It feels weird making a preview for an event with 2020 in it but that is how UEFA decided to market the tournament so we are now all forced to pretend we are in 2020.
Either way, this is going to be my first time covering an international football tournament and I can't wait for it to start. The fact that these come so rarely is what makes them so special. We had to wait an extra year on top of that because of the pandemic so this one is going to be that much more special.
The format of the tournament remains the same as it was at EURO 2020, with 24 teams being split into 6 groups of 4 for the Group Stage. Top 2 teams from each group advance to the playoffs as do the top 4 3rd placed teams to make up the Round of 16. Single elimination format playoffs proceed until we get out winner of the tournament exactly 1 month after the tournament starts.
I've done the official EURO 2020 Predictor on the UEFA website although there might be some contradictions in the text. At the end of the day, not everything goes exactly the way you predicted so the above image is just a template of what I think the most likely outcome is. However, even a slight order change in the Group Stages could change everything. Don't take the above to heart, read what I write about each team.
Speaking of that, my aim for this preview is to go through each team and conclude what should each team targeting and whether I think they can reach that target. I'll base this from the teams' form, players, manager, previous success and any other metric I can squeeze in. It should be a fun one for me and hopefully you'll like it too.
GROUP A
Turkey
Turkey is the first team in line and I couldn't think of a better team to start out with. I'm truly fascinated by what this Turkey side could do at this tournament because they have been getting some really good results against some of the best European sides over the last year or two. They beat and drew against France in their EURO Qualification group, got draws against Croatia and Germany in friendlies, and beat Netherlands 3 months ago in the World Cup Qualifiers. That is a decent track record against some of the big dogs.
I've seen a lot of people mention Turkey's defensive record from the EURO Qualifiers, and yes, it has been impressive, dropping only 2 goals over 10 games is ridiculous, but that was back in 2019. Recently Turkey have been much more susceptible to conceding goals if you look as recent as the World Cup Qualifiers. They conceded 3 goals to Latvia in a single game not too long ago.
Their high-scoring games and upset potential make them one of the more interesting teams to watch at the tournament. As a person who doesn't get to watch a lot of other leagues other than the Premier League, I'm interested to see how someone like Calhanoglu works out in the team. He is an advanced playmaker that is mostly known for his set piece execution.
As a Premier League fan, I'm familiar with both Soyuncu and Kabak, the defensive partnership that will likely be the one to start for Turkey at the back. Soyuncu has been one of the best centre backs in the Prem and Kabak has done well for Liverpool during the short spell at the club. Curious to see how well they'll work together for Turkey.
The Lille connection in Turkey is a strong point for this team. Celik, Yazici and Yilmaz all occupy different areas of the pitch but they all contributed to Lille's Ligue 1 title win this year. At 35 years old, Yilmaz has really impressed in the league, especially right at the end where he bagged 7 goals in his last 7 games for Lille. I'm sure Turkey fans would love for him to continue that on for Turkey heading into this tournament.
Even Turkey's performances at these top competitions haven't been consistent. Sometimes they don't qualify at all, like they didn't at EURO 2004 and EURO 2012, or they can go really deep into the Semi-finals like they did in EURO 2008 and World Cup 2002. You just never seem to know what you are going to get.
I think escaping the group should not be a problem for this Turkey side. They have the quality to comfortably make it out. Making it to the playoffs is a realistic target, but I do believe that they are more than capable of making it past that. If they can finish in the top two of the group, then the draw for the Ro16 game should be favourable for them given no upsets in any of the other groups. I would put them in Quarter-finals if things go right for them, however things could go south early in which case I would be very wrong. Large variance with this one.
Italy
Many consider Italy as the dark horses to potential go all the way and win the whole tournament.
Just like Turkey, Italy also had a phenomenal record in the EURO Qualifiers and it was that they won all 10 games in their group; conceding only 4 while scoring 37 goals. They were desperate to qualify for a tournament after entirely missing out on World Cup 2018 in Russia.
The Italians have always been known for their defence over the last few decades, but recently they have also shown their prowess in the attack. Roberto Mancini has really made the most out his players, even if some of them are closer to 40 than 30 years old. Bonucci and Chiellini have been in the squad for so long that I barely remember an Italy squad without them. The Juventus duo is likely in it for the last time considering their ages and they will hope to bring some glory back to Italy.
Don't worry it's not all ageing folks over in Italy. I would argue what makes this team tick is the integration of the younger talent into the squad. Barella, Locatelli, Chiesa and Berardi are all relatively young and freshen things up in the team. All 4 of those players are likely going to be featured in Italy's EURO 2020 campaign.
