With Euro 2020 kicking off in exactly one week, we’re sizing up the field. Taking squad lists, player fitness, and other intangibles into the equation, here’s how we think all 24 teams stack up heading into the competition.
1. France ??
Two years after hoisting the World Cup, Didier Deschamps’ stacked France squad looks poised to win it all again at the Euros, potentially capturing the country’s first World Cup-European Championship double since 2000. Les Bleus are loaded from top to bottom, but most of the focus will be on France’s electric attack now that veteran forward Karim Benzema was brought out of exile to join forces with superstars Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.
2. Portugal ??
Despite finding itself in the veritable Group of Death, Portugal arrives at Euro 2020 with one of the most talented groups of players. Fernando Santos’ 26-man squad is even better than the one he steered to glory five years ago. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the centerpiece of Portugal’s attack, but it’s not only up to him. Andre Silva, Diogo Jota, and Joao Felix bring plenty of ammunition, and Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes are two of the most effective midfielders in the modern game. If Santos can find the right combination, Portugal may have what it takes to repeat as champions.
3. Belgium ??
Belgium’s golden generation is getting older – and the pressure to win ever greater. With 10 wins out of 10, 40 goals scored, and just three conceded, the Red Devils secured their status as a pre-tournament favorite in Euro qualifying. But things have changed since then. Eden Hazard is an injury waiting to happen, midfield talisman Axel Witsel is recovering from an Achilles tear, and creative dynamo Kevin De Bruyne is dealing with facial fractures. If Belgium is to win the Euros, prolific striker Romelu Lukaku – fresh off a title-winning campaign with Inter Milan – has to show up in a big way.
4. England ?gbeng
Is it coming home? Maybe. On paper, England has arguably the second-best squad in the competition, behind only France. The Three Lions’ (many) detractors will point to tournament history as a reason not to be confident of a deep run; England has never reached the final of the Euros. But Gareth Southgate’s team is certainly talented enough to win it all this summer, with a spectacular array of attackers particularly frightening for the rest of the field. Even if Southgate keeps the handbrake on, don’t sleep on England.
5. Italy ??
This is not your grandfather’s Italy. Unlike previous generations, the Azzurri have a dynamic group of wingers in Federico Chiesa, Domenico Berardi, and Lorenzo Insigne – players who cut in, run at defenders, and wreak havoc in and around the penalty area. Italy’s defense, usually impenetrable, is actually the weakest part of its game. Giorgio Chiellini is well past his intimidating best, and Leonardo Bonucci has never looked more vulnerable. It’s fireworks or nothing for Roberto Mancini’s side.
6. Spain ??
The combination of a rock-solid defense and gifted midfield should give Spain a straightforward path out of what’s considered a manageable group. However, inexperience in attack could be Spain’s undoing against tougher opponents in the knockout rounds. The success of forwards Alvaro Morata and Ferran Torres will likely dictate how La Furia Roja’s European Championship campaign unfolds.
7. Germany ??
Despite its recent hardships – including elimination from the group stage of the 2018 World Cup – Germany still has enough talent to do damage on the international scene. Coach Joachim Low, who’s vacating his post at the end of the Euros, has done his best to put together the strongest possible squad, reintegrating the likes of Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels after extended exiles. Scoring may be a problem, with the misfiring yet hard-working Timo Werner up top, but the team is set up well in midfield and defense. Manuel Neuer is also back to his best in goal.
8. Netherlands ??
The Netherlands looked like legitimate contenders before the pandemic, but the team’s prospects took a hit when Frank De Boer replaced Ronald Koeman as manager last September. The Dutch have gone 4-4-2 since the change, and they couldn’t beat direct competition in Italy, Spain, and Turkey over that span. The good news is that star forward Memphis Depay is healthy again. He was set to miss the tournament with a knee injury last summer.
9. Turkey ??
Turkey enters Euro 2020 as the tournament’s youngest team with an average age of just 24.9 years. It also has one of the best defensive corps in Europe. Turkey allowed just three goals in 10 qualifying matches – the joint-fewest along with Belgium – with Leicester City’s Caglar Soyuncu anchoring a young but sturdy back four. Burak Yilmaz, an elder statesman at 35 years of age, provides experience up front and poses as much a threat as any other striker at the Euros after scoring 18 goals for Lille this season.
10. Denmark ??
Denmark is, in a word, solid. The foundations are strong and the midfield is balanced. Longtime leader Simon Kjaer shares center-back duties with Champions League winner Andreas Christensen, and the rugged Thomas Delaney patrols the middle of the park with industrious tackler Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Christian Eriksen is the creative lynchpin, but without a quality striker, Denmark lacks that finishing touch.
