Poland
Nickname: Biało-czerwoni (The White and Reds) FIFA rank: 28 Euro 2024 group: Group D Manager: Michał Probierz Record in past 12 months: 6W-3D-3L Group-stage fixtures: Netherlands (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET); Austria (June 21, noon ET); France (June 25, noon ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +25000
Can’t-miss star: Robert Lewandowski. Despite injury concerns, Lewandowski remains Poland’s talisman and primary hope for goals. His experience and clinical finishing are crucial if Poland are to defy expectations and progress in the tournament as potential Euro Soccer Winners.
Breakout candidate: Nicola Zalewski. The AS Roma wing-back offers a spark of creativity for Poland. Tasked with providing width and attacking impetus from the left flank, Zalewski could emerge as a key player in Poland’s quest to surprise as Euro soccer winners.
Why they are unlikely Euro soccer winners: Poland faces a daunting challenge as the lowest-ranked team in a formidable group. Qualifying was a struggle, and relying on penalties against Wales highlights vulnerabilities. Uncertainty surrounding Lewandowski’s fitness further diminishes their prospects of being Euro soccer winners.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: While passionate Polish support is expected in Germany, expectations for Euro glory are tempered. Defensive frailties exposed in qualifying must be addressed. Even a fully fit Lewandowski needs better service to propel Poland towards being Euro soccer winners. Reaching the last 16 would be a significant achievement; a group stage exit is more probable in their journey to be Euro soccer winners. — Sam Marsden
Portugal: Are They True Euro Soccer Winners Contenders?
Nickname: A Seleção (The Team) FIFA rank: 6 Euro 2024 group: Group F Manager: Roberto Martínez Record in past 12 months: 11W-0D-2L Group-stage fixtures: Czechia (Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET); Turkey (June 22, noon ET); Georgia (June 26, 3 p.m. ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +650
Can’t-miss star: Cristiano Ronaldo. At 39, Ronaldo’s sixth Euros is a testament to his enduring quality and ambition to be a Euro soccer winner again. His goal-scoring record remains exceptional, and with Portugal’s attacking talent, he aims to add to his Euro legacy and potentially become a Euro soccer winner once more.
Breakout candidate: Vitinha. After a stellar season with PSG, Vitinha’s dynamic midfield presence could be vital for Portugal. While competing for a starting role, his creativity and energy could be a game-changer in Portugal’s pursuit of the Euro soccer winners title.
Why they could fall short of being Euro soccer winners: Roberto Martínez’s past tournament disappointment with Belgium raises questions. Managing a wealth of attacking options and integrating Ronaldo effectively presents tactical challenges. Balancing individual brilliance with team cohesion is crucial for Portugal to become Euro soccer winners.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: Portugal’s dominant qualifying campaign, with a perfect record and impressive attacking statistics, positions them as strong contenders for Euro soccer winners. A favorable group draw should lead to comfortable progress. If Martínez unlocks the team’s full potential, and Ronaldo performs, reaching the semifinals is a minimum expectation, with the Euro soccer winners trophy a realistic ambition. — Kirkland
Romania’s Euro 2024 Dream: A Long Shot for Euro Soccer Winners?
Nickname: Tricolorii (The Tricolours) FIFA rank: 46 Euro 2024 group: Group E Manager: Edward Iordănescu Record in past 12 months: 4W-7D-1L Group-stage fixtures: Ukraine (Monday, 9 a.m. ET); Belgium (June 22, 3 p.m. ET); Slovakia (June 26, noon ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +22500
Can’t-miss star: Nicolae Stanciu. Romania’s creative hub, Stanciu’s playmaking and goal-scoring ability from midfield are essential for their Euro 2024 hopes. His experience and leadership are vital for a team aiming to exceed expectations and perhaps become surprise Euro soccer winners.
Breakout candidate: Ianis Hagi. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ianis Hagi seeks to make his own mark at Euro 2024. After a productive season, this tournament is his opportunity to shine on the international stage and contribute to Romania’s unlikely bid to be Euro soccer winners.