I mentioned the experience at the back, but the front has some huge experience in itself. The combination of Immobile and Insigne have been in the game for long enough to know where the back of the net is. If they don't there is always Belotti waiting on the bench to try and get a goal or two.
With the mix of a well balanced squad, and one of the better managers at the tournament, Italy could flourish to tall heights. I feel like getting to the Quarter-finals would satisfy many Italians just because the more recent tournament have gone so badly for them. I do think they are good enough to make it to the Semi-finals but what I have realised is that Italy loves a draw against some of the better European opposition. Perhaps we are going to get some penalty drama if the Italians get to play some of the big boys.
Wales
Wales are coming off the back of a very strong EURO 2016 performance where they finished 3rd, despite never being in any of the previous EUROs. Back then their squad was was underwhelming and they still managed to top their group and beat Belgium most notably.
Their team is once again not looking all too good which may be a good sign for them. To add to the underdog story, their manager Ryan Giggs has been arrested for assaulting women and they have Rob page filling in the shoes, a manager that hasn't had experience past League One in England.
If you don't follow the Premier League, then many of the names in the squad you would be unfamiliar with. Only Bale and Ramsey have been on that superstar level and it has been like that for some time now. Players like Dan James and Harry Wilson will have to provide some help up front while the Spurs link-up between Rodon and Davies at the back will need to be tight. Hard to imagine that the defence is going to be hard to break down if anyone has watched Spurs this season. Then again, Davies and Rodon barely featured in that team which I can't tell if that is a good or a bad thing.
Despite the EURO 2016 success, I have to imagine that making it out of the group would have the whole country of Wales jumping. Even with potentially three places available to advance to the playoffs, Wales would be my candidates to be last in the group and thus would not make it to the Knockout Stage.
Switzerland
If Wales could make it past anyone from this group, it would probably be past Switzerland.
The squad doesn't look to appetizing when you look at it. You see Shaqiri as the main danger man up front with other notable names scattered around the pitch like Xhaka, Rodriguez, Akanji and Sommer, all of which have played in the top leagues for great clubs. Even if that looks underwhelming, the Swiss army always manages to make it to these competitions and even sometimes get out of the groups. Last time out they were knocked out on Penalties against Poland so them repeated this feat wouldn't be too farfetched.
Their results haven't been too bad going into this tournament. They topped their EURO Qualifier group and have started the World Cup Qualifier with two wins. I like to think they are at this middle ground where they are too good to bomb out from the Group Stages, but too bad to think they will push further than say the Quarter-finals.
In that aspect, they are like the opposite of Turkey, their variance is low so in theory it should be easier to predict their outcome. The 3rd place looks perfect for them but they would likely have to beat Wales to have a chance at making it from that position.
In 2016, looking at the teams that made it through coming 3rd place in their respective group, it was enough to win 1 match and have a non-negative goal difference to advance to the Knockout Stage. Of course it is not a guarantee the same will happen here but it is a nice template for a team like Switzerland. Look to beat Wales and you have a good chance going through with some damage control against the other two teams in the group.
With all of that said, the sample size for these tournaments is very small. There is always a chance that Switzerland could steal a win against Turkey and they would be the ones to go through from 2nd place. As I said for Turkey, coming 2nd will likely be a huge benefit to whoever finishes in that spot for the next round. A team only needs to show up for 90 minutes for things to change drastically and this group of players can certainly provide that moment of magic.
GROUP B
Denmark
The Danes have a deceptively great squad. Many look towards Eriksen as the only player that has that elite status, but their entire squad is well known around the top league in Europe. If you follow the Premier League, then Hojbjerg and Schmeichel are coming off the back of a really strong season and Christensen has always been there for Chelsea as a solid backup to the main players. Then you have the likes of Delaney, Poulsen, Wass and Braithwaite; names that are familiar to many that are aware of the big clubs in Europe.
The player I'm most curious to see play is Jonas Wind, a 22 year old striker that leads the best Danish club from the front. I'm always interested to see these talents at the international tournaments because this could be their moment to be noticed ahead of the summer transfer window. I've heard some really good things regarding him.
Denmark's results have been promising coming into this tournament. They went undefeated in the EURO Qualifiers back in 2019 and have started the World Cup Qualifiers by winning their first 3 games without conceding a goal. From their results, it looks like they are consistent enough to beat some of the lower rated nations and they are able to challenge some of the big names in Europe.
Denmark made it to the Knockout Stage in the 2018 World Cup, a tournament that I was really impressed with them. Reminder that they were the only team to not lose against the eventual winners France. They kept them to a goalless draw which was amazing looking back at it.
