Get the lowdown on the 24 sides gearing up for the finals to kick off on 11 June.
The countdown to UEFA EURO 2020 is well and truly on, with 24 teams set to vie for the trophy between 11 June and 11 July.
Group A: Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland
Group B: Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia
Group C: Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia
Group D: England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic
Group E: Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia
Group F: Hungary, Portugal, France, Germany
Group A
TURKEY
Group A fixtures
11/06: Turkey vs Italy (Rome)
16/06: Turkey vs Wales (Baku)
20/06: Switzerland vs Turkey (Baku)
Qualifying
Group H record: P10 W7 D2 L1 F18 A3
Qualifying top scorer: Cenk Tosun (5)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (2008)
UEFA EURO 2016: group stage
Coach: Şenol Güneş
A six-time title-winning goalkeeper for Trabzonspor and Turkey, Güneş coached his country to third place at their only recent FIFA World Cup in 2002. He won two championships in charge of Beşiktaş, prior to reprising his Turkey role in 2019.
Key player: Burak Yılmaz
The team’s elder statesman at 35, and Güneş’s first-choice striker. Turkey’s second-highest international scorer has managed a goal every two games throughout his career, and is still banging them in at newly crowned French champions LOSC Lille.
One to watch: Ozan Tufan
A box-to-box midfielder with limitless dynamism and dynamite in his boots when it comes to long-range shooting. The Fenerbahçe man, who can also play anywhere on the right, passed the 50-cap mark before his 26th birthday.
Did you know?
Turkey have qualified for five of the last seven EUROs, having made it to the finals for the first time in 1996.
ITALY
Group A fixtures
11/06: Turkey vs Italy (Rome)
16/06: Italy vs Switzerland (Rome)
20/06: Italy vs Wales (Rome)
Qualifying
Group J record: P10 W10 D0 L0 F37 A4
Qualifying top scorer: Andrea Belotti (5)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: winners (1968)
UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, lost 6-5 to Germany on penalties after 1-1 draw
Coach: Roberto Mancini
One of the best forward players of his generation, though never that lucky with the Azzurri, Mancini is eager to sparkle as an international coach after winning club trophies in Italy, England and Turkey.
Key player: Marco Verratti
Like his coach, the midfielder is yet to replicate his club form with the national team. Mancini’s possession-based football, however, seems just perfect for the Paris man, provided he can return to full fitness following a recent knee injury.
One to watch: Gianluigi Donnarumma
At 22, goalkeeper Donnarumma is already a veteran, having been playing first-team football for years, but he has big gloves to fill as he looks to replace Gianluigi Buffon.
Did you know?
Italy’s flawless EURO qualifying campaign ended with a 9-1 win against Armenia in Palermo. It was their national-record 11th straight victory, and gave them ten wins in a calendar year for the first time. One more goal and it would also have matched their biggest victory ever: 9-0 against the United States in 1948.
WALES
Group A fixtures
12/06: Wales vs Switzerland (Baku)
16/06: Turkey vs Wales (Baku)
20/06: Italy vs Wales (Rome)
Qualifying
Group E record: P8 W4 D2 L2 F10 A6
Qualifying top scorers: Gareth Bale (2), Kieffer Moore (2), Aaron Ramsey (2)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (2016)
UEFA EURO 2016: semi-finals, lost 2-0 to Portugal
Coach: Robert Page
A former defender who represented a number of clubs including Watford, Sheffield United and Coventry as well as winning 41 caps for Wales, Page started his managerial career with spells at Port Vale and Northampton Town before. He joined the international set-up as Under-21s coach before becoming assistant to the senior side and then taking the top job on a caretaker basis.
Key player: Gareth Bale
Due to turn 32 this summer, Bale remains the talisman and is Wales’ all-time record marksman. A huge influence on and off the field, he has scored crucial goals throughout his international career since debuting in 2006.
One to watch: Ethan Ampadu
Still only 20, Ampadu’s ability to play in both defence and midfield has enabled him to establish himself for Wales. Comfortable on the ball, Ampadu can play out from deep positions and is a solid presence at the back when not in possession.
Did you know?
Founded in 1876, the Football Association of Wales is the third-oldest national association in world football, behind England (1863) and Scotland (1873).