11. Poland ??
When it comes to underdogs pulling off upsets and causing chaos for top nations at the Euros, Poland has to be in the conversation. If Paulo Sousa’s team gets out of Group E, Poland – led by superstar Robert Lewandowski and a solid supporting cast – will undoubtedly be a tricky test that top nations will hope to avoid in the knockout rounds.
12. Croatia ??
Just two years removed from an appearance in the World Cup final in Russia, it’s entirely possible that Croatia could struggle to get out of the group stage at the Euros. While Luka Modric is still a threat at the ripe age of 35, goals could be hard to come by, especially now that Mario Mandzukic, the country’s second-highest leading scorer, is retired.
13. Switzerland ??
After going several decades without a single appearance at either the Euros or World Cup, Switzerland found its groove in the late 90s and eventually became a tournament regular. It has successfully navigated the group stage, too, emerging from the opening round at the 2006, 2014, and 2018 World Cups and at Euro 2016. But the team, which lacks dynamic players, doesn’t win many style points. It also hasn’t won in the knockout stage. Getting there will be hard enough this time around.
14. Ukraine ??
Paired with the Netherlands, Austria, and North Macedonia in Group C, Ukraine should see itself advancing to the knockout stage. But it must first overcome a lack of firepower. Ukraine has scored no more than once in each of its last 12 matches, and though it managed a respectable draw against France, it also slumped to disappointing stalemates against Finland and Kazakhstan. Ukraine will need some inspiration from former AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko, who’s in his fifth year as manager.
15. Austria ??
Austria is something of an enigma. Franco Foda’s team, headlined by versatile star David Alaba, has a legitimately enticing collection of talent, with Sasa Kalajdzic and Marcel Sabitzer also standing out amongst a group with strong Bundesliga ties. But the style of play, often viewed by Austrian fans as overly conservative, belies the skill within the team. As outlined above, Group C looks wildly forgiving. A place in the knockout stages is there for the taking if Foda and Co. are willing to be adventurous and grab it.
16. Sweden ??
As was the case during a successful qualifying campaign, Sweden can handle business without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who briefly ended his international retirement before picking up a season-ending injury. With Spain the likeliest to top Group E, Sweden will have a battle on its hands against Poland for an automatic spot in the knockout round.
17. Russia ??
Russia’s success relies on 6-foot-4 man-mountain Artem Dzyuba, whose aerial ability and ruggedness in possession can singlehandedly win games. To thrive, the 32-year-old will need service from one of Denis Cheryshev or Aleksandr Golovin, players who can create chances on set pieces and in open play. Former Chelsea defender Yuri Zhirkov, who turns 38 later this year, may also lend his experience to Russia’s backline.
18. Czech Republic ??
The Czech Republic won’t replace Portugal as the European champion, but that doesn’t mean Jaroslav Silhavy’s squad will be an easy task for the opposition in Group D. In fact, the Czech Republic might even fancy its chances of securing a victory over England after beating the Three Lions during the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
19. Wales ?gbwls
Don’t expect Wales to make another fairytale run this summer. Reaching the semifinals at Euro 2016 was as wonderful as it was unexpected, but the makeup of this squad is very different from the one Gareth Bale inspired five years ago. Bale seems much closer to retirement, midfielder Aaron Ramsey appears far from 100%, and Hal Robson-Kanu, one of the heroes of Euro 2016, is no longer with the team. Though a younger generation is coming through, it may not be ready to make a difference at a major tournament.
20. Scotland ?gbsct
A clash with England is the big one circled on every Scotland supporter’s calendar ahead of the June 18 meeting at Wembley Stadium. But Scotland’s Euro 2020 opener against the Czech Republic could be just as decisive – maybe more so – as Steve Clarke’s men will attempt to kick off the country’s first major tournament in over 20 years with three points against a team they beat twice in 2020.
21. Hungary ??
Hungary has been on the most mercurial ride of any nation involved in the Euros. For starters, the Hungarians learned that if they made the tournament at all, they would be grouped alongside juggernauts France, Portugal, and Germany. Undeterred, they reached Euro 2020 after a last-gasp winner from star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai in their playoff final. And then, just this week, Szoboszlai was ruled out of the event due to injury. It’s been a wild ride, and a ball hasn’t even been kicked yet. Without the RB Leipzig youngster, it’s hard to see Hungary causing any kind of upset in Group F.
