UEFA Euro 2021 will begin on June 11, after being postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe last year. The tournament, held in 11 cities across 11 UEFA countries with 24 teams, has competed for the coveted European Championship title.
There are six groups, and each group comprises 4 teams during the group phases in Euro 2021. UEFA is increasing the squad limit to 26 instead of the usual 23 players due to a potential COVID-19 outbreak within a team.
The video assistant referee (VAR) system will also make its debut at the European Championship in this tournament.
The Euro Championship is more intriguing this time around, and most teams will make the most of this opportunity to win this prestigious championship.
Here are the top six contenders to win the Euro 2021 –
Italy
The Italian Side, managed by Roberto Mancini, former Inter Milan and Manchester City boss, is one of the favorites to win Euro 2021. The Azzurri’s have enough options in every department, with a combination of youth and experience forming the team’s core.
Mancini has already announced a 33-member preliminary squad for Euro 2020, which would be cut down to 26 players on June 1 as per the UEFA’s rule. Their experienced players like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci and their creative players like Marco Verrati, Ciro Immobile, and Federico Chiesa were all included in the squad.
The Upcoming stars like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Moise Kean, and Alessandro Bastoni could play a pivotal role in Italy’s success in this year’s Euro Championship.
England
The English side has been underachievers at the highest level in recent times. The semi-finalists for the 2018 World Cup have some amazing talents in their ranks. Gareth Southgate has a batch of youngsters who have arrived on the scene together and look like a strong unit.
Stars Forwards like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Marcus Rashford will play crucial roles in the team’s success. The Three Lions have some incredible young stars, with Man City’s Star Midfielder Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood, Mason Mount, Jadon Sancho, and Declan Rice making their mark.
England’s Defense also looks solid, with players like Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Harry Macguire, and John Stones are the pillars in their defensive unit.
Belgium
Red Devils once again looking to make a mark in big tournaments and proved themselves to come out as a winner. With their valiant Defence, the Belgian side likely plays three men at the back.
Roberto Martinez will field their best trio upfront with his fierce striker Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, and their No.1 playmaker – Kevin De Bruyne, who is among the best in the world.
The Players like Alex Vitsel, Yannick Carrasco, Jan Vertonghen, Youri Tielemans can outclass many teams in their day. There is no doubting the ability in this squad with multiple talents, and there will be no surprise if they come out as Euro 2021 winners.
Portugal
The Defending Champions, Portugal, is likely one of the favorites to win this year’s Euro Championship. They bolster their side as compared to the one that won Euro 2016.
Portuguese manager Fernando Santos has announced his quality squad for the Euro 2021. With Star-studded Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Man City Defender Ruben Dias, Liverpool Striker Diogo Jota, Man United Star Bruno Fernandes, City Midfielder Bernardo Silva is the team to beat in Euro 2021.
Portugal’s Team defense could be the issue to address for Fernando Santos as they had limited options in their center back to pair alongside Ruben Dias. They had only 38-year old Pepe, who had an impressive run in the Champions League, and 37-year old Jose Fonte, who won the Ligue-1 with Lille, as the options.
Once Again, all eyes will be on Portuguese Star Cristiano Ronaldo as he again leads his side for the Euro 2021.
Germany
Winner of the 2014 World Cup, Germany is looking to regain its supremacy and win the Euro with their younger side. Germany possesses some fine playmakers in the midfield, with the likes of Toni Kroos, Man City Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, and Joshua Kimmich looking in fine form.
Star Players like Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels, and Manuel Neuer will play a crucial role for Germany. The creative vision and clever rotational policy of manager Joachim Loew would be essential while playing against stronger defensive sides.
France
The Les Bleus have been transformed into an aggressive attacking side with a steady defense are the overwhelming favorites to win the Euro 2021.
France also consists of a mix of youth and experience. The likes of experienced Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema are preferred in the forward line alongside Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.
Players including Chelsea midfielder N’golo Kante, Man United playmaker Paul Pogba, Defender Raphael Varane, and Skipper Hugo Lloris form a formidable team.
Thanks to the vision of Didier Deschamps and his ingenious management, 2018 World Cup Winners, France can dominate the international stage in the upcoming years.
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