SWITZERLAND
Group A fixtures
12/06: Wales vs Switzerland (Baku)
16/06: Italy vs Switzerland (Rome)
20/06: Switzerland vs Turkey (Baku)
Qualifying
Group D record: P8 W5 D2 L1 F19 A6
Qualifying top scorer: Cédric Itten (3)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: round of 16 (2016)
UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 5-4 on penalties to Poland after 1-1 draw
Coach: Vladimir Petković
Sarajevo-born, Petković has called Switzerland home since 1997 and took the national-team helm in 2014. The Swiss have not failed to reach a major finals since.
Key player: Granit Xhaka
A tough tackler with excellent vision, Xhaka is the glue that binds this Switzerland side together. The fact Switzerland surrendered a 3-0 lead against Denmark after his 79th-minute substitution to draw a March 2019 qualifier, tells you a lot.
One to watch: Breel Embolo
Forward Embolo got a fresh start at Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2019 after overcoming a spate of injuries. Powerful, versatile and blessed with great pace, the 24-year-old is a handful.
Did you know?
Switzerland have successfully negotiated every group stage under Petković but are yet to win a knockout match: at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, EURO 2016 and the UEFA Nations League.
Group B
DENMARK
Group B fixtures
12/06: Denmark vs Finland (Copenhagen)
17/06: Denmark vs Belgium (Copenhagen)
21/06: Russia vs Denmark (Copenhagen)
Qualifying
Group D record: P8 W4 D4 L0 F23 A6
Qualifying top scorer: Christian Eriksen (5)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: winners (1992)
UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify
Coach: Kasper Hjulmand
Appointed to succeed Åge Hareide after the originally scheduled finals, the former Nordsjælland coach took over anyway in July 2020.
Key player: Christian Eriksen
With more than 100 caps in the bag, the 29-year-old is among the world’s best attacking midfielders, a technical player who makes Denmark tick.
One to watch: Andreas Skov Olsen
The Bologna striker has struck three goals and provided four assists in 179 minutes for Denmark spread over five appearances.
Did you know?
Denmark failed to qualify for EURO ’92 but were drafted in ten days before it started after Yugoslavia were excluded.
FINLAND
Group B fixtures
12/06: Denmark vs Finland (Copenhagen)
16/06: Finland vs Russia (St Petersburg)
21/06: Finland vs Belgium (St Petersburg)
Qualifying
Group J record: P10 W6 D0 L4 F16 A10
Qualifying top scorer: Teemu Pukki (10)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: N/A
UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify
Coach: Markku Kanerva
A five-time Finnish champion with HJK, Kanerva spent 12 years with the Under-21 national team and as assistant to the senior side before taking the reins in 2016.
Key player: Teemu Pukki
Long earmarked as a player of great goalscoring talent, Pukki has found another gear since signing for Norwich in 2018. His goals have powered Finland’s recent success.
One to watch: Fredrik Jensen
The 23-year-old Augsburg winger has hit the ground running with the senior national team, developing a happy knack of chipping in with goals.
Did you know?
Prior to Finland’s qualification for 2020, some 33 of UEFA’s 55 national association members had previously graced a EURO finals.
BELGIUM
Group B fixtures
12/06: Belgium vs Russia (St Petersburg)
17/06: Denmark vs Belgium (Copenhagen)
21/06: Finland vs Belgium (St Petersburg)
Qualifying
Group I record: P10 W10 D0 L0 F40 A3
Qualifying top scorer: Romelu Lukaku (7)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: runners-up (1980)
UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, lost 3-1 to Wales
Coach: Roberto Martínez
A Spanish midfielder who carved out a niche in English football, Martínez has been in charge of Belgium since 2016.
Key player: Kevin De Bruyne
The 2019/20 UEFA Champions League midfielder of the season picked up four goals and seven assists in just six EURO qualifiers. Roberto Martínez’s key provider also set up 20 Premier League goals for Manchester City in 2019/20, equalling Thierry Henry’s league record.
One to watch: Youri Tielemans
A relatively youthful 24 in a side packed with established talent, Leicester’s versatile midfielder has a venomous shot from distance – as he proved in the 2021 FA Cup final – not to mention great distribution.