22. Finland ??
Finland’s pedigree as a soccer nation is relatively undistinguished. It had never qualified for a major tournament before reaching Euro 2020. But like Scandinavian neighbor Iceland, it has relied on team spirit and compact tactics to get to the promised land. Most of Finland’s players ply their trade outside of Europe’s top five leagues, making this roster thinner than most at the Euros. Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki are Finland’s only recognized internationals.
23. Slovakia ??
Forget winning a game, Slovakia could struggle to register a point at the Euros despite finding itself in one of the more forgiving groups. If the country’s recent run of form – which includes an embarrassing draw to minnow Malta in March – is any indication, all signs point to Slovakia getting its doors blown off and finishing at the bottom of Group E.
24. North Macedonia ??
Little is expected of this major tournament debutant – we’re clearly guilty of that, too. Despite an overall lack of top-end talent, North Macedonia has proven capable of pulling off the unexpected before, with March’s stunning away victory over Germany in World Cup qualifying still very fresh in the memory. A pair of Serie A-based players, Elif Elmas and beloved 37-year-old captain Goran Pandev, will need to shine for North Macedonia to escape a relatively underwhelming Group C.
Ranking the 10 best deals of the January transfer window
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With a quiet January transfer window now complete, theScore ranks the 10 best moves made across the game’s top leagues.
10. Gift Orban ?? Lyon
Details: Signed from Gent for reported €12M fee
There were some concerns when Gent signed Orban in January 2023. His scoring record of 20 goals in just 21 starts was clearly impressive, but that was in Norway’s second tier. Those reservations were soon forgotten as he amassed nine goals and two assists over 10 Belgian Pro League appearances and struck five times in five Conference League outings. His productivity has since slowed, but €12 million for an intensely competitive 21-year-old striker could prove extremely fruitful business for Lyon. Orban’s outgoing personality should also be a welcome addition to the dressing room.
9. Timo Werner ?? Tottenham
Details: Signed on loan from RB Leipzig with reported €17M option to buy
Like many transfers in the January window, bringing in Werner presented a low-risk deal for Tottenham. If it works out, €17 million is an affordable sum for a forward of Werner’s pedigree. The German was largely ineffective over his first two appearances but was much better in his third outing, setting up Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson for goals in Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Brentford. His incredible work ethic and pace, paired with Ange Postecoglou’s ability to instill belief in his players, could make this a great move for both parties.
8. Said Benrahma ?? Lyon
Details: Signed from West Ham in deal worth up to €20.4M
Lyon fought for this one, and it should pay off. After battling some administrative issues, the Ligue 1 side completed the deal a day later than expected, announcing Benrahma had joined on an initial €6-million loan deal that could become permanent for another €14.4 million. It’s a low-risk move that should enliven Lyon’s struggling attack. Benrahma’s a functional system player who can break games open and change their pace with the flick of a foot. Though he started just five times for West Ham in the Premier League this season, he hasn’t lost those progressive traits.
7. Marcos Leonardo ?? Benfica
Details: Signed from Santos for reported €18M fee
You just know Benfica are onto something here. They always are. Leonardo arrives from Santos in a deal that could look like a bargain in the years to come. Despite playing for one of the worst Santos sides in its 111-year history, the 20-year-old still managed to score 26 goals in 66 league appearances. He’s an old-school striker who loves to hang in the penalty area, and if Benfica can provide him with the right service, he’ll have no issues doubling that goal-scoring return.
6. Tommaso Baldanzi ?? Roma
Details: Signed from Empoli for reported €15M fee
The deal for Baldanzi is perfect in nearly every sense. Roma get a long-term replacement for Paulo Dybala without breaking the bank or running further afoul of Financial Fair Play regulations. The future Italian international also satisfies the club’s long-held preference for central attacking midfielders. Baldanzi even idolized Dybala during his formative years at Empoli. He could’ve waited to go to a club fighting for trophies, but he’ll get far more playing time at Roma, especially if Dybala’s injury issues persist.
5. Adam Wharton ?? Crystal Palace
Details: Signed from Blackburn Rovers for reported initial £18M fee
Crystal Palace are no strangers to fishing in the EFL. They plucked the thrilling double act of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise from the Championship, and it took an impressive loan spell at Swansea City to convince the Eagles to sign Marc Guehi from Chelsea. Wharton is the next to join that contingent. The 19-year-old will bring some much-needed solidity to the midfield, but his admiration of Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, and Rodri hints at how much he treasures possession. He displays so much composure while he instigates attacks from the base of midfield.
