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UEFA Euro 2020: Which team has the best chance to win the competition?
- Updated: December 13, 2019
- 1609
Although UEFA Euro 2020 is quite afar, it is never too early to analyze the competition. With the groups almost set, there are only a few playoffs left before determining the final teams. All the big guns expecting to put on a show post-qualification, everyone is eagerly looking forward to the return of Italy and the Netherlands to add the utmost prestige to the tournament.
There is always a buzz about the favorites, but they would turn out to be legit only with the provision of facts and figures to back their contingency. So, let’s go through the best teams who are legitimate contenders to win the European Champions Crown next summer.
Teams which can win the European Champions Crown 2020
Croatia
No one would be a fool to take Croatia lightly after they became the runner-up in the last World Cup. A magnificent run in the tournament came to an end when France beat them in the finals. However, their efforts did not go unnoticed as Luka Modric became the Balon d’Or winner, breaking the decade long hegemony of Ronaldo and Messi. Although there is a drop in performance, disregarding them would not be wise as is evident in the mainstays. They now feature in the same group as The Three Lions, England, who they beat albeit their route to the finals.
Italy
One of the top contenders in the tournament, the Azzuris had an ecstatic run in the qualification campaigns for Euro 2020. In the process of entering the competition, they won all their matches by conceding only four and scoring 37. After not being a part of the World Cup last year, they are back at it again. And, this time, their mission would be to prove their worth among the European giants. They are not only the defensive juggernauts as their 9-1 victory against Armenia reflects. Under Roberto Mancini, there has been an attacking change in their style of play.
Among their ranks, Italy has a world of talent. Their attacking third inculcates several renowned strikers such as Ciro Immobile, NicoloZaniolo, Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Chiesa. It has been supported by some quality defensive solidarity, resulting in conceding only four goals in 10 games. Italy would be a handful for any other team, and no one would dare to take them lightly. They should easily qualify to the round of 16 as they face Turkey, Switzerland and Wales.
Spain
Since the disastrous campaign of the 2018 World Cup, the managerial problems of the Red and Gold are well evident. From the sacking of Lopetegui before the World Cup, Luis Enrique left the coaching role because of personal issues. He recently returned at the position of Head Coach again only for the interim manager, Robert Moreno was replaced from the entourage of Enrique. This Spanish journey has not been smooth for a while.
It is quite a good team though, with plenty of new faces being able to display their potential via the convincing qualifying run under Moreno. Ten years ago, the Barcelona squad made up 70% of the Spanish team in the World Cup. However, this trend has changed drastically with only Barcelona stars, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba featuring in the first XI.
With Manchester City midfielder, Rodri, the Spanish midfield is one of the best in the tournament. Athletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez and Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz are challengers to the Spanish regulars, ThiagoAlcantara and Busquets for a place in the starting XI. With the addition of MikelOyarzabal, Gerard Moreno and PacoAlcacer, the attack is now freshening up as well. It is providing various routes to score goals. They have to fight against the likes of Poland and Sweden to qualify in the next round.
Germany
Following a horrendous World Cup campaign, Joachim Low is now walking on egg-shells. Not only is this, but their efforts in the UEFA Nations League also abysmal. The draw of Euro 2020 has also not been in favour of them, being in the Group of Death against Portugal and World Champion, France. However, their qualifying campaign against the Dutch was not convincing with their away victory. Following this, they were dismantled by them at home. With several emerging new fresh talents at the club-level, Low is hoping for a better show.
On paper, their defence is exceptionally fragile and conceding six goals in two games against the Dutch is a testament to it. Low is still facing issues to fix the second-last line of defence eve post ten games in the qualifiers. Regardless, Germany is always one of the top contenders in any tournament. Their attack and midfield talent comprise of numerous upcoming youngsters who are making the football fans excited regarding their run in the Euro 2020.
France
Their World Cup victory itself in 2018 makes them one of the top contenders in this tournament. They have a coach and players who have succeeded in the big stage. This aspect alone makes them a clear favourite. Since their World Cup victory, France did not experiment with their squad much, and this is one of the primary reasons behind teams fearing them.
Along with Ronaldo and Messi, KylianMbappe has been a star to look out for, coupled with rock-solid performances from Antoine Griezmann. They have quite a several world-class players in each position. It is what that makes them a dangerous opponent.
They have countless squad options, with a minimum of three players vying on every position in attack and midfield. In the absence of Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet and Manchester City’s AymericLaporte got recent call-ups to the national side.
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