The biggest competition in European football kicks off soon, with the best teams on the continent fighting it out for international glory.
Many of the biggest names on the planet will be heading for Germany in the coming weeks, all with their sights firmly set on lifting that trophy and writing themselves in footballing history.
Who have you got going all the way? Is it England’s year? Are France looking strong?
We’ll find out when it all starts on 14th June as hosts Germany take on Scotland in Munich.
The Wait Goes On
2020 was a heartbreaking one for England fans. Penalty shootout disappointment in the final left them narrowly missing out on their first major trophy in nearly 60 years.
But heading into this one, they’re among the favourites once again. Premier League Player of the Season Phill Foden is in scintillating form.
Jude Bellingham has secured the La Liga title in his first season at Real Madrid, while Kyle Walker and John Stones have just won an unprecedented fourth league title in a row with Manchester City.
Along with the likes of Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and a red-hot Cole Pamer, there’s reason to be excited.
England find themselves in Group C alongside Slovenia, Serbia and Denmark.
Aiming For History
Scotland are appearing in only their fourth tournament but have never progressed beyond the group stage at any of the previous three.
This time, they’re determined to go where no Scotland team has gone before.
Led by Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and supported by a strong cast including John McGinn, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, Scotland have a great chance of getting out of the groups and making history.
The Scots will be playing the opening game in Munich on 14th June. They sit in Group A alongside Germany, Hungary and Switzerland.
Fancy France?
Putting the disappointing memory of two years ago behind them, when Argentina pipped them to world glory on penalties, France are back and well equipped to win a major trophy once more.
A stacked squad that of course includes Kylian Mbappe, as well as the likes of William Saliba, Eduardo Camavinga, Antoine Griezmann and Aurelien Tchouameni, they’ve got a big chance of going all the way.
France will start the tournament in Group D along with Netherlands, Poland and Austria.
Home Crowd Advantage?
Our tournament hosts Germany are another nation looking to put the memory of 2022 behind them.
Their exit from the group stages on the world stage was a huge shock, but they’re still one of the dominant superpowers in European international football, so you’d be a fool to write them off this early.
Their squad is still absolutely packed with talent, including the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz to name but a few.
Plus, the home crowds behind them will be a massive boost. They’ll be in Group A alongside Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland.
Don’t Sleep On Spain
Knocked out by eventual winners Italy in 2020, Spain are seeking that famous trophy once more.
Last lifting it in 2012 with one of the best squads the competition has ever seen, this year’s isn’t quite at that level.
What it will have is plenty of exciting young talent to get fans hyped for the future of Spanish football.
Spain will be in Group B with Croatia, Italy and Albania.
Defending Champs
Lifting the trophy back in 2020 after beating England on penalties at Wembley, Italy will be ready to defend the trophy with everything they’ve got.
The Italians failed to qualify for the following major tournament in 2022, which came as a huge surprise given they’d recently been crowned European champions.
Nevertheless, they’ll be present in Germany and well prepared to retain their title.
The Italians sit in Group B with Spain, Croatia and Albania.
Are Portugal Your Pick?
First lifting the trophy back in 2016, Portugal’s squad is still strong enough to go all the way once more.
Cristiano Ronaldo, potentially playing his last major tournament, remains a key figure.
Their talent-laden squad includes the likes of Ruben Dias, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and João Félix. More than enough firepower to clinch the trophy for a second time.
They’ll start the tournament in Group F with Czech Republic, Georgia and Turkey.
Get Behind Belgium
Despite having some of the best players on the planet over the past number of years, Belgium’s golden generation has failed to deliver when it’s mattered.
However, this time could be different.
A stacked squad that includes players like Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard, the Red Devils have a great chance to claim their first major international trophy.
Belgium start in Group E with Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine.
Dutch Dark Horses?
Netherlands last won this competition back in 1988, but since then, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster.
This year though, they’ve got a strong squad and an experienced head coach in Ronald Koeman.
With the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo on the roster, the Dutch could be an outside shout to win the whole thing.
The Netherlands will be in Group D alongside France, Austria and Poland.
Support Your Side
Heading out Germany? Hitting up the FanZones? Whatever you’re doing and whoever you’re backing, make sure your support is on full show. Check out our stacked range of kits, training gear, retro shirts and loads more right here!
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