Four UEFA Euro 2024 Group Stage Matches We Can't Wait to See

As the UEFA Euro 2024 approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a spectacular showcase of international football. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Germany, from Munich's Allianz Arena to Berlin's Olympiastadion, the tournament will bring together Europe's finest football nations throughout the summer, with 24 of the continent's best all battling it out for glory. And, as the tournament nears, there are two clear frontrunners for the trophy.

Those are, of course, England and France. The two countries battled it out on the grandest stage back at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with Les Bleus ultimately taking full advantage of a late Harry Kane missed penalty to secure a 2-1 victory and progress to the semifinals. It may be somewhat surprising to hear then that it is in fact the Three Lions that have been made the favourites to end the summer victorious.

Fans can get up to £40 in free bets with oddschecker sign-up offers for BetMGM, and the betting giant has priced Gareth Southgate's men at 3/1, with Didier Deschamps' side just behind them at 7/2. And, while those two may fight it out in the German capital on July 14th, there is plenty of football to be played before then, especially in the group stage.

Here are four matches in particular that we can't wait to see.

Germany vs Scotland

The primary reason for this one being on our list is because it's the curtain raiser. On June 14th, Germany and Scotland will clash at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena, beginning a month-long festival of football. Who can forget three years ago when the Italians bellowed out their national anthem at the Stadio Olimpico before their contest with Turkey, beginning the rescheduled 2020 European Championships. Expect this one to be similarly scintillating.

However, underneath the novelty of the fixture raising the curtain, there is plenty to unpack as Die Mannschaft and the Tartan Army go head to head. The Germans are the third favourites for glory. However, they have been in poor form since exiting the World Cup at the group stages for the second time in a row, losing to the likes of Poland, Austria, Turkey and Colombia.

Scotland, meanwhile, were one of the stars in qualifying, handily beating three-time champions Spain at Hampden Park, as well as besting Erling Haaland’s Norway in Oslo thanks to two late goals. Don't be surprised to see the Jocks give the hosts all they can handle and more.

 

 

Spain vs Croatia

Spain and Croatia have both experienced the taste of international success. The former is a World Cup winner and a three-time European Champion. The latter reached the World Cup final in 2018 and the semi-finals four years later. The pair seemingly always square off in the Euros. Los Rojas won an eight-goal thriller by five goals to three in the second round of Euro 2020. The pair also met in the group stages of Euro 2016, when Croatia ran out victorious against the reigning champions thanks to Ivan Perišić's late strike.

This year, the stakes could not be higher. Spain and Croatia have been drawn into Group B alongside reigning champions Italy, as well as underdog Albania, who topped their qualification group ahead of the Czech Republic and Poland. The loser of this clash will have their work cut out qualifying from the group. If it's the Spanish that lose, then they will have it all to do in the second game...

Spain vs Italy

Spain's second game is against the reigning champions. Three years ago, the Azzurri eliminated Los Rojas on penalties in the semi-finals before going on to beat England at Wembley in the same fashion. This time around they will meet in the Group of Death, and the contest promises to be a blockbuster affair. Italy will be hoping to head into the contest with a win already on the board against Albania, but if they've somehow dropped points, then this contest will be make-or-break. The same can be said for Spain if they end up on the losing end against Luka Modric's Croatia.

Both teams are in something of a transition. Gone are the days of Xavi and Iniesta, Pirlo and Totti. Instead, the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Barella and Chiesa will be aiming to lead their countries to glory. The latter two succeeded three years ago. Will they do the same again this year?

England vs Denmark

England vs Denmark is a rematch many have been waiting for since their encounter at Euro 2020. The Three Lions, with its young and talented squad spearheaded by the brilliant Jude Bellingham, has been tagged as a team that could end its long wait for a major international trophy. The Danes, on the other hand, impressed many with their team spirit and quality performances in recent tournaments. And, if that wasn't enough, they are fuelled with the need for revenge.

Three years ago, the two met in the semifinals at Euro 2020 and it was the English that came out on top. However, the reason for that was that they were awarded the softest of penalties for a foul on Raheem Sterling. Harry Kane converted at the second time of asking after his initial penalty was saved by Kasper Schmeichel, and Denmark exited the tournament. This year, they will be aiming to put a dagger in English hearts, as well as progressing deep into the tournament for the second consecutive time.