James Horncastle, Julien Laurens, Alvaro Romeo, and Daniel Storey discuss the Euro 2024 favorites like England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Portugal. They delve into Gareth Southgate's tactics, Spain's promising young players, and the impact of Toni Kroos on Germany. The panel also talks about potential stars like Xavi Simons for the Netherlands and Portugal's strong squad.
Portugal is considered one of the favorites for Euro 2024 due to their talented squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix.
Germany has shown promise with a transformed team under Nagelsmann, showcasing creativity and tactical variation with key players like Wirtz and Kroos.
France is a strong contender in the Euros with a talented squad led by experienced players like Benzema and promising talents like Mbappe.
Deep dives
Optimism in Portugal Ahead of the Euros
Despite high expectations and the pressure to perform after winning the Euros in 2016, the mood in Lisbon is optimistic. The Portuguese team, with its wealth of talent including Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Diego Jota, and others, is seen as one of the favorites to win the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo's prolific season in Saudi Arabia has added to the team's strength, with his goal-scoring prowess standing out.
Germany's Transformation Under Nagelsmann
Germany's team has undergone a transformation under Nagelsmann, showing promise after friendly victories against France and the Netherlands. Key players like Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Kai Havertz bring creativity and tactical variation to the team. Alongside stalwarts like Toni Kroos, their fluid front three adds an unpredictable edge to Germany's gameplay.
Mood and Expectations in Lisbon
The mood in Lisbon ahead of the Euros is filled with high expectations following Portugal's triumph in 2016. The team's talent pool, including Cristiano Ronaldo's goal-scoring prowess, raises hopes of another successful campaign. However, Ronaldo's playing style, which focuses on goal-scoring rather than defensive duties, poses a strategic challenge for coach Roberto Martinez, who must ensure team balance and adaptability.
Portugal's Strong Team and Strategy
Portugal boasts a deep squad with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes, providing a strong attacking front. The team's defense features skilled players like Pepe, ensuring a solid backline. Roberto Martinez faces the tactical challenge of incorporating Cristiano Ronaldo effectively into the team's strategy, with the goal-scoring forward expected to play a crucial role.
Portugal's Euro Championship Prospects
As Portugal heads into the Euros with high expectations after their 2016 success, the team's built talent and depth make them strong contenders. Managing the balance between Cristiano Ronaldo's goal-scoring ability and defensive responsibilities poses a challenge for coach Roberto Martinez. With a formidable squad and experienced players, Portugal aims to make a deep run in the tournament.
France's Favoritism in the Tournament
France emerges as a favored team in the Euros, backed by a talented squad boasting experienced players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and young stars like Kylian Mbappe. The team's depth and tactical prowess set them apart as strong contenders. Manager Roberto Martinez faces the task of blending individual talent into a cohesive team unit to mount a serious challenge in the competition.
Jimbo welcomes the esteemed panel of James Horncastle, Julien Laurens, Alvaro Romeo and Daniel Storey to take a look at the big hitters at Euro 2024.
Has England’s moment arrived with the talent at Gareth Southgate’s disposal? Or is he not the right man to make the most of that talent tactically?
Are France the only team that can beat France? Or do Portugal have the strongest squad at the tournament?
Elsewhere, we’re looking forward to seeing a Spain side with a different dimension of exciting young wide players. And will Italy’s good record at the Euros in the 21st century continue?
Plus how Toni Kroos has changed everything for Germany and can Xavi Simons become a star for the Netherlands?
Produced by Charlie Jones.
RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1a: How are holders Italy holding up? (02.40)
• PART 1b: Speedy young Spain look to make an impact (10.30)
• PART 2: England deserved favourites? (20.00)
• PART 3a: Or will France strike again? (31.00)
• PART 3b: Michiel Jongsma on the Netherlands (40.00)
• PART 4a: Seb Stafford-Bloor on Germany (44.00)
• PART 4b: Jose Delgado on Portugal (50.00)
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