Germany Wants To Dominate Euro 2024 Amid Tight Competition

Jwerman is not a favorite team despite hosting (photo: x @DFB_Team_EN)

In seven editions of the Euros from 1972 to 1996, Germany or West Germany managed to reach the final five times. Der Panzer, won three of them. However, in six editions since their win over the Czech Republic 28 years ago, they only reached the final once, and lost to Spain in 2008.

In the last tournament, they were easily beaten by England in the round of 16. After being eliminated twice in the first round of the World Cup in a row after winning trophies in 2014, their reputation as the best tournament team began to fade.

This disappointment decade left Julian Nagelsmann, who took over as coach of Hansi Flick last October, having to face a split fan base between past confidence and the awareness that they no longer have a team to fear by opponents.

Despite last year's disappointing results, the victory in March over France and the Netherlands provided a glimmer of hope that the European football giant may begin to bounce back. The outstanding unbeaten season of the German champions, Bayer Leverkusen, brought fresh air to domestic football, and their inspiration, attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, hopes his passion and creativity can lift the national team.

Scoring goals remains the biggest challenge, with Niclas Fuellkrug most likely to take on the responsibility, with Kai Havertz.

UK High Hope

While the German star dimmed, the British star continued to shine. They came with the real belief that they could finally win a second major trophy after the 1966 World Cup win. Although often accompanied by hype, this time their confidence and position as bookmaker favorites seem justified.

It's true they may have to go through major French hurdles in the semifinals, but players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice made them undaunted. However, their defense, which was hit by many injuries, looked vulnerable.

Their creative talent, combined with experience reaching the 2018 World Cup semifinals and Euro 2020 finals, where they lost to Italy on penalties, as well as steady guidance from Gareth Southgate, makes the team currently more expected to win.

France Struggling From Injury

France did not look as strong in the World Cup two years ago when they lost to Argentina in the final. They struggled with injuries and some key players who performed poorly. This forced Didier Deschamps coach to overhaul the defense and possibly make changes in midfield.

Defender Lucas Hernandez was absent due to a knee injury, while Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano had a difficult end to the season. In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni was also in doubt, causing a shocking call for N'Golo Kante.

Spain As A Challenger

Spain won titles in a row in 2008 and 2012, but after six years of turmoil under Luis Enrique, they hope to be another challenger. They developed under the calm guidance of manager Luis de la Fuente, who has worked with most squads through various age groups.

With youth winger Lamine Yamal who performed brilliantly for Barcelona, Rodri from Manchester City who controlled midfield, and Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal who still performed solidly, Spain has a good combination of young and experienced players.

They will come to Germany in the hope of ignoring the controversy that hit the country's football federation, even though they are in a difficult group by being in the same group as the Croatian World Cup semifinalists and European champions Italy.

The Circulating Belgian Gold Generation

Belgium's "Golden Generation" has long lost its shine. Even though they are still ranked third in the world, they have had poor records at the European Championships. Since losing in the 1980 final, they have failed to qualify six times, were eliminated in the group round twice, and only reached the quarter-finals in the last two editions with a star-studded squad.

They will again be worried that midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who was injured in the last edition, will see Belgium, which is highly seeded by Italy. Another failure at the Qatar World Cup further dampens expectations.

Portugal and the Netherlands may be the only other team that has a realistic chance of lifting the trophy in Berlin on July 14