Why Euro soccer winners status is improbable: Romania’s return to a major tournament after a long absence is already a success. Struggles in past Euros and a lack of recent golden generations temper expectations of them becoming Euro soccer winners.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: Navigating a relatively weak group offers Romania a chance to progress to the knockout stages, a significant achievement in itself. Ending a long winless streak in major tournaments is a primary goal. An unexpected journey to the round of 16 is possible, but Euro soccer winners status remains a distant dream for Romania. — Ogden
Scotland’s Euro 2024 Ambition: Can They Shock and Become Euro Soccer Winners?
Nickname: The Tartan Army FIFA rank: 39 Euro 2024 group: Group A Manager: Steve Clarke Record in past 12 months: 4W-3D-5L Group-stage fixtures: Germany (Friday, 3 p.m. ET); Switzerland (June 19, 3 p.m. ET); Hungary (June 23, 3 p.m. ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +10000
Can’t-miss star: Scott McTominay. A divisive figure for Manchester United fans, McTominay is a key goal threat for Scotland. His knack for scoring important goals makes him crucial to Scotland’s hopes of progressing and potentially challenging as Euro soccer winners.
Breakout candidate: Billy Gilmour. Already established in the UK, Euro 2024 is Gilmour’s platform to elevate his status. His technical skills and composure in midfield could attract top clubs and drive Scotland’s unexpected push towards being Euro soccer winners.
Why they face a steep climb to Euro soccer winners: Concerns over goal-scoring, especially with Dykes’ injury, are a hurdle. Historically, Scotland have struggled at major tournaments, making Euro soccer winners status a very long shot.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: Ending their major tournament knockout stage drought is Scotland’s primary objective. A tough group including Germany makes progress challenging. Advancing beyond the group stage would be a resounding success, but Euro soccer winners glory is likely beyond their reach this time. — Dawson
Serbia’s Euro 2024 Hopes: Dark Horses or Euro Soccer Winners in Waiting?
Nickname: Оrlovi (The Eagles) FIFA rank: 33 Euro 2024 group: Group C Manager: Dragan Stojković Record in past 12 months: 5W-2D-5L Group-stage fixtures: England (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET); Slovenia (June 20, 9 a.m. ET); Denmark (June 25, 3 p.m. ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +8000
Can’t-miss star: Aleksandar Mitrović. A formidable striker, Mitrović’s physicality and goal-scoring prowess are Serbia’s main attacking weapon. His performance will be crucial in determining how far Serbia progresses and if they can become surprise Euro soccer winners.
Breakout candidate: Lazar Samardžić. The future of Serbian football, Samardžić’s midfield talent is attracting attention from top clubs. Euro 2024 provides a stage for him to showcase his skills and potentially elevate Serbia’s chances of being Euro soccer winners.
Why consistency is key for Euro soccer winners ambition: Serbia’s history of underachieving despite talent is a concern. This being their first Euros as an independent nation adds pressure to perform and break the cycle to become Euro soccer winners.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: A challenging group, but with winnable games against Denmark and Slovenia, offers Serbia a path to the knockout stages. Reaching the last 16 is a realistic goal. Becoming Euro soccer winners would require a special tournament performance, with quarterfinals being a likely ceiling, though surprises are always possible. — Laurens
Slovakia’s Euro 2024 Challenge: Solid Underdogs, Not Likely Euro Soccer Winners
Nickname: Sokoli (The Falcons) FIFA rank: 48 Euro 2024 group: Group E Manager: Francesco Calzona Record in past 12 months: 8W-1D-3L Group-stage fixtures: Belgium (Monday, noon ET); Ukraine (June 21, 9 a.m. ET); Romania (June 26, noon ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +35000
Can’t-miss star: Milan Skriniar. A defensive rock, Skriniar’s leadership and solidity are fundamental to Slovakia’s team-oriented approach. His experience is crucial for their defensive stability, a key aspect for any aspiring Euro soccer winner, though unlikely for Slovakia.