Did you know?
The Red Devils are the world’s top national team according to the current FIFA rankings.
RUSSIA
Group B fixtures
12/06: Belgium vs Russia (St Petersburg)
16/06: Finland vs Russia (St Petersburg)
21/06: Russia vs Denmark (Copenhagen)
Qualifying
Group I record: P10 W8 D0 L2 F33 A8
Qualifying top scorer: Artem Dzyuba (9)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: winner (1960, as USSR), semi-finals (2008)
UEFA EURO 2016: group stage
Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov
The former Spartak Moskva and Russia goalkeeper took charge in summer 2016 and, after two years of mixed friendly results, steered the hosts to the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
Key player: Artem Dzyuba
Zenit’s tall centre-forward is Russia’s captain and their top scorer among active internationals, getting closer to Aleksandr Kerzhakov’s record of 30.
One to watch: Aleksandr Sobolev
The 24-year-old won his first cap – and scored his first senior international goal – in a 2-1 friendly defeat by Sweden in October 2020. With Dzyuba now 32, the tall Spartak Moskva striker is seen by many as his natural successor.
Did you know?
Russia have not won in five EURO finals games; their last victory was a 4-1 demolition of Czech Republic in their UEFA EURO 2012 opener.
Group C
NETHERLANDS
Group C fixtures
13/06: Netherlands vs Ukraine (Amsterdam)
17/06: Netherlands vs Austria (Amsterdam)
21/06: North Macedonia vs Netherlands (Amsterdam)
Qualifying
Group C record: P8 W6 D1 L1 F24 A7
Qualifying top scorer: Georginio Wijnaldum (8)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: winners (1988)
UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify
Coach: Frank de Boer
De Boer replaced Barcelona-bound former team-mate Ronald Koeman in September 2020 having previously coached Ajax, Inter, Crystal Palace and Atlanta United.
Key player: Georginio Wijnaldum
The Dutch captain has repeatedly excelled with club and country on the biggest of stages. His surging runs into the opposition penalty area and excellent finishing have helped make him Oranje’s second-top scorer; with 22 goals he’s only one behind Memphis Depay, on 23. The two also have an almost telepathic understanding on the pitch.
One to watch: Matthijs de Ligt
Captain of Ajax at 19, defensive rock and potent attacker during the club’s breathtaking UEFA Champions League journey in season 2018/19 (he scored in both the quarter- and semi-finals), champion of Italy in his first season at Juventus: in Virgil van Dijk’s absence, this tournament could really be De Ligt’s platform to achieve Oranje immortality.
Did you know?
The Dutch missed out on EURO 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. It is their longest absence from major finals since the mid-1980s – when they marked their return by winning EURO ’88.
UKRAINE
Group C fixtures
13/06: Netherlands vs Ukraine (Amsterdam)
17/06: Ukraine vs North Macedonia (Bucharest)
21/06: Ukraine vs Austria (Bucharest)
Qualifying
Group A record: P8 W6 D2 L0 F17 A4
Qualifying top scorer: Roman Yaremchuk (4)
Pedigree
European Cup best: group stage (2012, 2016)
UEFA EURO 2016: group stage
Coach: Andriy Shevchenko
A brilliant striker who won the 2003 UEFA Champions League and 2004 Ballon d’Or while at AC Milan, Shevchenko is sixth in the all-time UEFA club competitions scorers’ chart with 67 goals.
Key player: Ruslan Malinovskyi
Thanks to his excellent distribution and ability to retain possession, create space and glide between the lines – not to mention his venomous shot from distance – Atalanta’s versatile left-footed midfielder has a huge impact on Ukraine’s approach.
One to watch: Viktor Tsygankov
The Dynamo Kyiv man has tough competition, as Yarmolenko and Marlos can both fill his favoured position on the Ukraine right wing, yet he continues to carve out a niche.
Did you know?
This is the first time Ukraine have qualified for a EURO directly; they made it as co-hosts in 2012, and beat Slovenia in the play-offs to reach the 2016 event.