Like Turkey, I see some good potential from Denmark. If things start out right, there is no reason they can't get to say the Quarter-finals. Anything past that is far too optimistic, but they are good enough to push for those places. Advancing to the playoffs should be a given and from there, the Danes will be happy just be involved.
Finland
Sorry to any Fins out there, but your team is most likely getting pumped this tournament.
There is not much to analyse about them. Finland made it to the event by being the best out of the rest between them, Greece and Bosnia. In the World Cup Qualifiers they took draws from Bosnia and Ukraine and they got destroyed in all 3 of their friendlies leading to this event. Albeit, they put weaker squads in for the friendlies.
From their predicted line-up, I only recognise 3 of their players. Now that isn't a sign of how good a team is, but it does mean that many of these players haven't made a name for themselves yet to the degree that I would recognise them. Teemu Pukki will be known by many as the man that has been leading Norwich in the last few years from the front.
If they managed to scramble their way out of the Group Stage then I would consider that a success for them. Hell, even getting points would be an achievement for a team that has never participated in any EURO or World Cup tournament beforehand. I can't see Finland in any other position than bottom last of the group.
Belgium
The #1 ranked team will look to convert their golden generation of players into a trophy before those players start getting on in terms of age. Alderweireld, Vertonghen and Vermaelen and Boyata are all centre-backs in their 30s, but 2 years ago this selection of defenders brought out the best defensive record in the EURO Qualifiers. Just like Turkey, they only conceded 3 goals, all while scoring 40 goals in 10 games. That just shows how crazy their attack is too. Averaging 4 goals per game is nuts, even when 13 of them came against San Marino.
Of course the attacking players in this squad are some of the best in the world. De Bruyne and Lukaku have been crucial for their respective clubs to win their league titles this season. Then you have players like Tielemans and Mertens to wrap around those stars to make a nice package. Eden Hazard would usually be in the list of stars for Belgium but he has fell from grace after his transfer to Real Madrid. It looks likely like his brother Thorgan Hazard might get the nod over him when it comes to starting games.
In 2016, Belgium were considered one of the favourites going in and they only reached the Quarter-finals after being eliminated by Wales of all teams. Again, they are coming into this with heavy praise and it's going to be up to them to not crumble like they did in Russia.
Group B should be no problem for the Belgians to top, but how will they perform in the playoffs? In theory, if Belgium was to win their group, they could potentially play the 3rd place team from Group F which just happens to be the Group of Death with the likes of Portugal, Germany and France. Belgium could be tested very early on. If they were to make it past one of those teams in the Ro16, then we can talk about Belgium potentially winning the tournament.
Expectations for Belgium should be high given their list of talent. As much as I don't think they'll win the tournament, I do think that anything but a win would be very disheartening for Belgium fans. They know that this could be one of the last times they could grab a trophy for a while.
Russia
The Russian team is another one of those enigma teams where you just don't know what sort of team is going to show up. World Cup 2018 made Russia look like a force not to be reckoned with as they made it to the Quarter-finals, only to be eliminated by Croatia through penalties. The tournament was hosted in Russia which I would imagine did give the team a boost to perform.
They got back into the EURO Qualifiers in 2019 and beat everyone in their group apart from Belgium which lead to convincing qualification. Since then, Russia have become less consistent, beginning to drop games to teams such as Slovakia and Turkey. They even lost 5:0 against Serbia at the Nations League which is far from a good look.
Majority of the Russian players in the squad come from their own league with only a few notable names that made their break elsewhere across the continent. Cheryshev from Valencia and Golovin from Monaco are the most recognisable names with the 32 year old Dzyuba leading the pack from the front, being the player that Russia will likely have to rely on to get them goals.
Even though I don't know many of their players, the same situation occurred at the World Cup that they done well in. Personally, I would think that a good showing in the Group Stage would satisfy the Russian fans. If they could channel that 2018 magic where they beat Spain, then perhaps Quarter-finals could be on the cards. If I had to put my house on a prediction, I would have to say goodbye to Russia at the Ro16 stage.
GROUP C
Netherlands
Netherlands is in a strange situation. Coming off the back of not qualifying for EURO 2016 and World Cup 2018; the Dutch had to make changes to get back into contention for the top international tournaments. Ronald Koeman was the man to put some respect back in the Netherlands name but qualifying for EURO 2020 is only part of the job. Koeman has done a solid job at the EURO Qualifiers to only lose one tight game against Germany 3:2, and draw one against Northern Ireland 0:0. Everything else won by them.
The turning point of this team came when Koeman abandoned the national team in favour to become the new manager of Barcelona. The man that built the foundations for Netherlands to get back to the top just jumped ship before he could even manage a tournament.
