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.
Will “Les Bleus” secure their third major trophy under Deschamps? Can the Netherlands exceed expectations at this year’s championships? Or do Poland and Austria have different plans in mind? Exciting matches lie ahead in Group D of Euro 2024, so let’s delve into a preview of what’s to come in this article!
Read More: EURO 2024 Group C – Preview, Analysis, Strengths And Weaknesses
EURO 2024 Group D – Preview, Analysis, Strengths And Weaknesses
France
Can “Les Bleus” complete their trophy collection under Manager Didier Deschamps by adding the missing piece to their puzzle, namely the Euros, alongside their World Cup and Nations League titles?
Presently positioned 2nd in the FIFA rankings, France enters the tournament with high aspirations. Their qualification journey witnessed them achieve 7 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses, scoring 29 goals while conceding just 3.
Strengths
While England might be the bookies’ favorites, France is the team to watch out for. With remarkable depth across all positions and a plethora of young attacking talents, they are my favorites. The team is fueled by motivation following the heartbreak of losing the 2016 final at home and the penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland at Euro 2020. Led by the extraordinary talent of Kylian Mbappe, supported by the versatile Antoine Griezmann, France boasts the world’s best player. Defensively, they feature Premier League standout William Saliba at center-back and the exceptional Theo Hernandez at left-back. Their midfield is well-balanced with Real Madrid’s Camavinga and Tchouaméni, backed up by Rabiot if needed.
Weaknesses
There are no significant weaknesses in this squad, but they will feel the absence of Varane’s experience and leadership at center-back. Konate and Upamecano are capable replacements but lack the stature of Varane or even Saliba. The long-term injury ruling out Lucas Hernandez leaves a void in defense. While Pavard is a solid right-back, his attacking prowess is limited, and his backup Clauss is not the most defensively sound option.
France Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Assuming Maignan recovers from his minor injury, he will start as the goalkeeper. The back four is expected to consist of Pavard or Clauss, Konate, Saliba, and Theo Hernandez. Pavard might operate as a center-back alongside Saliba and Konate, while Theo will provide attacking support from the left-back position.
In midfield, the trio is likely to be Tchouaméni (if fit), Camavinga or Rabiot, and Griezmann in the attacking midfield role.
On the wings, Mbappe is anticipated to occupy the left flank, with Dembele on the right, while either Giroud or Thuram will feature as the central striker.
- Goalkeeper: Maignan
- Defender: Pavard/Clauss, Konate, Saliba, Theo Hernandez
- Midfielders: Tchouaméni, Camavinga/Rabiot, Griezmann
- Forwards: Dembele, Giroud/Thuram, Mbappe.
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Mbappe
- Free Kicks – Griezmann
- Corners – Griezmann/Mbappe
Netherland
The Netherlands, aiming to claim a major tournament victory since their European Championship triumph in 1988, notably secured in Germany, enters the competition with high hopes.
Ranked 7th by FIFA, the Netherlands enters the tournament with aspirations of claiming a major title, seeking to replicate their European Championship triumph of 1988, notably achieved in Germany. During their qualification campaign, the Netherlands secured 6 wins, 0 draws, and suffered 2 losses, scoring 17 goals while conceding 7.
Strengths
Under Koeman’s guidance, the Dutch team often adopts a long-ball strategy against stronger opponents, while showcasing ball dominance against lower-ranked teams. In what appears to be a competitive group, they are likely to opt for the former approach. Their defense appears sturdy, despite missing key defenders, and they pose a significant threat from set pieces.
Weaknesses
Concerns arise regarding the form and fitness of Depay, although he typically delivers his best performances for the national team. Daley Blind, operating as the left-back or left wing-back, no longer maintains top-quality defensive capabilities and is susceptible to pace. Opposition teams are expected to target this area of the Dutch defense.
Netherland Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
Verbruggen is likely to start as the goalkeeper, although his position is not guaranteed.
The Dutch team is expected to utilize a back three setup, with Van Dijk and Ake certain starters, and either De Vrij or De Ligt completing the defensive trio. Dumfries and Blind are anticipated to operate as wingbacks, although Frimpong’s impressive club performances this season could challenge for a starting role.
