Welcome to the anticipation-filled stage of the Euros, arriving this time after a mere three-year gap. As we await the unfolding drama, speculation mounts: who will emerge as the dark horse this year? Could we witness a remarkable narrative akin to Greece’s legendary triumph in 2004?
Yet amidst these ponderings, the perennial question looms: will one of the favoured teams effortlessly claim victory this time? Might we see the coveted trophy “come home” at last? Could this be the year France adds another Euro title to their accolades since their 2000 triumph? And what of the reigning champions Italy? Will they maintain their dominance or face unforeseen challenges?
Adding to the intrigue is the prospect of Germany, the host nation, seeking redemption after their 2014 World Cup glory. With a month of exhilarating football poised to commence on June 14th, fans worldwide are poised for a spectacle of epic proportions.
This preview of Group B, known as the “Group of Death,” features three-time winners Spain, defending champions Italy, FIFA tournament specialists Croatia, and surprise package Albania.
Read More: EURO 2024 Group A – Preview, Analysis, Strengths And Weaknesses
Spain
Can “La Roja” finally win a record-breaking 4th Euros this year?
Currently ranked 8th by FIFA, Spain aims to make history at EURO 2024. Their qualification campaign was impressive with 7 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss, scoring 25 goals and conceding 5.
Strengths
The Nations League champions have gradually replaced their old guard with a new generation of talent. Ball possession has always been their X-factor, but now they also boast direct and dynamic wingers. Rodri, a world-class central midfielder, will have more freedom to play higher up the pitch if Martin Zubimendi partners with him. The defence is solid, led by Laporte, Pau Torres, and Carvajal, with Grimaldo adding an attacking threat. While Morata can be a controversial finisher, he consistently delivers goals for Spain.
Weaknesses
Spain struggles with finishing and has a poor penalty shootout record, which has cost them in recent big matches (excluding the Nations League final). Apart from Morata, their attackers are relatively inexperienced, and big-match pressure could affect them. Additionally, they will miss Gavi’s aggression in midfield.
Spain Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Spain Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup:
De La Fuente has kept his cards close to his chest regarding his best XI, with only a few constants in the lineup. If fit, Yamal will certainly start, as will Rodri, Laporte, Morata, and Carvajal. Outside of these, there are no absolute guarantees.
The system, however, is clear. The manager is almost certain to employ some variation of a 4-3-3, featuring a recognized midfield trio and a fairly standard attacking setup.
- Goalkeepers: Unai Simon
- Defenders: Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Grimaldo
- Midfielders: Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri
- Forwards: Yamal, Morata, Olmo
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Rodri
- Free Kicks – Grimaldo/Olmo
- Corners – Grimaldo/Yamal
Italy
Italy wouldn’t do it again, would they?
Currently ranked 9th by FIFA, Italy’s qualification campaign featured 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, with 16 goals for and 9 against.
Strengths
Italy and defence go hand in hand. Their “Never Say Die” attitude makes them a tough opponent for any team. The quality of their coach is unquestionable; Luciano Spalletti is an excellent replacement for Mancini. Additionally, their midfield has the capability to support the defenders effectively.
Weaknesses
Spalletti doesn’t have the same quality at his disposal as he did at Napoli, particularly in the offensive department. It’s crucial for him to maximize the available resources if Italy is to retain their European crown. Injuries to Berardi and Udogie, along with a ban for Tonali, are significant drawbacks.
Italy Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
Donnarumma is the clear choice in goal, and both Bastoni and Dimarco are expected to start, regardless of whether Italy opts for a three- or four-man defense. Jorginho, Barella, and Pellegrini are set to anchor the midfield, while Chiesa will occupy his preferred spot on the left wing, provided he is fully fit—a frequent concern for the Juventus player.
The rest of the lineup is less certain due to formation uncertainty. If Spalletti opts for a 3-4-2-1 formation, Di Lorenzo and Bastoni could flank Acerbi. Bellanova has emerged as a strong candidate for the right wing-back position, and the recalled Scamacca is likely to start given his recent good form, outshining many of his competitors for the No. 9 shirt.
- Goalkeepers: Donnarumma
- Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Acerbi, Bastoni
- Midfielders: Bellanova, Barella, Jorginho, Dimarco
- Forwards: Pellegrini, Chiesa, Scamacca
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Jorginho
- Free Kicks – Barrella/Dimarco
- Corners – Barrella/Dimarco
Croatia
Could the perennial underdogs of FIFA/UEFA tournaments ultimately claim victory?
Currently ranked 10th by FIFA, Croatia boasts a qualification record of 5 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, with 13 goals scored and 4 conceded.
Strengths
Croatia has established itself as the Germany of major tournaments, displaying incredible consistency in big matches and knockout tournaments. Their recent World Cup campaigns saw them finish as runners-up and third. Led by a master tactician in Zlatko Dalic, they possess a world-class midfield trio. However, they have never advanced beyond the quarter-final stage in the European Championship.
Weaknesses
Their average attack is a concern, with Perisic past his prime and Kramaric & Pasalic, while decent options, not capable of winning a Golden Boot.
Croatia Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Head coach Dalic is anticipated to deploy his team in a 4-3-3 formation, with the seasoned Livakovic guarding the goal.
Forming a sturdy defense at the back are expected to be Juranovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, and Stanisic. In the midfield, Modric, Brozovic, and Kovacic are certain choices.
Perisic, Kramaric, and Pasalic are poised to create an inverted triangle in the final third.
- Goalkeepers: Livakovic
- Defenders: Juranovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Stanisic
- Midfielders: Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic
- Forwards: Perisic, Kramaric, Pasalic
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Modric/Kramaric
- Free Kicks – Modric/Perisic
- Corners – Modric/Perisic
Albania
Written off by everyone, can the Albanians replicate the surprises of Costa Rica or Iceland this year?
With a FIFA World Ranking of 66, Albania’s qualification record stands at 4 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, with 12 goals scored and 4 conceded.
Strengths
Their defensive prowess shines above all else. Conceding only 4 goals in a group featuring Poland and the Czech Republic highlights their unity and solidity. Additionally, finishing at the top of the group is a remarkable achievement in itself.
Weaknesses
They are not the most potent attacking team. How they adapt to facing the big guns in the group during tournament mode remains a question. The pressure of the tournament stage might pose a challenge for them.
Albania Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Head coach Sylvinho is anticipated to deploy his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the seasoned Berisha guarding the goal.
Forming a robust defence at the back are likely to be Ardian Ismajli, Mario Mitaj, Berat Djimsiti, and Elseid Hysaj. In the midfield, Ylber Ramadani, Kristjan Asllani, and Nedim Bajrami are expected to feature prominently.
Jasir Asani, Taulant Seferi, and Cikalleshi are poised to occupy the final third.
- Goalkeepers: Berisha
- Defenders: Mitaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Hysaj
- Midfielders: Ramadani, Asllani, Bajrami
- Forwards: Asani, Seferi, Cikalleshi
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Cikalleshi
- Free Kicks – Bajrami /Asani
- Corners – Bajrami /Asani
Our Predictions for Euro 2024 Group B
- Spain
- Italy
- Croatia
- Albania
