FIFA World Cup 2022: 10 surprising teams to watch out for
FootballUEFA Euro 2024: 3 Teams With the Most to Prove in Germany
- Twenty-four European teams will converge in Germany to battle for the eagerly awaited 2024 European Championship
- Italy will be aiming to defend the title they won in 2020, but England, France, Portugal, and Germany will try to stop that
- A few teams are under pressure to perform at the tournament because of their squad and performances in previous tournaments.
PAY ATTENTION: Checkout Fixtures; Live Scores; Results and Tables section on Sports Brief and never miss out on the action ⚽️
The 2024 Euro Championships are just days away.
Most teams have named their final squads for the tournament, and fans are excited to see their teams for another memorable edition of the Euros.
France and England are favourites, on paper at least, but there are teams with plenty to prove in Germany, and after the tournament ends, fans will judge them.
Italy surprised many when they defeated England to win the 2020 Euros at Wembley, but they are surprisingly not expected to defend its title.
Hey there: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
The Three Lions' star-studded squad is only matched by France and Portugal, and the pressure will be on for them to win their first European and international titles since 1966.
France were eliminated in the Round of 16 in the last edition and will be looking for their third continental crown in Germany. They will also be under pressure to win it.
Portugal have gotten stronger since winning the 2016 Euros. They are seen as perennial underachievers like Germany. So, which teams have the most to prove at the Euros? Sports Brief takes a look.
3 teams with most to prove at Euro 2024
Germany
The Germans are hosting the tournament for the first time since 1988 and are under pressure to deliver convincing performances. Since winning the 2014 World Cup, their performances in major tournaments have been dismal. They reached the Round of 16 in the 2020 edition but failed to go past the group stage in their last two World Cup tournaments.
Best European Football team: Which is the best European Squad for the upcoming World Cup and why?
FootballJulian Nagelsmann has been tasked with rejuvenating the team. The experienced Toni Kroos, as well as youngsters like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, will be vital to the Germans. The last time they won was in 1996 in England, and after the last few years, their fans expect a great showing on home soil.
England
The Three Lions and the 58 years of hurt—when will it end? That is the question England fans want an answer to. The 1966 World Cup winners have experienced heartbreak after heartbreak in the last few decades in major tournaments. Gareth Southgate's team reached the Euro 2020 final but lost another penalty shootout. In 1996, they hosted the tournament but were eliminated in the semis by eventual winners Germany.
Given their incredible squad, which includes Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, and Declan Rice, they will be under pressure to win the 2024 title. Anything other than a title will be considered a failure.
Best African Football team: Which is the best African squad for the upcoming World Cup and why?
FootballPortugal
Portugal's squad now is better than the one that won the 2016 Euros. Ronaldo was still at his peak in 2016 and, at 39, is not expected to carry the goal scoring burden in Germany. However, they have a deep squad led by Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leao that can beat anyone.
Belgium knocked them out in the Round of 16 in 2020, and in the tournament, under new coach Roberto Martinez, who has won 12 of 13 matches he's managed. Aside from their 2016 triumph, they reached the final in 2004 on home soil but were upset by Greece.
The UEFA Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14 with Germany vs Scotland at the Munich Football Arena.
Records Ronaldo could break
Sports Brief earlier reported on six Euro records Cristiano Ronaldo could break at Euro 2024.
The Portugal veteran is playing in his sixth European Championships, a new record for the Al-Nassr star. He could also become the player with the most Euro Golden Boots and assists.