champions are Italy (two titles). The most successful teams are Germany and Spain with three titles each. There will be 24 teams competing (55 teams were in the qualifications), this format was
introduced in 2016 and used again in 2020. The teams are split into six groups of four teams.
The world rankings are shown below of the 24 qualifiers.
The rankings clearly show that the powerful French team are a hot favorite to win. The host
Germany are never to be underestimated along with the ever-consistent Italy in big tournaments.
World Rankings:
- France 2
- Belgium 3
- England 4
- Portugal 6
- Netherlands7
- Spain 8
- Italy 9
- Croatia 10
- Germany 16
- Switzerland 19
- Denmark 21
- Ukraine 22
- Austria 25
- Hungary 26
- Poland 28
- Serbia 33
- Czech Republic 36
- Scotland 39
- Turkey 40
- Romania 46
- Slovakia 48
- Slovenia 57
- Albania 66
- Georgia 75
Portugal will have a point to prove alongside Spain in the quest for glory. England are always a team to watch but seems to get stage fright at the business end of the tournament.
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The aging Belgium team is not the force it was a few years ago and the golden generation of their football has not delivered a trophy. This may be the year. Holland are always strong but somehow always find a way to get knocked out. The fairy tale team of this tournament may be the Czech
Republic – full of talent and a never say die attitude.
Here is a look at the past winners:
- 2024 ?
- 2020 Italy
- 2016 Portugal
- 2012 Spain
- 2008 Spain
- 2004 Greece
- 2000 France
- 1996 Germany
- 1992 Denmark
- 1988 Netherlands
- 1984 France
- 1980 Germany
- 1976 Czechoslovakia
- 1972 Germany
- 1968 Italy
- 1964 Spain
- 1960 Soviet Union
It will be a tournament to remember, so, follow me on AZP news for detailed coverage of the Euros
and Copa America.
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Tomorrow we will break down the groups.
