Euro 2024: The players to watch and what to expect
European Championship kicks off Friday, what can we expect? An outsider victory? A Kylian Mbappé-inspired French romp? England out in the group stages? Whatever we get, there will be drama.
Here, six of The Athletic's writers give their predictions:
Who will win the tournament?
Oliver Kay: France, because they have the strongest squad, not just in terms of talent and depth in all positions, but also know-how and a proven ability to perform when the stakes are high.
Liam Tharme: France. Tournaments are won over decades of youth talent, and nobody does it like Ligue 1. Didier Deschamps has found the perfect balance between system and superstars.
James Horncastle: I like how Roberto Martinez has carved out a niche as the custodian of international «Golden Generations.» First Belgium, and now Portugal. The balance Portugal has in midfield is encouraging, and I'm waiting for Rafael Leão to deliver on his potential at this level.
Nancy Froston: France has been such a force in recent years, and it does not look any weaker.
Carl Anka: Germany. Host nation, favorable side of the draw, and decent players under a clever tactical mind in Julian Nagelsmann.
Nick Miller: France is the correct answer, but Deschamps has been there so long, isn't it due for a meltdown? What about the Netherlands? They have loads of good defenders, as well as Jeremie Frimpong and Xavi Simons, while Memphis Depay seems quite cross about leaving Atlético Madrid, so he'll have some fire in his belly.
Who will win the Golden Boot?
Tharme: Mbapp