AUSTRIA
Group C fixtures
13/06: Austria vs North Macedonia (Bucharest)
17/06: Netherlands vs Austria (Amsterdam)
21/06: Ukraine vs Austria (Bucharest)
Qualifying
Group G record: P10 W6 D1 L3 F19 A9
Qualifying top scorer: Marko Arnautović (6)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: group stage (2008, 2016)
UEFA EURO 2016: group stage
Coach: Franco Foda
Capped twice by West Germany, Foda has spent the majority of his coaching career with Sturm Graz, winning the league and cup. He has been Austria boss since the start of 2018.
Key player: David Alaba
Alaba recently left Bayern for Real Madrid as one of the most-decorated footballers in Bundesliga history and, at the ripe age of 28, he is just entering his peak. His versatility, wealth of experience and winning mentality is a blessing for his team-mates and coach.
One to watch: Konrad Laimer
Despite missing most of the 2020/21 season through injury, Laimer’s energetic performance in the warm-up friendly against England showed he is ready for UEFA EURO 2020. Strong in the tackle and adept on the ball, the 24-year-old will act as a fulcrum in the heart of Austria’s midfield.
Did you know?
It is more than three decades since Austria’s last victory at a major finals, beating the United States 2-1 at the 1990 World Cup.
NORTH MACEDONIA
Group C fixtures
13/06: Austria vs North Macedonia (Bucharest)
17/06: Ukraine vs North Macedonia (Bucharest)
21/06: North Macedonia vs Netherlands (Amsterdam)
Qualifying
Group G record: P10 W4 D2 L4 F12 A13
Play-offs: Kosovo (h) 2-1, Georgia (a) 1-0
Qualifying top scorer: Eljif Elmas (4)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: N/A
UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify
Coach: Igor Angelovski
Angelovski was appointed in October 2015 after two years in charge of Rabotnički, having led them to a domestic double and a pair of Macedonian Cup wins.
Key player: Goran Pandev
The versatile Genoa forward is now 37 and just finished his 20th season in Italy, but his powers of creativity, vision and passing are undimmed. Pandev is North Macedonia’s captain, record scorer and record appearance-maker, and fired them to the finals with a play-off winner in Georgia.
One to watch: Eljif Elmas
Just 21 and earmarked as Pandev’s long-term successor as fulcrum of the national team. Blessed with vision beyond his years, the Napoli midfielder is a master of distribution who doesn’t shirk the physical side of the game.
Did you know?
North Macedonia’s third place was their highest finish in any of the 13 qualifying groups they have contested since independence (though their play-off spot came via the UEFA Nations League).
Group D
ENGLAND
Group D fixtures
13/06: England vs Croatia (London)
18/06: England vs Scotland (London)
22/06: Czech Republic vs England (London)
Qualifying
Group A record: P8 W7 D0 L1 F37 A6
Qualifying top scorer: Harry Kane (12)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: third place (1968)
UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 2-1 to Iceland
Coach: Gareth Southgate
His four major tournaments as a player included EURO ’96, and a famous semi-final penalty miss against Germany. As manager he has changed the mood around England, leading the team to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
Key player: Harry Kane
England’s captain and talismanic 34-goal striker is both scorer and creator – as 33 goals and 17 assists for Spurs in all competitions in 2020/21 highlights.
One to watch: Jude Bellingham
Underlined his potential with a fearless UEFA Champions League quarter-final display against Manchester City offering energy, power, confidence, and a fine goal. If England top Group D, the Dortmund midfielder will mark his 18th birthday with a last-16 tie at Wembley.
Did you know?
Going into this EURO, England have lost just two of 23 Wembley home games under Southgate – against Spain and Denmark.
CROATIA
Group D fixtures
13/06: England vs Croatia (London)
18/06: Croatia vs Czech Republic (Glasgow)
22/06: Croatia vs Scotland (Glasgow)
Qualifying
Group E record: P8 W5 D2 L1 F17 A7
Qualifying top scorer: Bruno Petković (4)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: quarter-finals (1996, 2008)
UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 1-0 aet to Portugal
Coach: Zlatko Dalić
A former midfielder who never represented his country, Dalić took over from Ante Čačić in 2017 and led the team to the 2018 World Cup final.
