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.
Is football finally coming home to England? Can Denmark avenge their semi-final defeat against England in the last Euros? What challenges will Serbia and Slovenia pose to the two favourites in this intriguing group? This EURO 2024 Group C preview blog covers these four teams in detail.
Read More: EURO 2024 Group B – Preview, Analysis, Strengths And Weaknesses
England
Can Harry Kane finally break his trophy drought and bring football home?
Currently ranked 4th by FIFA, England enters the tournament with high expectations. Their qualification campaign was impressive, with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 0 losses, scoring 22 goals and conceding only 4.
Strengths
England came tantalizingly close to ending their 55-year trophy drought at the last Euros, falling just a few penalties short. Since then, they have only grown stronger. Harry Kane has evolved into a complete footballer, and Manchester City’s players are now so accustomed to winning that pressure barely affects them.
With Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Jude Bellingham, England boasts a formidable trio of midfield superstars supporting Kane. Declan Rice, a world-class central midfielder, acts as the team’s anchor. The squad’s depth is so impressive that even standout performers like Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer struggle to make the starting eleven. With such attacking talent, The Three Lions should head to Germany with a single goal: to bring the trophy home.
Weaknesses
Defense has often been England’s Achilles’ heel in major tournaments. Injuries are a significant concern, with left-back Luke Shaw barely playing this season. His replacement, Kieran Trippier, primarily a right-back, has also faced injuries in the latter half of the season. Both Harry Maguire and John Stones have had injury-plagued seasons but are expected to be fit for the tournament. However, Kyle Walker, known for his raw pace but sometimes questionable defensive sense, is another concern. Overall, the defense appears shaky, posing a potential risk.
England Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Pickford
- Defender: Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw/Trippier
- Midfielders: Rice, Alexander-Arnold/Mainoo/Gallagher, Bellingham
- Forwards: Saka, Kane, Foden
Set Piece Takers:
- Penalties – Kane
- Free Kicks – Foden/Alexander Arnold/Trippier
- Corners – Rice/Alexander Arnold/Trippier/Saka
Denmark
Can they repeat their run to the Semis from the last Euros?
Currently ranked 21st by FIFA, Denmark enters the tournament aiming to replicate their impressive semi-final run from the last Euros. Their qualification campaign included 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, with 19 goals scored and 10 conceded.
Strengths
The 1992 Euro Champions have a rich history and have become an attractive side to watch in recent years, blending brilliant passing football with a counter-attacking mindset. Their creativity and prowess on set pieces make them one of the most dangerous teams in Europe.
Weaknesses
The form and lack of club games for their creative hub, Christian Eriksen, is a concern. The quicker he finds top form, the better for the Great Danes. Additionally, their wing-backs/full-backs are not the best defensively and often get caught out during opposition counter-attacks.
Denmark Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (3-4-1-2)
Kasper Schmeichel is expected to be in goal for what could be his last major tournament.
Denmark often switches between a back three and a back four, but given the attacking prowess of their wing-backs, they will likely start with a back three.
Joachim Andersen, Andreas Christensen, and Jannik Vestergaard should start as the center-backs, with Simon Kjaer replacing Vestergaard once he is fit. Wing-backs Joakim Maehle and Victor Kristiansen will have full license to push forward.
The midfield will be solid and stable with Christian Eriksen, Christian Norgaard, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. If Eriksen needs a rest, Mathias Jensen will step in.
The front two will be Rasmus Hojlund and Jonas Wind leading the line.
- Goalkeeper: Schmeichel
- Defenders: Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard/Kjaer
- Midfielders: Maehle, Hojbjerg, Norgaard, Kristiansen
- Forwards: Eriksen; Hojlund, Wind
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Eriksen
- Free Kicks – Eriksen
- Corners – Eriksen/Jensen
Serbia
Can they make a statement in their return to the European Championship in their first appearance since 2000?
Currently ranked 33rd by FIFA, Serbia is making their first appearance at the tournament since 2000. Their qualification campaign saw them secure 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, scoring 15 goals while conceding 9.
Strengths
Serbia’s strengths lie in their midfield and strike force. Their attack is so formidable that even Juventus’ Dušan Vlahović often misses out on the starting eleven. Their system, featuring twin number 10s Dušan Tadić and Sergej Milinković-Savić, is among the best in the tournament. Additionally, they pose a significant set-piece threat with towering figures throughout the team.
Weaknesses
Defense is where Serbia struggles. Apart from Nikola Milenković of Fiorentina, they lack top center-backs playing in the major leagues. Their wing-backs, Filip Kostić and Andrija Živković, are more focused on attacking, which further weakens an already fragile backline.
Serbia Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeeper: Vanja Milinković-Savić
- Defenders: Nikola Milenković, Strahinja Pavlović, Srđan Babić/Miloš Veljković,
- Midfielders: Andrija Živković, Filip Kostić, Saša Lukić, Nemanja Gudelj, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Dušan Tadić
- Forwards: Aleksandar Mitrović
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Mitrovic/Tadic/Vlahovic
- Free Kicks – Tadic/Kostic
- Corners – Tadic/Kostic
Slovenia
In their second appearance at the Euros, could they stun everyone with a respectable performance?
Currently ranked 57th by FIFA, Slovenia is making their second appearance at the tournament. Their qualification campaign saw them secure 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, scoring 20 goals while conceding 9.
Strengths
Slovenia’s strength lies in their forward line and goalkeeper. Benjamin Šeško’s performances at the Euros could attract attention from numerous clubs, providing motivation for the young star who has been in outstanding form for his club recently. In goal, they have one of the world’s best custodians, Jan Oblak, who has the ability to frustrate opposition attackers.
Weaknesses
Their defense appears insufficient to handle the strong attacks of teams like England, Denmark, and Serbia. It will be crucial for Oblak to keep the score down and provide stability at the back.
Slovenia Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
- Defenders: Nejc Kranjčar, Miha Blažič, Uroš Korun, Jure Balkovec
- Midfielders: Domen Črnigoj, Jaka Bijol, Leo Štulac, Rok Kronaveter
- Forwards: Josip Iličić, Andraž Šporar
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Sesko
- Free Kicks – Cerin/Janza
- Corners – Cerin/Janza
Our Predictions For Euro 2024 Group C
- England
- Denmark
- Serbia
- Slovenia
