Top 5 contenders to win Euro 2021
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With the Euro 2021 championships about to begin in less than 3 weeks time, the tournament will bring a refreshing change amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic. This could be one of the most closely contested European championships in recent times as there are numerous contenders to lift this prestigious event.
Every Euro championship has one or two favourites but this year it could be a tight contest as most of the top teams boasts of a mix of youth, experience and bench strength. The group matches will run from June 11th to June 23rd but once the tournament enters the knockout stages it would become a lot more intriguing. There are 6 groups and every group consists of 4 teams.
There are teams consisting of some exceptional talents who would be eager to make an impression but on the other hand, there are players who are at the fag end of their careers and would like to end their careers on a high. In this piece we are about to discuss 5 teams who could be termed as favourites to win this prestigious trophy but still it’s too early to predict the winner given the competition of this particular event and given the tools every team possesses. Every team will have to be consistent to be on par. A team that shows technical as well as tactical adaptability would have brighter chances of winning this event. We take a look at 5 contenders who are favourites to win the title.
#5 Netherlands
With star centre back Virgil Van Dijk opting not to take part in the competition, the Dutch would need a special performance from Daley Blind, Matthijs De Ligt and other defenders. Manager Franck De Boer would hope midfielders Giorginio Wijnaldum, Frenkie De Jong and Donny Van De Beek shows consistency with their controlled possession-based play and utilize their creative awareness to build more chances.
Striker Memphis Depay’s role would be key. The Dutch won the Championships in 1988 and were runners up in 1974, 1978 and 2010 World Cups. The Dutch have been known for their pressing game and it will be interesting to see how manager Franck De Boer picks the combination in the midfield.
#4 Germany
Germany possesses some fine playmakers in the midfield with the likes of Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan and Joshua Kimmich looking in fine form. Defender Mats Hummels and star player Thomas Muller being recalled to the side, Die Mannschaft are looking a formidable outfit with the amount of depth in every department. Manager Joachim Loew’s creative vision and clever rotational policy would be crucial while playing against defensively stronger sides.
Although Marco Reus has opted to stay out of the tournament Germany has got enough variety and skill to cover the shortcomings. The winners of the 2014 world cup are seen as favourites keeping in mind the younger players in the squad who have shown urgency and adaptability as per the situations.
#3 England
Despite sending strong contingents to European Championships and World cups the three lions have been underachievers at the highest level in recent times except for the 1966 World Cup when Bobby Charlton’s magic was unstoppable. Manager Gareth Southgate will hope the side proves the critics wrong this time around.
With the likes of Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Declan Rice included in the provisional squad Southgate has emphasized on upcoming talents. Even Ben White of Brighton & Hove Albion has been included alongside the experienced ones. Southgate has adopted a unique style of play since his arrival making it more collated during build-up play and adding more penetration at the wings. Forwards Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling will be crucial and the midfield consisting of experienced Jordan Henderson would add more flair and speed. Southgate would be hoping for defender Harry Maguire’s quick recovery.
#2 Italy
The 1986 and 2006 world cup winners have announced a 33 man squad which would be cut down to 26 players on June 1 but manager Roberto Mancini would have the luxury of having a combination of attacking prowess and defensive organization.
The Azzurri’s have enough options in every department which would enable Mancini and the team management to pick a combination as per the opposition’s strengths and giving enough game time would give them a fair idea of which combination and formation works against which sides. Experienced players like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonnucci have been included in the squad. Italy has got some creative strikers in the form of Ciro Immobile, Federico Bernardeschi, Federico Chiesa and fine playmakers like Lorenzo Pellegrini and Marco Verratti.
#1 France
One of the rare combinations of raw talent, attacking flair and a robust defensive set-up. The Les Bleus boasts of some high-class performers. The 1998 and 2018 World Cup winners have been transformed into a team known for its controlled possession and well-structured defence under the mentorship of Didier Deschamps.
The Les Bleus have also looked a formidable outfit with their well-directed set pieces and build-up play. Due to Deschamps gifted vision and clever man-management, this French team looks organized at the wings. France also consists of a mix of youth and experience with the likes of experienced Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema being preferred in the forward line alongside Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. Raphael Varane’s role would be crucial especially against sides who are tactically supreme during counterattacks. The midfield would be heavily reliant on two of the most accomplished midfielders Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante.
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Devang Rajanikant Joshi
(143 Articles Published)