Key player: Luka Modrić
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has now overtaken Darijo Srna’s record 134 caps, not only captaining the side but setting the midfield tempo with his vision, energy and slick passing.
One to watch: Andrej Kramarić
Comes into the finals on the back of an excellent season at Hoffenheim, scoring 20 Bundesliga goals. He poses a threat everywhere in the final third, and Niko Kovač has compared him with Davor Šuker. Yet to reach his peak with Croatia.
Did you know?
Croatia climbed 122 places in the FIFA rankings from 125th to third between 1994 and 1999.
SCOTLAND
Group D fixtures
14/06: Scotland vs Czech Republic (Glasgow)
18/06: England vs Scotland (London)
22/06: Croatia vs Scotland (Glasgow)
Qualifying
Group I record: P10 W5 D0 L5 F16 A19
Play-offs: Israel (h) 0-0, 5-3 pens; Serbia (a) 1-1, 5-4 pens
Qualifying top scorer: John McGinn (7)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: group stage (1992, 1996)
UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify
Coach: Steve Clarke
The former Chelsea player started his coaching life as Ruud Gullit’s assistant at Newcastle United in 1998. He took the Scotland helm in May 2019 after a fruitful tenure at Kilmarnock.
Key player: John McGinn
An old-fashioned Scottish midfielder, McGinn is a quality player who brings more to the side than his ability to tackle and pass. His enthusiasm and tenacity drive the team on, and the Aston Villa man is also a threat when he gets into the opposition box.
One to watch: Lyndon Dykes
The striker followed his “gut and heart” in choosing Scotland over Australia and made an immediate impression with two goals his first five outings. His aerial presence, pace, touch and finishing mark him out as a danger to any back line.
Did you know?
Scotland also faced England at Wembley at their last EURO finals in 1996.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Group D fixtures
14/06: Scotland vs Czech Republic (Glasgow)
18/06: Croatia vs Czech Republic (Glasgow)
22/06: Czech Republic vs England (London)
Qualifying
Group A record: P8 W5 D0 L3 F13 A11
Qualifying top scorer: Patrik Schick (4)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: winners (1976, as Czechoslovakia)
UEFA EURO 2016: group stage
Coach: Jaroslav Šilhavý
Holder of the record for most Czech top-flight appearances (465), the 59-year-old won two titles as coach before taking the Czech reins in September 2018.
Key player: Vladimír Darida
All-action midfielder who plies his trade at Hertha Berlin, he leads by example and inspired the surprise qualifying victory over England.
One to watch: Tomáš Souček
The beating heart of the Czech midfield redefines what it means to have “good feet for a big man”. Czech player of season in 2018/19, voted No1 by journalists in 2020, and starred for West Ham in 2020/21, contributing ten goals.
Did you know?
Czech Republic are ever-present at the UEFA European Championship as an independent nation, reaching seven successive final tournaments.
Group E
SPAIN
Group E fixtures
14/06: Spain vs Sweden (Seville)
19/06: Spain vs Poland (Seville)
23/06: Slovakia vs Spain (Seville)
Qualifying
Group F record: P10 W8 D2 L0 F31 A5
Qualifying top scorer: Álvaro Morata, Sergio Ramos, Rodrigo (4)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: winners (1964, 2008, 2012)
UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 2-0 to Italy
Coach: Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique stepped down in June 2019 for personal reasons but returned to his post the following November after qualifying had concluded. He previously guided Barcelona to UEFA Champions League glory in 2015.
Key player: Gerard Moreno
In the form of his life, brimming with confidence and a newly-crowned UEFA Europa League winner. Loves to cut in form the right on to his exquisite left foot but will often be asked to perform as a false nine this summer – Spain’s chief goal threat but a No10 too.
One to watch: Pedri
There have been all number of prodigious young talents down the years but few who, at 18, slender, relatively small and in only their first full season, can become the dominant midfielder at a club such as Barcelona. His football intellect is frankly incredible.
Did you know?
Spain are the only team to have successfully defended the EURO title, in 2012.