4. Valentin Barco ?? Brighton & Hove Albion
Details: Signed from Boca Juniors for reported $10M fee
Tipping a player that Brighton & Hove Albion bought to shine usually works out, right? For a modest fee, the south coast club has acquired a cocksure 19-year-old who can play in any position down the left and also appeared across the midfield for Boca Juniors. Barco is a slippery operator, regularly dribbling past opponents and becoming difficult to track down once he’s wriggled free, and he’s constantly trying to ignite attacks with probing passes. It might take time for him to be a regular in Roberto De Zerbi’s lineup, but this signing should be yet another example of the Seagulls’ South American scouting network striking gold.
3. Jadon Sancho ?? Borussia Dortmund
Details: Signed on loan from Manchester United
Sancho is back at Dortmund – albeit temporarily – after leaving for Manchester United for around €85 million in 2021. The winger had a much-documented spat with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, and it’s difficult to envision a route back into the first team while the Dutchman’s in charge. By contrast, Sancho has been given a warm welcome in Germany, with club executives claiming he has no disciplinary issues and is in fine condition after being frozen out at United. It seems Sancho is in an ideal environment to revive his career.
2. Claudio Echeverri ?? Manchester City
Details: Signed from River Plate for reported £12.5M fee
Manchester City continue to bet on young talent during the January transfer window. Highly rated midfielder Echeverri follows in the footsteps of Julian Alvarez as the latest under-23 South American to sign for, if not necessarily join, the Premier League champions in the winter. Like Alvarez, whom City also signed from River Plate, Echeverri has been sent back to his boyhood club on loan for the year, allowing him to continue his development in a controlled environment. He’ll then arrive in Manchester in January 2025. City continue to hit the right note, never panicking while other clubs scramble for that elusive extra oomph to end the season.
1. Arthur Vermeeren ?? Atletico Madrid
Details: Signed from Royal Antwerp for reported €18M fee
At just 18, Vermeeren already boasts plenty of experience. He played more minutes than any other player in Belgium’s top flight over 2023 and even captained Royal Antwerp during this season’s Champions League group stage. The midfielder has already won the Belgian league, cup, and super cup, too. Vermeeren might lack some physicality – and that weakness might not seem ideal when he’s going to play under the combative Diego Simeone – but he has a Koke-esque knack of progressing play while producing more interceptions, blocks, and clearances than the Atletico Madrid veteran. An €18-million deal is a bargain for someone who could become one of Europe’s leading midfielders.
Honorable mentions: Fabio Carvalho (Hull City), Radu Dragusin (Tottenham Hotspur)
Transfer Deadline Day Live: Breaking down all the major deals, rumors
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Transfer deadline day is in full swing. We’re providing live, quick-hit analysis of the biggest deals and rumors until tonight’s 6 p.m. ET deadline.
Give Chelsea all of your money
Chelsea are the headline act again at the transfer deadline – but playing a different role entirely. Languishing in 10th place in the Premier League standings and without Champions League football on the horizon, the cash-guzzling Blues desperately need funds to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations ahead of the 2024-25 season. Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher are reportedly up for sale, not because they’re angling to leave but because they offer the juiciest profit margin. Chelsea are raising academy graduates for financial slaughter, having pawned off Lewis Hall, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Mason Mount for tens of millions of pounds in pure profit over the last six months. Fulham are interested in taking Broja off Chelsea’s hands, just not at the quoted £50-million asking price, according to BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty. A loan deal could be a welcome compromise.
Bayern getting instant relief
Bayern are closing out the window strong. Signing Sacha Boey from Galatasaray for a reported €30 million solves a crisis at the right-back position, where midfielder Konrad Laimer and left-back Raphael Guerreiro have split time as square-peg-round-hole replacements for the injured Noussair Mazraoui. Further injuries to wingers Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman forced Bayern to bring in 22-year-old Granada winger Bryan Zaragoza six months ahead of his expected move to the Bavarians. The deals give Bayern the depth they need to continue competing on all fronts. Given their sputtering form and a surprisingly sustained challenge from Bundesliga title rivals Bayer Leverkusen, they need all the help they can get.
