Following the Olympic Games, where the United States emerged victorious against Brazil, European football is eager to reassert its dominance on the global stage. The favourites, including Spain—who were ousted by Brazil in the Paris semi-finals—along with England and Germany, who missed out on the Olympic Games, are primed for some much-anticipated revenge.
England Aiming for Back-to-Back Titles
As reigning champions after a triumphant Euros held on home turf, the Lionesses have struggled to replicate that success in recent tournaments. Although they made it to the World Cup final the following year, their form has been inconsistent since then.
The team failed to progress to the Final Four of the Nations League, resulting in their absence from the recent Olympic Games under the United Kingdom’s banner.
The boost English women’s football experienced from their UEFA European Championship triumph has paved the way for emerging talents like Hannah Hampton and, more recently, Michelle Agyemang.
Yet, recent results in the Nations League have raised concerns, including a surprising 1-1 draw with Portugal, a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, and a 2-1 loss against Spain earlier in June.
Manager Sarina Wiegman has experimented with various formations, including a 4-1-4-1 against South Africa, a 3-1-4-2 against Switzerland, and settling on a 4-2-3-1, largely influenced by her key players. Meanwhile, several established players from the 2022 squad, such as Mary Earps, Millie Bright, and Fran Kirby, have exited the team following a drop in status.
Despite these changes, England is still viewed as the most well-rounded team on paper at this European Championship, boasting players of diverse skills capable of making a significant impact, even from the substitute bench.
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Spain: Is a Barcelona Core Key to Glory?
After clinching the World Cup in 2023 and triumphing in the Nations League, Spain seemed unstoppable. However, following the resignation of their former coach Jorge Vilda amid a scandal involving Jenni Hermoso, questions began to arise.
In an unexpected turn, La Roja faltered against Brazil in the Olympic semi-finals after narrowly beating Colombia on penalties in the previous round. Doubts regarding Spain’s playing style have emerged, especially following the appointment of Montse Tome, Vilda’s former assistant.
Similar to their 2023 successes, La Roja are again leaning on a squad filled with players honed in the Barcelona system. They have recorded only one loss since the Paris Olympics, a narrow defeat against England last February (1-0).
As an indication of improvement, they secured a 3-1 victory over Japan before their journey to Switzerland, the same nation that had thrashed them 4-0 in the last World Cup group stage.
With seven players from the Barcelona lineup, and Vicky Lopez stepping in for Aitana Bonmati due to health issues, Spain boasts a solid framework and playing principles. They can also rely on the impressive Claudia Pina, who has netted four goals and provided two assists in her last five matches for Spain.
Germany: A Revamped Squad Seeking Consistency
Under the guidance of Christian Wuck, Germany remains unbeaten in the Nations League, boasting five wins and just one draw against the Netherlands (2-2). However, they suffered an early exit in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup and finished third at the Olympics, as well as losing in the last UEFA European Championship final.
Horst Hrubesch stepped in for Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, who disclosed her struggles with mental health post-World Cup. Since Wuck took charge in March 2024, the team has seen unexpected losses to Australia and Italy—both ranking below Germany in FIFA standings.
While he has undertaken a significant overhaul following the international retirements of key players such as Merle Frohms, Svenja Huth, Marina Hegering, and Alexandra Popp, Wuck maintains the 4-2-3-1 formation. He has reinstated Ann-Katrin Berger as goalkeeper and introduced younger talents like Rebecca Knaak and Janina Minge into the defence, creating space for Selina Cerci and Jule Brand in the starting eleven, along with Laura Freigang and Lea Schuller, who is expected to lead the line in place of the formidable Popp.
This largely restructured squad still needs to prove itself, especially following their last World Cup showing, which ended in group-stage elimination.
Serious Contenders from the Pack
While these three nations are among the top favourites, France cannot be overlooked. There’s a division within Les Bleues: coach Laurent Bonadei considers his team as ‘challengers’ in this European Championship, while players like Kelly Gago and Grace Geyoro see themselves as ‘favourites’.
Despite not yet having a title to show for their efforts, France has enjoyed an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories. Meanwhile, Sweden enters the fray with an unbeaten Nations League run and a track record of excelling in major tournaments.
The status of star player Fridolina Rolfo remains uncertain. The Netherlands, once European champions in 2017, have struggled since, recently suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Germany and will be eager to redeem themselves at this Euro.
The wild card could be Viviane Miedema, who has had limited playtime this season due to injury but is making a timely return to form ahead of the tournament. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling competition!
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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