SWEDEN
Group E fixtures
14/06: Spain vs Sweden (Seville)
18/06: Sweden vs Slovakia (St Petersburg)
23/06: Sweden vs Poland (St Petersburg)
Qualifying
Group F record: P10 W6 D3 L1 F23 A9
Qualifying top scorer: Robin Quaison (5)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (1992)
UEFA EURO 2016: group stage
Coach: Janne Andersson
The brains behind Sweden’s recent renaissance, Andersson took charge in 2016, steering his side to a first World Cup in 12 years, then topping a UEFA Nations League group including Russia and Turkey.
Key player: Emil Forsberg
Pacy, creative and physically strong, the Leipzig midfielder will shoulder much of the responsibility for Sweden’s attack. He has a fine shot, and is one of the likely free-kick takers, along with Sebastian Larsson.
One to watch: Kristoffer Olsson
Slight of frame, the Krasnodar midfielder has a toolbox full of dribbles and smart passes that are as effective as they are easy on the eye.
Did you know?
In 1992, hosts Sweden won a group ahead of England, France and eventual victors Denmark before being edged out 3-2 by Germany in the semis.
POLAND
Group E fixtures
14/06: Poland vs Slovakia (St Petersburg)
19/06: Spain vs Poland (Seville)
23/06: Sweden vs Poland (St Petersburg)
Qualifying
Group G record: P10 W8 D1 L1 F18 A5
Qualifying top scorer: Robert Lewandowski (6)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: quarter-finals (2016)
UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, lost 5-3 to Portugal on penalties after 1-1 draw
Coach: Paulo Sousa
Jerzy Brzęczek steered Poland through qualifying but was replaced in January 2021 by Paulo Sousa, who represented Portugal as a midfielder at EURO ’96 and UEFA EURO 2000. A varied coaching career has so far taken him to England, Hungary, Israel, Switzerland, Italy, China and France.
Key player: Robert Lewandowski
Poland’s most-capped player and all-time leading marksman, the Bayern striker remains one of the game’s most lethal predators.
One to watch: Jakub Moder
The Brighton midfielder is still establishing himself at the age of 22 but has a reputation for finding the net from distance and scored his first competitive goal for Poland against England at Wembley in March.
Did you know?
Jakub Błaszczykowski is Poland’s all-time EURO top scorer with three goals; Lewandowski needs one more goal to match him.
SLOVAKIA
Group E fixtures
14/06: Poland vs Slovakia (St Petersburg)
18/06: Sweden vs Slovakia (St Petersburg)
23/06: Slovakia vs Spain (Seville)
Qualifying
Group E record: P8 W4 D1 L3 F13 A11
Play-offs: Republic of Ireland (h) 0-0, 4-2 pens; Northern Ireland (a) 2-1 aet
Qualifying top scorer: Róbert Boženík, Marek Hamšík, Juraj Kucka (3)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: round of 16 (2016)
UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 3-0 to Germany
Coach: Štefan Tarkovič
The assistant assumed temporary charge for a second time in October when Pavel Hapal departed the helm after the play-off semi-final, but was given the job on a long-term basis in December 2020. He was on Ján Kozák’s coaching staff for EURO 2016.
Key player: Marek Hamšík
Slovakia’s most-capped player and all-time top scorer, the 33-year-old captain remains the heart of the national team. Now at Swedish club Göteborg, Hamšík dictates play from midfield, with enduring energy and stamina. It is hard to imagine a successful Slovakia side without him.
One to watch: Tomáš Suslov
“I told my father I would play with Marek Hamšík one day,” said left-winger Suslov, and the 18-year-old was proved right last November. Picked up from the Tatran Prešov academy, Groningen’s young wide man shows immense promise.
Did you know?
Eight of the Czechoslovakia XI that won the 1976 final were from Slovakia.
Group F
HUNGARY
Group F fixtures
15/06: Hungary vs Portugal (Budapest)
19/06: Hungary vs France (Budapest)
23/06: Germany vs Hungary (Munich)
Qualifying
Group E record: P8 W4 D0 L4 F8 A11
Play-offs: Bulgaria (a) 3-1; Iceland (h) 2-1
Qualifying top scorer: Willi Orban (3)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: third place (1964)
UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 4-0 to Belgium
Coach: Marco Rossi
The Italian former defender had coached in Hungary for four years when he took over the national-team helm in June 2018.