No place like home for Hojbjerg
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s future at Tottenham Hotspur has been up in the air since Antonio Conte left the club in March 2023 – and it’ll be suspended in motion for a while longer. Hojbjerg, one of former manager Conte’s soldiers in midfield, has made just five Premier League starts under Ange Postecoglou. And while he remains on the periphery of Postecoglou’s plans, Hojbjerg remains committed to the cause. He doesn’t lack options – Juventus, Napoli, Ajax, and Lyon reportedly expressed interest in the midfielder – but still feels part of something big in north London. Credit to Postecoglou for making a player with such limited minutes feel connected to the cause.
Forest keep wheeling and dealing
Nottingham Forest are sticking to their usual deadline-day formula. Having closed out the 2023 summer transfer window with an incredible seven signings, Forest are back to juggling negotiations. They’ve completed the signing of highly rated Portuguese striker Rodrigo Ribeiro from Sporting CP and Gio Reyna on loan from Borussia Dortmund. Forest are also reportedly flying in Strasbourg goalkeeper Matz Sels after abandoning talks with Crystal Palace over shot-stopper Sam Johnstone. They’re allowing some departures, too, with Serge Aurier expected to leave for Galatasaray and Orel Mangala heading for Lyon.
The Best FIFA awards: Follow live as Messi, Bonmati eye more trophies
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World football’s top players and managers of 2023 are being recognized at The Best FIFA Football Awards show on Monday. Below, theScore is tracking all the winners of the various trophies handed out in London.
Best Men’s Player finalists
Erling Haaland (Manchester City and Norway)
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain and France)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami and Argentina)
Can Messi get one over on Mbappe yet again? The Argentine will look to retain the honor he won last year when he beat out his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate. The two superstars will face stiff competition from Manchester City striker Haaland for FIFA’s top individual prize, which was inaugurated in 2016 following the governing body’s split with Ballon d’Or organizer France Football. For this year’s award, accomplishments from Dec. 19, 2022, to Aug. 20, 2023, were taken into consideration by voters.
2022 winner: Lionel Messi
Best Women’s Player finalists
Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona and Spain)
Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid and Colombia)
Jennifer Hermoso (Tigres and Spain)
Bonmati can cap one of the most dominant individual seasons in the history of women’s soccer on Monday. The World Cup-winning midfielder, already having captured the Ballon d’Or and various other accolades over the last 12 months, is looking to succeed compatriot Putellas, who won this award in each of the last two years. The qualifying period for this year’s honor was Aug. 1, 2022, to Aug. 20, 2023, the date of the most recent Women’s World Cup final, which saw Bonmati’s Spain defeat England.
2022 winner: Alexia Putellas
Puskas Award finalists
One of the sport’s most coveted individual trophies. This year’s Puskas Award, given to the scorer of the best goal, covers the period between Dec. 19, 2022, and Aug. 20, 2023. Finalists include a long-range strike to conclude an excellent team move, a sensational bicycle kick, and a perfect rabona.
2022 winner: Marcin Oleksy
Best Men’s Coach finalists
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan)
Luciano Spalletti (Napoli)
A trio of club managers are vying for the men’s coaching award; though Spalletti is the current Italy boss, his nomination came on the back of an enchanting title-winning campaign at Napoli. The two tacticians who were on the touchline for last season’s Champions League final, Guardiola and Inzaghi, square off once again, with the Manchester City boss considered the favorite after his team’s historic treble-winning season.
2022 winner: Lionel Scaloni
Best Women’s Coach finalists
Jonatan Giraldez (Barcelona)
Emma Hayes (Chelsea)
Sarina Wiegman (England)
A mixture of club and international coaches are vying for this prize. Wiegman and Hayes are the two most recent winners. The England manager has taken the award home on three occasions, more than any other bench boss (male or female). Giraldez, meanwhile, is looking for his first FIFA honor.
2022 winner: Sarina Wiegman
Best Men’s Goalkeeper finalists
Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal and Morocco)
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid and Belgium)
Ederson (Manchester City and Brazil)
Bounou helped Sevilla win yet another Europa League crown in 2022-23 before departing for Saudi Arabia, while Ederson backstopped Manchester City to a trio of titles during the club’s record-breaking campaign. Courtois is the only finalist to have won this award before.
2022 winner: Emiliano Martinez
Best Women’s Goalkeeper finalists
Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham and Australia)
Catalina Coll (Barcelona and Spain)
Mary Earps (Manchester United and England)
Three netminders who shone brightly at the 2023 Women’s World Cup will battle for this accolade. Coll helped Spain take home the title, while Arnold and Earps have become cult heroes in their respective countries. The latter, in particular, is one of the most popular footballers in England thanks to her combination of on-pitch excellence and off-field personality.