Battle for European Glory: Assessing the Contenders Heading to Germany for Euro 2024

GOAL assesses all 24 teams heading to Germany this summer for Euro 2024, ranging from strong contenders like France and England to surprise qualifiers such as Georgia and Albania. With the qualifying rounds concluded, Poland, Ukraine and Georgia secured their spots in the tournament through the playoffs. The lineup promises a mix of impressive performances and unexpected twists, setting the stage for an exciting competition.

France demonstrated their strength during the qualifiers while England showed potential to end their trophy drought since 1966. Portugal under new coach Roberto Martinez showcased remarkable form. Spain and Belgium also pose strong challenges with quality players in their squads. Meanwhile, host nation Germany led by new manager Julian Nagelsmann shows signs of resurgence.

Below GOAL ranks and evaluates the top contenders for Euro 2024 scheduled to begin on June 14 in Munich.

24. Georgia (New Entry) : Despite being unlikely qualifiers, Georgia journey to the tournament sparked celebrations in Tbilisi. Led by Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia they may surprise with moments of brilliance.

23. Albania ↓ : Albania historic seven-match unbeaten run secured their spot but a tough group draw with Spain, Italy and Croatia dampens expectations.

22. Poland (New Entry) : Poland scraped through playoffs, relying on key players like Robert Lewandowski and Wojciech Szczesny. However, their tough group featuring Netherlands, France and Austria poses challenges.

21. Serbia ↓ : Despite doubts about their strength, Serbia boasts quality attacking players like Aleksandar Mitrovic. However, a recent loss to Russia raises concerns.

20. Scotland ↓ : Scotland qualification came after defeating Norway. However, injuries to key players like Andy Robertson raise doubts about their chances in a competitive group.

19. Romania ↓ : Romania resurgence under coach Edward Iordanescu led to qualification but their squad lacks star power. They face tough competition in Group E.

18. Slovenia ↓ : Slovenia secured qualification in their final match, led by RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak. They face stiff competition in Group D.

17. Czech Republic ↑ : Czech Republic  qualification came amid managerial changes. Despite uncertainties, they aim to compete in a challenging group with Turkey, Portugal and Georgia.

16. Switzerland ↑ : Switzerland experienced squad including Yann Sommer and Granit Xhaka poses a challenge in Group A. However, their inconsistent form raises doubts.

15. Slovakia ↔ : Slovakia successful campaign under coach Francesco Calzona showcases their potential, led by Milan Skriniar and Stanislav Lobotka. They aim to compete in a tough group with England, Denmark and Serbia.

14. Ukraine (New Entry) : Ukraine remarkable qualification amid challenging circumstances uplifts spirits. Led by Mykhailo Mudryk and Andriy Lunin, they aim to make an impact in Group E.

13. Turkey ↓ : Turkey turnaround under coach Vincenzo Montella promises excitement. Despite recent losses, they aim to challenge Portugal in Group F.

12. Denmark ↑ : Denmark resurgence after the World Cup disappointment features Rasmus Hojlund emergence. They aim to compete in Group C against England, Slovenia and Serbia.

11. Croatia ↑ : Croatia resilience secured qualification, despite doubts over aging players. They aim to overcome challenges in a tough group with Spain and Italy.

10. Netherlands ↓ : Netherlands qualification highlights their talent with key players like Virgil van Dijk. However, concerns remain over their ability to defeat strong opponents in Group B.

9. Austria ↑ : Austria progress under Ralf Rangnick rejuvenates their squad, despite captain David Alaba absence. They aim to compete in a challenging group with France, Netherlands and Poland.

8. Hungary ↓ : Hungary qualification marks their impressive progress under Marco Rossi with Dominik Szoboszlai leading the charge. They aim to challenge in a competitive group with Scotland, Switzerland and Germany.

7. Italy ↑ : Italy qualification under Luciano Spalletti signals a new era, despite controversy over their final match. With talented players like Nicolo Barella, they aim to compete in a tough group with Spain and Croatia.

6. Spain ↓ : Spain successful campaign under Luis de la Fuente showcases their potential, despite concerns over injuries. Led by Alvaro Morata, they aim to overcome challenges in a challenging group with Italy and Croatia.

5. Germany ↑ : Germany preparations under Julian Nagelsmann show signs of improvement with experienced players like Antonio Rudiger. They aim to build momentum in a manageable group with Hungary, Scotland and Switzerland.

4. England ↓ : England qualification under Gareth Southgate highlights their talent, despite concerns over performances. Led by Harry Kane, they aim to progress in a favorable group with Croatia, Italy and Greece.

3. Belgium ↑ : Belgium rejuvenation under Domenico Tedesco features Romelu Lukaku resurgence. With a talented squad, they aim to compete in a favorable group with Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine.

2. Portugal ↔ : Portugal dominance in qualifying under Roberto Martinez showcases their attacking prowess. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, they aim to excel in a weak group.

1. France ↔ : France top-ranked squad boasts a mix of experience and talent, led by Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. Despite challenges, they aim to maintain their status as favorites in a competitive group.