Key player: Willi Orbán
Strong in the tackle, Leipzig centre-back Orbán is a no-nonsense defender who also offers a real threat at the other end of the pitch. His four international goals between October 2018 and October 2020 made him his country’s second top scorer over that two-year period.
One to watch: Roland Sallai
Winger or second striker, Sallai comes into this EURO on the back of a breakthrough Bundesliga season with Freiburg: eight goals and six assists. With a great international hit-rate leading up to the finals, he is a fine foil for captain Ádám Szalai.
PORTUGAL
Group F fixtures
15/06: Hungary vs Portugal (Budapest)
19/06: Portugal vs Germany (Munich)
23/06: Portugal vs France (Budapest)
Qualifying
Group B record: P8 W5 D2 L1 F22 A6
Qualifying top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (11)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: winners (2016)
UEFA EURO 2016: winners
Coach: Fernando Santos
A journeyman defender, Fernando Santos coached Portugal’s big three clubs, taking charge of the national team in 2014 after a stint as Greece boss. He steered them to success at EURO 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League.
Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal’s most-capped player and all-time top scorer may be 36, but he will be looking to scratch a small itch at EURO 2020: he has never top-scored at a EURO or World Cup finals.
One to watch: João Félix
An attacking player of majestic skill, the Atlético Madrid man is the latest star to bolster a Portuguese side laden with talent. He made his senior debut aged 19 in Portugal’s triumphant 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals campaign.
Did you know?
October 2019’s loss to Ukraine was the first Portugal had suffered under Fernando Santos in a EURO (or indeed Nations League) game – qualifier or final tournament – since his appointment in September 2014. His only past defeats had come in the World Cup.
FRANCE
Group F fixtures
15/06: France vs Germany (Munich)
19/06: Hungary vs France (Budapest)
23/06: Portugal vs France (Budapest)
Qualifying
Group H record: P10 W8 D1 L1 F25 A6
Qualifying top scorer: Olivier Giroud (6)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: winners (1984, 2000)
UEFA EURO 2016: finalists, lost 1-0 aet to Portugal
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Deschamps captained Les Bleus to victory at the 1998 World Cup and EURO 2000. France boss since 2012, he led them to World Cup glory in 2018 and can secure the second international double of his career at EURO 2020.
Key player: Kylian Mbappé
The Paris forward is happier the better the opposition. In between tournaments, France tend to take on sides who sit back and pack the defence and midfield, making it hard for Mbappé to use his strengths. Better sides try to play more and that’s when Mbappé springs into life, lethal on the break.
One to watch: Kingsley Coman
After missing the FIFA World Cup triumph because of injury, Coman has extra motivation. Deschamps’ desire to balance the side could mean the Bayern speedster having to content himself with a bench role. As he’s as quick as Mbappé, no opposition defender will relish seeing Coman’s number flash up.
Did you know?
France will be appearing at their 13th straight final tournament. They haven’t missed one since the 1994 World Cup, and have reached five finals during that sequence, winning three.
GERMANY
Group F fixtures
15/06: France vs Germany (Munich)
19/06: Portugal vs Germany (Munich)
23/06: Germany vs Hungary (Munich)
Qualifying
Group C record: P8 W7 D0 L1 F30 A7
Qualifying top scorer: Serge Gnabry (8)
Pedigree
UEFA EURO best: winners (1972, 1980, 1996)
UEFA EURO 2016: semi-finals, lost 2-0 to France
Coach: Joachim Löw
After 15 years at the helm, this will be the final tournament for the coach who never failed to lead Germany into at least the semi-finals of EURO.
Key player: Thomas Müller
Two-and-a-half years after being cut to make room for a rebuild, Germany have recalled Müller, a vocal leader with vast experience at major tournaments. The 31-year-old never fails to transmit his winning mentality to his team-mates.
One to watch: Kevin Volland
This entry previously featured Kai Havertz, but after scoring the winner in the UEFA Champions League final he should be on everyone’s horizon. The surprise package might be forward Volland, who comes in with an ambitious attitude and a fine record of 18 goals in 40 matches in his first season at Monaco.
Did you know?
The finals will be Germany’s 26th consecutive major tournament, namely World Cup or EURO.
Very useful informations