The countdown to UEFA Euro 2024 is on, and with the international tournament set to showcase Europe’s finest football talent, several Manchester City stars are poised to light up the stage for their respective countries. Before that, the Blues squad has the small matter of becoming the first team in the history of English football to win the Premier League for the fourth consecutive time. However, after that, all eyes will be on Germany as the continent's finest clash to crown the European champions.
The action gets underway on June 14th as the hosts battle it out with Scotland at the Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich. Over the month that follows, teams as varied as back-to-back World Cup finalists France and tournament debutants Georgia will go head-to-head to make it to Berln's iconic Olympiastadion on July 14th. While Cty will have plenty of representatives at the tournament, which of them are expected to play a starring role for their countries? Let's find out.
England's Creative Core and Defensive Backbone
Phil Foden is often hailed as a generational talent and the 2023/24 campaign may well be his greatest yet. He has been in scintillating form for the Citizens this season, netting 24 times and providing a further 11 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions. As such, he is expected to be the Three Lions' creative lynchpin at Euro 2024, alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
His exceptional ball control, vision, and ability to produce moments of magic make him a pivotal figure in England’s quest for glory. Foden’s knack for scoring crucial goals and his versatility across the attacking midfield positions could see him emerge as one of the tournament's standout performers. If you look at the current odds at sports betting online at Bovada, Gareth Southgate's side are the +350 favorites to win the tournament, bringing major silverware back to Wembley for the first time since 1966.
The 23-year-old will be crucial to any success the team ultimately has, as well as his Manchester City teammates John Stones and Kyle Walker. The duo has formed an integral part of the Three Lions' defensive setup at recent tournaments, with the former forming a formidable partnership alongside Harry Maguire and the latter becoming a stalwart down the right-hand side.
Stones’ calmness under pressure and ability to play out from the back are key attributes that complement England's style of play. Plus his new position developed this season - a position that has seen him maraud into and past the midfield - could be something that Southgate looks to use in crucial knockout stage clashes. Meanwhile, Walker’s blistering pace and experience provide invaluable assets down the right flank, as we saw at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as he managed to neutralize French sensation Kylian Mbappe.
Portugal's Dynamic Duo
Portugal can count on Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias to spearhead their campaign. The attacking winger's wizardry and dribbling skills, coupled with his knack for pulling strings in midfield, make him indispensable to the Selecao's attacking endeavors. His chemistry with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes will be crucial in navigating the tournament's challenges.
At the other end of the pitch, Ruben Dias stands tall. Known for his leadership and defensive acumen, Cityt's vice-captain has the responsibility of marshaling his country's backline. The Portuguese were one of the stars of qualifying, winning all ten of their games and conceding just two goals in the process. The upcoming tournament may very well be Cristiano Ronaldo's last on the European stage, and both Silva and Dias will be doing their utmost to send their captain and country's greatest-ever player out on top.
Belgium's Creative Maestro and Rising Star
Kevin De Bruyne is regarded by many as the world’s best midfielder and perhaps the greatest midfielder to have ever graced the Premier League. Just as he is with Cty, he is Belgium’s creative heartbeat and the Red Devils have been built around the playmaking ace. His unparalleled vision, exquisite passing range, and ability to score from virtually anywhere make him his country's most potent weapon, and at the age of 33, it may be the last European Championships where he is at the peak of his powers.
There can be no denying however that Belgium's golden generation has been somewhat of a failure. They were eliminated at the group stage at the most recent World Cup and they haven't managed to make it past the quarterfinals at the European Championships. Euro 2024 may well be the group's final one as a team, but with the likes of Jeremy Doku coming through the ranks, Belgium's future is in safe hands.
The former Rennes winger has been a revelation at Manchester City this season unexpectedly breaking into the first team and showcasing pace to burn and dribbling that can dazzle even the tightest defenses, Doku offers Belgium a different dimension in attack and his development over the last year will catapult him into his country's starting eleven. Whether he can lead them to glory alongside teammate De Bruyne however remains to be seen.