Enter Frank de Boer, a manager who had success at Ajax between 2010 and 2016. Then he moved over to Inter Milan where he was sacked in 85 days. His next job after that was Crystal Palace which didn't go any better. He got sacked after 10 weeks and was called "The Worst manager in the history of the Premier League" by none other than Jose Mourinho. That left him with a job at Atlanta United in the US where he had a longer reign but still got sacked eventually after a 2 years stint.
So with all of that, you can see why some people could be dubious towards this Dutch squad. De Boer hasn't had any real shockers yet but the results have not been as good as they were under Koeman. 4:2 loss against Turkey comes to mind from the first match from the World Cup 2022 Qualifiers.
The current crop of players isn't anything close to the Netherlands squad from about 10 years ago. They have Memphis Depay who is the key man for this team to do well. He picked up his career after his failure at Manchester United and is now doing well at Lyon, with a move over to Barcelona being rumoured. Wijnaldum is also heavily rumoured to switch to Barcelona to join his Dutch teammate Frenkie de Jong. I can't imagine Koeman having anything to do with these transfers.
I do wonder how much game time will some of the younger players get during the event. De Ligt is a guaranteed starter at the back, especially since it has been confirmed that Van Dijk will be unable to play at the tournament. Wijndal looks to have nailed down the left back position ahead of Van Aanholt, while the likes of Gravenberch, Koopmeiners and Malen will likely have to be satisfied with appearances off the bench.
In the graphic right at the start, I do have Netherlands to make it to the Semi-finals. That is mostly due to the teams that happened to be drawn against them more than anything. Like many, I am also sceptical regarding Frank de Boer's ability, but if no upsets were to happen, then they could get a rather easy path to the Semis compared to everyone else. Quarter-finals should be their target, anything beyond that is a great achievement.
Ukraine
Ukraine have been in this limbo where they are good enough to qualify for the EUROs but fail to deliver on the main stage. Last time out, they ended up being dead last after gathering 0 points from the Group Stage. They scored 0 goals and it must have been very embarrassing for the Ukrainian fans.
They've bounced back by having a strong EURO Qualifier campaign, going undefeated while only drawing two games. A win over Portugal was their highlight of 2019 for sure.
However, things haven't looked as good recently. The ended up last in their group in the Nations League, meaning they got relegated to League B. They also began the World Cup Qualifiers by drawing all 3 of their games. One of those was against France but the other two were against Kazachstan and Finland; both of which were at home too. Less than ideal form going into EURO 2020.
Looking at the players in the Ukraine squad, I would go as far as to say that they are performing better than what they should be doing. They are similar to Russia in that sense where the majority of their players come from their own league, specifically Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv; the two dominant teams from the Ukrainian League.
They have a few talents within the squad such as Yarmolenko and Zinchenko, well known players for those that follow the Premier League. There is also Malinovskyi from Atalanta that has been solid at the top level in Italy, while Yaremchuk is Gent's striker and has been the main man up front for Ukraine for a while.
In my eyes, Ukraine should be the next favourites after Netherlands to make it out from Group C. They've been improved from the last international competitions and I think they'll be able to do better than the 0 points they got at EURO 2016.
I apologise for the preview being summarised from here onwards, but I've been struck with a PC issues meaning I couldn't continue writing. With only a few hours until the very first game of the tournament begins, I'll be keeping it short for all the other teams.
Austria
I don't expect much from this team. They have some stars in Alaba and Sabitzer but I don't think they'll be able to make it past Ro16. Arnautovic is not even being featured in the starting 11 as of late for some reason.
North Macedonia
Strong contender to be the Ukraine of this year's event, a certain favourite to get 0 points form the Group Stages. I say that but motivation alone could carry them forward to perform well against some of their group opposition. After all, Ukraine and Austria are not unbeatable teams by any means. Will be curious to see Pandev playing.
GROUP D
England
As you might remember from the graphic, I put England as my winners of this year's tournament. I've been called daft for doing so but I legitimately think they can do it, or at least could be expected to do it.
The idea that England winning would be a surprise because they haven't won anything for decades is as stupid as saying that Man City winning the Champions League would be a surprise. You can't tell me that England's squad is worse than any other team playing in the competition. I would say only France is on England's level in that perspective.
England have a nice crop of players right now. They have the experience as well as the youth. Worth noting that many of the players in the team are captains for their club which is helpful.
The area that England trumps everyone in is squad depth. Like Man City, predicting England's starting 11 is very difficult because there are so many players that could start. In a tournament where you have to play every couple of days, rotating is going to be important and if England could do so without a big drop of quality, then they must be one of the favourites going into this.
