History often rhymes, and in the world of soccer, this is especially true. As we gear up for Euro 2024 Soccer, many of the storylines and questions that captivated us during Euro 2020 resurface, adding a layer of intrigue to this year’s tournament.
Just three years ago, leading up to Euro 2020, there was widespread admiration for France’s formidable squad depth. Many wondered if anyone could prevent Didier Deschamps, with his tactical acumen, from guiding Kylian Mbappe and their talented team to victory. Simultaneously, doubts lingered about whether Gareth Southgate was the right figure to lead England’s gifted players to major silverware. The soccer world watched to see if Germany could redeem themselves after a disappointing World Cup group stage exit, and if Italy’s new coach could revitalize the national team after their failure to qualify for the previous World Cup. We also pondered whether Scotland could finally secure their first major tournament win since Euro ’96 and how Ukraine would perform under the guidance of one of their legendary players turned coach. The looming presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, and Luka Modric led to questions about how these iconic players would fare in what was anticipated to be their final European Championship, and how their respective managers would maximize their contributions.
Now, as Euro 2024 soccer approaches, these echoes of the past are hard to ignore. As we delve into our latest World Soccer special issue, we find ourselves revisiting many of these very same questions.
To provide you with a comprehensive preview of this summer’s finals, we’ve collaborated with our network of experts across the continent. Inside, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Euro 2024 soccer, from in-depth tactical analyses and team expectations to key facts, stats, and compelling narratives surrounding each nation. We’ve included profiles of 624 players, offering a detailed look at the talent pool on display, alongside exclusive Q&A sessions and insights directly from all 24 head coaches. We hope you find it an enjoyable and insightful read as we all anticipate the unfolding drama of Euro 2024 soccer.
Jamie Evans, Managing Editor
