Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has identified the three teams he believes are the frontrunners to win the 2024 European Championship. According to Ferdinand, England, France, and Portugal are the favorites to lift the trophy in the upcoming tournament.
The 2024 European Championship kicks off next Friday, with hosts Germany set to face Scotland in the opening match. The tournament features 24 teams, culminating in the final on July 14. Fans across the continent are eagerly anticipating the start of this prestigious competition, which brings together the best teams and players Europe has to offer.
In the previous edition, Italy triumphed over England in a dramatic penalty shootout in the Euro 2020 final. That match was a heartbreaking moment for England fans, who saw their team come agonizingly close to their first major tournament victory since 1966. This time around, Ferdinand sees England, France, and Portugal as the teams to watch, each bringing unique strengths and considerable talent to the tournament.
England has shown significant improvement in recent years under the management of Gareth Southgate. The team reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and went one step further at Euro 2020, making it to the final. Their current squad is a blend of youth and experience, featuring some of the Premier League's brightest stars.
Key players like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Jordan Henderson provide leadership and experience, while younger talents such as Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham add flair and dynamism. The depth of talent in the squad means Southgate has a variety of options at his disposal, making England a formidable opponent.
France, the 2018 World Cup champions, continue to be a formidable force in international football. Managed by Didier Deschamps, France boasts a deep pool of talent, with players excelling in top clubs across Europe. Their squad includes world-class talents such as Kylian Mbappé, N'Golo Kanté, and Antoine Griezmann, each capable of turning a game on its head.
Les Bleus have a strong track record in international competitions, consistently performing well in recent tournaments. Their combination of experience, skill, and tactical acumen makes them one of the favorites for the Euro 2024 title. France's ability to perform under pressure and their tactical flexibility are key reasons why many, including Ferdinand, see them as potential champions.
Portugal, under the guidance of head coach Roberto Martinez, also has a strong squad featuring some of the best players in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo remains a pivotal figure, providing leadership and a wealth of experience. Alongside him, younger stars like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix bring creativity and technical skill to the team.
Martinez, who took over as Portugal's head coach after a successful stint with Belgium, has the task of blending these talents into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level. Portugal's recent successes, including winning the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League, underscore their potential to win the tournament.
Ferdinand expressed his views on the tournament favorites during a conversation with Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez on the FIVE YouTube channel. “I want to wish you good luck for the tournament. I hope you do well and come second behind England, that would be great!” Ferdinand said, highlighting his support for the England team. He added, “I think it is you [Portugal], England, and France – it will be one of those three. I don’t see no-one else.”
The tournament promises to be highly competitive, with these three teams expected to perform strongly and vie for the championship. As the matches unfold, fans and analysts will be keenly watching to see if Ferdinand's predictions come true and which team ultimately emerges victorious.
Ferdinand's confidence in these three teams is well-founded, considering their recent performances and the talent within their squads. England's mix of seasoned players and rising stars, France's consistent excellence and depth, and Portugal's blend of experienced leaders and dynamic young talent all contribute to their status as favorites.
As Europe’s top national teams prepare to clash, the excitement and anticipation build. The 2024 European Championship is set to be a showcase of football at its finest, with England, France, and Portugal leading the charge as the teams to beat.
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