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.
Belgium is in what is likely the easiest group and should advance as the group winners. The battle for the second spot will be interesting, with an attacking Ukraine team competing against defensively solid Romania and Slovakia. Expect a highly competitive group with many unpredictable results. Let’s preview Euro 2024 Group E in this article!
Read More: EURO 2024 Group D – Preview, Analysis, Strengths And Weaknesses
EURO 2024 Group E – Preview, Analysis, Strengths And Weaknesses
Belgium
Can the Red Devils finally win the silverware that has long eluded them?
Belgium, currently ranked 3rd in the FIFA World Rankings, had an impressive qualification record with 6 wins, 2 draws, and no losses. They scored 22 goals while conceding only 4.
Strengths
Belgium enters the tournament without the heavy expectations that previously derailed their Golden Generation. This summer, a young team led by veterans like Lukaku, De Bruyne, and Vertonghen can play with more freedom. When Lukaku and De Bruyne are at their best, few teams can match them.
Weaknesses
The lack of experienced players could be a liability in crucial matches. Moreover, the fallout between the manager and goalkeeper Courtois is a concern for the national team. The defence is a weak point, missing key players like Kompany, Alderweireld, and Meunier, who were known for stepping up when needed most.
Belgium Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
The goalkeeper slot is confirmed with Koen Casteels starting as the No. 1, as the coach announced in a recent press conference. In defense, three out of four positions are secure: Castagne and Theate will be the full-backs, while either Faes or Debast will partner with Vertonghen as the center-backs.
The midfield appears stable with Onana as the engine, joined by De Bruyne and either Tielemans or Mangala as the central midfielders. Up front, Doku and Trossard will play on the wings, with Belgium’s record goal scorer Lukaku leading the line.
- Goalkeeper: Casteels
- Defenders: Castagne, Faes/Debast, Vertonghen, Theate
- Midfielders: Onana, Mangala/Tielemans, De Bruyne
- Forwards: Trossard, Lukaku, Doku
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Lukaku
- Free Kicks – Kevin De Bruyne
- Corners – Kevin De Bruyne
Ukraine
Ukraine is currently ranked 22nd in the FIFA World Rankings. Their qualification record stands at 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, with 15 goals scored and 10 conceded.
Strengths
Ukraine boasts an organized team with a solid defense, anchored by Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Andrey Lunin. The experienced defenders Zabarnyi and Mykolenko, along with Zinchenko in midfield and the quality of Malinovskyi, add to their strength. Additionally, the form of La Liga’s top scorer Dovbyk and the raw pace of Mudryk will pose significant challenges to most teams in their group.
Weaknesses
The team has a defensively weak right back in Konoplya, and the overall inexperience of the squad could lead to problems in critical situations.
Ukraine Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
A fairly settled lineup is expected, with Lunin doing enough to keep Trubin out of the goal. The back four will likely consist of Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, and Mykolenko. In midfield, Zinchenko and Malinovskyi should form the core. On the wings, Mudryk and Tsygankov will feature, with Dovbyk as the striker and Sudakov as the playmaker.
- Goalkeeper: Lunin
- Defenders: Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Mykolenko
- Midfielders: Zinchenko, Malinovskyi, Sudakov
- Forwards: Tsygankov, Mudryk, Dovbyk
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Dovbyk
- Free Kicks – Mudryk/ Malinovskyi
- Corners – Mudryk/Sudakov
Romania
Romania
Can they replicate their Euro 2000 heroics, where they advanced from a group with Germany, England, and Portugal?
Romania is currently ranked 46th in the FIFA World Rankings. Their qualification record includes 6 wins, 4 draws, and no losses, with 16 goals scored and 5 goals conceded.
Strengths
Romania’s defensive solidity in the European Qualifiers was impressive, conceding only 5 goals in 10 games and finishing unbeaten, even above Switzerland. This marks a significant improvement since their last Euros, where they finished at the bottom of their group.
Weaknesses
Scoring goals remains a major issue, as evidenced by their 16 goals in 10 qualifying games. None of their attackers pose a significant threat to opposing defenses. Their best chances of scoring are likely from set pieces or counterattacks, and they will need to hold onto any leads they gain. Additionally, their lack of possession, even against weaker teams, could prove problematic.
Romania Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Moldovan is expected to start in goal, given his reliability for the coach. The defensive line should feature Bancu, Burca, Dragusin, and Ratiu. Marius Marin and Razvan Marin are likely to occupy the midfield engine room with their defensive-minded approach.
Captain Stanciu will undoubtedly take up the role of the creative playmaker. Choosing the front three is a tough decision, with in-form Dennis Man and Florinel Coman anticipated to start on the wings. Upfront, the more exciting George Puscas might get the nod, although the experienced Denis Alibec could also lead the frontline.
- Goalkeeper: Moldovan
- Defenders: Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu
- Midfielders: M. Marin, R. Marin, Stanciu
- Forwards: Man/Hagi, Coman; Puscas/Alibec
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – R.Marin
- Free Kicks – Stanciu
- Corners – Stanciu
Slovakia
As the only Pot 5 team to qualify for the Euros, can Slovakia exceed expectations and make it to the knockout stage?
Slovakia currently sits at 48th in the FIFA World Rankings. During the qualification phase, they secured 7 victories, 1 draw, and suffered 2 losses. They scored a total of 17 goals while conceding 8.
Strengths
Under their new manager, Slovakia has showcased a reliable core of players, achieving the remarkable feat of being the only Pot 5 team to qualify for the Euros. Their defensive solidity is commendable, conceding only 8 goals in 10 games, even against attacking powerhouses like Portugal (Portugal won 1-0 and 3-2). This resilience underscores Slovakia’s growing toughness. Additionally, their midfield trio of Lobotka, Kucka, and Duda brings vast experience, which should prove invaluable in challenging situations.
Weaknesses
The team’s weakness lies in their attack, akin to group rivals Romania. With only 17 goals scored in 10 games, their offensive output is not impressive. Slovakia will likely depend on their defense to navigate through tough situations in most matches.
Slovakia Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
In goal, Dubravka is expected to start, supported by a back four led by the experienced leader Skriniar alongside Vavro. Hancko, known for his attacking mindset, will occupy the left-back position, while either Pekarik or Gyomber will likely start on the right.
The midfield trio of Lobotka, Kucka, and Duda, all seasoned players, will dictate the game’s tempo. Moving forward, Haraslin is anticipated to start on the left flank, with Suslov on the right. Bozenik is slated to lead the line as the central striker.
- Goalkeepers: Dubravka
- Defenders: Pekarik/Gyomber, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko
- Midfielders: Kucka, Lobotka, Duda
- Forwards: Haraslin, Bozenik, Suslov
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Duda
- Free Kicks – Duda
- Corners – Haraslin
Our Predictions For Euro 2024 Group E
- Belgium
- Ukraine
- Slovakia
- Romania