Croatia
The 2018 World Cup was a magical run from Croatia. Reaching the finals was a spectacular achievement but it's hard to imagine such feat is going to be repeated here at EURO 2020.
3 years ago, many of their start were considered to be in their personal prime. Now, the narrative is that they are ageing and are unable to keep up that same intensity.
I'm expecting them to make the Quarter-finals at best. If I had to pick a team that could be the biggest disappointment, Croatia would be my pick. I have that sneaky suspicion that they could even bomb out from their group because Scotland and Czech Republic are far from bad teams.
Scotland
Scotland is one of many teams to play a few games at home during the tournament. That may end up being crucial in determining their fate because with a little bit of support, I can see them shocking a few people. Realistically, what is stopping them from have a run similar to Wales from EURO 2016? Are their squads that much different? I don't think so.
Czech Republic
There are two factors that make me think that the Czech Republic could do some damage in the Group Stages. The first is the revelation that Coufal and Soucek have been this past season, and the other is just how well Slavia Prague have done in the Europa League.
Ro16 is probably their limit but I think they would be happy with that if it came to fruition.
GROUP E
Spain
After their golden crop of players started retiring, Spain has been left in a rebuild that is present to this day. Even now, the squad isn't anywhere close to the level it was about 10 years ago when all we saw was Real Madrid and Barcelona players. Now, there are literally zero Real Madrid players being called-up, which either shows off the lack of Spaniard quality in the Real Madrid side, or Luis Enrique holds a massive grudge as a former Barcelona manager.
Even with the name value not being there, their group is one of the easier ones in the tournament. If Spain take those games without problems, perhaps they could transition that momentum into the Knockout Stage.
Ferran Torres' great performances towards the end of the season for Man City makes me interested to see how he does here.
I'm expecting Quarter-finals with a potential upset defeat in the Ro16.
Sweden
Ibrahimovic cam out from retirement to compete at this tournament, only to get injured, putting him on the sidelines anyway. Forsberg is also going to miss out on the first game due to COVID-19 which is less than ideal.
Generally, I think of Sweden as a team that has low-scoring games but have the ability to turn them in their favour.
They'll likely make it through to the next round but anything more than that is going to be a surprise.
Poland
Many see this team as Lewandowski and the rest but they are some other good players scattered around. Highly touted Zielinski is in midfield with Klich and Krychowiak. Szczesny and Fabianski are top keepers, and Milik and Piatek have made their name known in Europe before too. Unfortunately the last two names will miss out on the tournament due to injury.
Poland done well in EURO 2016 but bombed out completely from the World Cup two years later which doesn't bode well for them.
If they are to qualify, I reckon it would have to be from 3rd place. Under the new manager, football hasn't looked so good for me to say anything higher than that. Ro16 is right about where I would put them in. There are too many problems defensively and with Milik and Piatek out, the system will either have to change or some of the young players need to feel in their shoes.
Slovakia
I don't expect much from this team. They are going to be competing with Poland for that 3rd slot and that is about it. I'm unfamiliar with the majority of their players and I haven't heard anything about this team working particularly well as a collective. Ro16 at the very best.
GROUP F
Hungary
The less spent on this one the better. Hungary a strong contender to be dead last purely based on their group. Highly touted youngster Szoboszlai will also miss out on the tournament which is just the nail in the coffin probably.
Portugal
The defending champions will have to work their way out of this group to successfully retain their title. Ronaldo may be slowly approaching the end of his career, but there are many Portuguese talents that have risen up the ranks to make this team more than just a one-mean team.
Players like Jota, Bernardo Silva, Fernandes, Cancelo and Dias were not part of that winning 2016 squad. Winning the whole thing should be their aim and they should not settle for anything else.
France
It not every time you get the European Champions in the same group as the World Champions.
Many people have put France as the heavy favourites and it's hard to disagree with them. I do think that those people underestimate over candidates such as Portugal, England or Italy.
France has the quality in their starting 11 and even their squad depth is solid. Deschamps has had the key to kingdom and has made this national team his own for long time now.
Again, anything but the tournament win would be a disappointment, especially with fan expectations so high.
Germany
Germany had some serious stinkers in the last few tournaments. This could very well be their redemption, although their group couldn't have possibly been tougher.
On the bright side, a win against Hungary, and then a draw against either of the other 2 should pretty much guarantee entry into the playoffs.
The new players have slowly taken over the Germany national squad even with the likes Hummels and Mueller still being in and about. Germany will look at the youth of Werner, Havertz, Sane and Gnabry to try and get as far as possible.
Semi-finals should be about where I expect them to be at, although it could terribly wrong in the Group Stages if they are not careful.