Breakout candidate: Tomás Suslov. Playing on the left wing, Suslov offers attacking threat and creativity. His Serie A experience could be valuable as Slovakia aims to surprise and make a mark, even if Euro soccer winners status is a distant aspiration.
Why they lack the firepower for Euro soccer winners status: Limited top-tier talent beyond Skriniar and Lobotka is a significant factor. While defensively organized, a lack of attacking X-factor makes a Euro soccer winners journey highly improbable.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: A favorable group draw gives Slovakia a reasonable opportunity to reach the last 16. However, progressing further will be a major challenge. Their solid collective unit might make them tough to beat, but Euro soccer winners contention is beyond their current capabilities. — Laurens
Slovenia’s Euro 2024 Return: Underdogs with a Punch, but Euro Soccer Winners?
Nickname: None FIFA rank: 57 Euro 2024 group: Group C Manager: Matjaž Kek Record in past 12 months: 8W-3D-2L Group-stage fixtures: Denmark (Sunday, noon ET); Serbia (June 20, 9 a.m. ET); England (June 25, 3 p.m. ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +30000
Can’t-miss star: Jan Oblak. A world-class goalkeeper, Oblak’s shot-stopping ability can be decisive in tight matches. His presence provides a strong defensive foundation, essential for any team dreaming of becoming Euro soccer winners, even if Slovenia are outsiders.
Breakout candidate: Benjamin Šeško. In excellent form, Šeško’s goal-scoring prowess is attracting attention from major clubs. Euro 2024 is his chance to shine and potentially propel Slovenia to unexpected heights, though Euro soccer winners status remains a long shot.
Why Euro soccer winners is a bridge too far: Limited depth of top-league players beyond Oblak and Šeško highlights squad limitations. Qualifying for the Euros is a success; winning it is a vastly different proposition for Slovenia.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: Belief in getting results against Denmark and Serbia offers hope of reaching the knockout rounds. England will be a tough challenge. Playing the underdog role suits them, and progressing would be a triumph. Euro soccer winners is highly unlikely, but they could be a surprise package. — Marsden
Spain’s Euro 2024 Rebuild: Are They Ready to Reclaim Euro Soccer Winners Glory?
Nickname: La Roja (The Reds) FIFA rank: 8 Euro 2024 group: Group B Manager: Luis de la Fuente Record in past 12 months: 10W-1D-1L Group-stage fixtures: Croatia (Saturday, noon ET); Italy (June 20, 3 p.m. ET); Albania (June 24, 3 p.m. ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +700
Can’t-miss star: Rodri. A world-class midfielder, Rodri anchors Spain’s team and dictates play. His all-around game is vital for Spain’s control and attacking fluidity, key attributes for any Euro soccer winner contender.
Breakout candidate: Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old prodigy is set to light up Euro 2024 with his pace and skill. His emergence adds a new dimension to Spain’s attack and could be a catalyst in their quest to become Euro soccer winners again.
Why doubts linger about their Euro soccer winners credentials: Past tournament struggles to break down defenses remain a concern. While new attacking talents offer dynamism, a lack of experience and depth compared to other favorites could hinder their Euro soccer winners ambitions.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: A challenging group requires a strong start. Reaching the quarterfinals is a minimum expectation. Winning the UEFA Nations League shows their potential. If their young talents shine and experienced players perform, Spain could indeed be among the Euro soccer winners contenders and potentially lift the trophy. — Marsden
Switzerland’s Euro 2024 Journey: Solid but Can They Become Euro Soccer Winners?
Nickname: Nati (National Team) FIFA rank: 19 Euro 2024 group: Group A Manager: Murat Yakin Record in past 12 months: 4W-7D-1L Group-stage fixtures: Hungary (Saturday, 9 a.m. ET); Scotland (June 19, 3 p.m. ET); Germany (June 23, 3 p.m. ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +6000
Can’t-miss star: Granit Xhaka. Revitalized after a Bundesliga-winning season, Xhaka’s leadership and midfield mastery are crucial for Switzerland. His experience and quality are vital if Switzerland are to progress and perhaps even dream of being Euro soccer winners.