De Jong is expected to anchor the midfield, provided he remains injury-free, with Koopmeiners or Schouten likely to partner him. In tougher matches, Gravenberch may be called upon to bolster the midfield.
Up front, Gakpo, Simmons, and Depay are projected to form the attacking trio, with Weghorst poised to make an impact as a substitute.
- Goalkeeper: Verbruggen
- Defender: De Vrij/De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake
- Midfielders: Dumfries, De Jong, Koopmeiners/Schouten, Blind, Simmons, Gakpo
- Forwards: Depay
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Depay/Van Dijk/Gakpo
- Free Kicks – Gakpo
- Corners – Gakpo
Austria
Austria will aim to reach the knockout stage for the second consecutive Euros, aspiring to surpass their Round of 16 showing in EURO 2020.
Austria, currently ranked 25th by FIFA, secured their place in the tournament with a qualification record of 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. During this campaign, they netted a total of 17 goals while conceding 7.
Strengths
The attacking midfield trio of Bundesliga veterans Sabitzer, Laimer, and Baumgartner is a significant strength for Austria. They are expected to be the main source of goals, particularly given the competitiveness of their group. Outscoring their opponents will likely be crucial for Austria’s progression to the knockout stage.
Weaknesses
The absence of key players due to injuries, including captain David Alaba, will be a major setback for Austria. Alaba’s leadership and experience will be sorely missed, especially in defense, where the team is notably weakened without his presence. Additionally, injuries to midfielder Xaver Schlager and first-choice goalkeeper Alexander Schlager further damage the squad’s depth and stability.
Austria Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Selecting the starting goalkeeper may present a challenge, but it’s anticipated that one of Pentz or Linder will start in goal. The back four is likely to feature Posch, with Lienhart or Wober alongside him, supported by Danso and Mwene.
In the heart of the midfield, Siewald and Grillitsch are expected to provide stability. Positioned above them will be the creative trio of Bundesliga veterans Sabitzer, Laimer, and Baumgartner.
Arnautovic is likely to make an impact as a substitute, while Gregoritsch is predicted to start from the beginning.
- Goalkeeper: Pentz or Linder
- Defenders: Posch, Lienhart or Wober, Danso, Mwene
- Midfielders: Siewald, Grillitsch, Sabitzer, Laimer, Baumgartner
- Forward: Gregoritsch
Set Piece Takers:
- Penalties – Arnautovic/Sabitzer
- Free Kicks – Sabitzer
- Corners – Sabitzer
Poland
Poland aims to replicate their heroic 2016 performance and advance to the quarter-finals once again.
Poland currently holds the 28th position in the FIFA World Ranking. Their qualification campaign comprised 4 victories, 3 draws, and 3 losses. During this period, they scored 15 goals while conceding 11.
Strengths
Robert Lewandowski remains the talisman and captain, bearing the responsibility of carrying Poland’s hopes for success and progression to the knockout stages. Supported by Zielinski, who aims to provide Lewandowski with ample scoring opportunities, this attacking duo stands as Poland’s main strength. At the back, the defensive partnership of Bednarek and Kiwior, alongside goalkeeper Szczesny, strives to maintain solidity.
Weaknesses
Poland faces challenges in midfield due to the lack of quality besides Zielinski, leading to potential creativity issues. In a group where outscoring opponents is crucial, this could pose difficulties. Additionally, defensively weak wing-backs further exacerbate problems for Poland, especially with their slower center-backs.
Poland Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)
Poland is likely to continue with their preferred 3-5-2 formation. Szczesny is expected to start in goal, supported by a back three consisting of Bednarek, Kiwior, and Dawidowicz. Frankowski and Zalewski are anticipated to operate as wing-backs.
In midfield, Zielinski, Piotrowski, and Slisz are projected to form a trio behind the striking duo of Lewandowski and Swiderski. Milik is expected to make an impact as a substitute.
- Goalkeeper: Szczesny
- Defenders: Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior
- Midfielders: Frankowski, Piotrowski, Slisz, Zielinski, Zalewski
- Forwards: Swiderski, Lewandowski
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Lewandowski
- Free Kicks – Lewandowski/Zielenski
- Corners – Zielenski/ Zalewski
Our Prediction for Euro 2024 Group D
- France
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Austria
