There are only a few days left until Euro 2020 finally takes place. One year delayed due to the pandemic, like many other championships around the world (you can read more here), Europe’s biggest national team competition is about to take place.
The 24 teams that will participate in this competition are divided into 6 groups and among them; there is a very interesting one: Group F.
Many consider it to be one of the most complicated groups in this Euro and, when looking at participating countries, we understand why.
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Portugal
Exactly, the two countries that played the last Euro final, in 2016, will be present in the same group. In addition, there is still Germany, a team that is always very well organized, but that has not had good results in recent competitions.
Because the group is extremely interesting and many fans – and also some euro 2020 betting sites – are betting that the next Euro champion can be in it, let’s analyze the three big team’s chances in the group and how they are prepared for this competition.
France
France is the great candidate to win the Euro 2020, there is no doubt about that. Not only for being the current world champion in title, the French team has a group of players of the highest level.
The big highlight is the return of Karim Benzema. Away from Les Bleus since 2015, the Real Madrid striker is back in the squad, and it is unlikely that he will not start up front, with the super star Kylian Mbappé and the efficient Antoine Griezmann.
Together they will probably form the best offensive trio of this Euro, with Olivier Giroud in the shadow, thus opening up several problems for the opposing defensive blocks, especially those that do not have an almost perfect harmony.
Hugo Lloris remains the leader of the team. Raphael Varane is the boss of the defense, and the vice-captain, being his abnegation and aggressiveness one of the greatest motivational sources of the team.
N´Golo Kanté arrives at the European Championship extremely motivated after a great final to the season at Chelsea, after winning the UCL title. Paul Pogba will play alongside him, who has already accustomed us to a world class level in these competitions. However, if he doesn’t match, Adrien Rabiot or Corentin Tolisso could assume the role of managers of the French midfield.
Germany
Germany are looking for redemption after a terrifying and traumatic 2018 World Cup, where they came last in a group with Mexico, Sweden and South Korea. This is also the last mission of manager Joachim Löw, who will leave the technical command of the team he has led since the post-2006 World Cup.
Wanting to leave through the big door, Löw didn’t want to take any chances and promoted the return of two heavyweights who hadn’t been called up since the World Cup in Russia: Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels. The Bayern Munich forward and the Borussia Dortmund central are back to bring experience and quality to an already very talented German team.
Without a figure that stands out from the rest, the German team has a very homogeneous lot of 26 players, however, it is worth noting the absence of a full right back (Klostermann has played mainly as a central defender for Leipzig), and both Joshua Kimmich and Emre Can yield more in midfield.
Manuel Neuer continues to be the team’s captain and voice of command, directing a defense where, in addition to the aforementioned Hummels, there will also be Antonio Rudiger, in great shape at Chelsea since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel.
Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretska, Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos top the team’s midfielders, but they will hardly play all 4 at the same time, in what will probably be the best midfield in the competition, and which could be the key to success, or no, from Manschaft, in what is a good headache for Joachim Löw.
Looking forward, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané will be the service agitators, while Timo Werner will be a threat on goal with his attack at depth and his power.
Portugal
Portugal is part of a batch of candidates that go to Euro 2020 with legitimate aspirations to win the competition, since they are the current holders of the trophy. With a golden generation, and many players going through the best phase of their careers, Portugal can and should dream of something similar to what we witnessed in 2016.
Pedro Gonçalves and William Carvalho are the big news in the squad, the first because it’s his debut in the main squad, and the second because he was called up after a very poor season with Betis.
Rui Patrício is expected to remain number 1 in goal despite strong pressure from Anthony Lopes. Rúben Dias and Pepe will form one of the best pairs of central defenders in the Euro.
On the sides, Cancelo, Semedo, Guerreiro and Nuno Mendes, two high quality options for each side.
In midfield, the huge amount of defensive midfielders in the squad leaves the idea that Portugal is preparing to play with two more defensive midfielders, with Danilo and Rúben Neves starting in front, with Palhinha on the lookout. Bruno Fernandes will be the most advanced of the midfielders
Up front, anything that isn’t a trio composed of Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo will be a surprise, with João Félix and André Silva emerging as luxury alternatives.
Conclusion
Of course there are countries in other groups that also have good chances of winning this Euro 2020, but Group F really has some of the best national teams today.
And you, who do you think will do better in this Group F? Will one of these teams lift the Euro 2020 cup?