Breakout candidate: Dan Ndoye. After a strong Serie A season, Ndoye’s pace and versatility offer Switzerland an attacking weapon. His performances could be key to unlocking defenses and driving Switzerland further in the tournament, though Euro soccer winners status is still a long shot.
Why Euro soccer winners glory is unlikely: Inconsistent form and defensive vulnerabilities are concerns. Past tournament fragility and a lack of consistent attacking threat make a Euro soccer winners campaign improbable for Switzerland.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: A tricky group presents immediate challenges. While they have individual talent, progressing beyond the group stage will be tough. Reaching the quarterfinals again would be a good result, but Euro soccer winners remains an unrealistic aspiration for Switzerland. — Olley
Turkey’s Euro 2024 Enigma: Potential Surprise Package or Euro Soccer Winners Outsiders?
Nickname: Ay-Yıldızlıların (The Crescent Stars) FIFA rank: 40 Euro 2024 group: Group F Manager: Vincenzo Montella Record in past 12 months: 5W-3D-4L Group-stage fixtures: Georgia (Tuesday, noon ET); Portugal (June 22, noon ET); Czechia (June 26, 3 p.m. ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +6000
Can’t-miss star: Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Montella hails Çalhanoğlu as a world-class midfielder. His creativity and set-piece ability are crucial for Turkey’s attacking play, and he will be key if they are to challenge for Euro soccer winners status.
Breakout candidate: Kenan Yildiz. Bursting onto the scene at Juventus, Yildiz offers youthful dynamism and goal-scoring threat. His emergence could be a game-changer for Turkey, adding excitement to their Euro soccer winners bid.
Why Euro soccer winners is a distant dream: Montella’s relatively recent appointment and the team’s youth create uncertainty. Inconsistency and defensive concerns, highlighted by Kabak’s injury, make a Euro soccer winners journey difficult.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: Inconsistent results make their tournament prospects hard to predict. Emerging young talents offer hope, and topping the group is a possibility. Reaching the round of 16 would be a decent outcome, but Euro soccer winners glory is likely beyond them, though they could be a surprise package. — Olley
Ukraine’s Euro 2024 Spirit: Playing for More Than a Trophy, Euro Soccer Winners Longshots
Nickname: Синьо-жовті (The Blue and Yellow) FIFA rank: 22 Euro 2024 group: Group E Manager: Serhiy Rebrov Record in past 12 months: 7W-4D-2L Group-stage fixtures: Romania (Monday, 9 a.m. ET); Slovakia (June 21, 9 a.m. ET); Belgium (June 26, noon ET) ESPN BET odds to win Euro 2024: +50,000
Can’t-miss star: Oleksandr Zinchenko. Zinchenko’s versatility and leadership are vital for Ukraine. Deployed in midfield, he dictates tempo and provides crucial experience, guiding Ukraine’s Euro soccer winners aspirations, however improbable.
Breakout candidate: Georgiy Sudakov. Highly rated and linked with top clubs, Sudakov is Ukraine’s rising star. Euro 2024 is his stage to shine and potentially drive Ukraine to unexpected success, though Euro soccer winners status is a very distant prospect.
Why the odds are stacked against them for Euro soccer winners: Just scraping through qualification highlights their limitations against top teams. Injuries and a young squad make a Euro soccer winners challenge an uphill battle.
Realistic chances at Euro 2024: Playing amidst national adversity adds emotional weight to their campaign. A winnable group offers hope for knockout stage qualification. Driven by national pride and with talented youngsters, a run to the round of 16 or quarterfinals is possible, but Euro soccer winners is an extremely unlikely outcome, overshadowed by their nation’s plight. — Hamilton
