The UEFA European Championships have been the pinnacle of international soccer in Europe for decades. This tournament has brought together some of the most talented players and celebrated teams from all over the continent and, through their successes, has left us with some of the most unforgettable moments in the history of the game. This summer, the tournament returns.
18 months removed from Lionel Messi climbing his final peak and lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup with his beloved Argentina, attention now moves from the global stage to the continental stage. The 2024 European Championships get underway on June 14th as hosts Germany face off against Scotland at the Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich. Over the course of the next month, 24 of Europe’s finest will be whittled down to just two, and they will face off in the awe-inspiring Berlin Olympiastadion on July 14th – the site of Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi – in a bid to become Champions of Europe.
Best national football teams in the European Championship
As the UEFA European Championships approaches, we can expect an extremely competitive tournament. If you want to stay up-to-date with the tournament, oddschecker.com compares all the best odds and offers to ensure that you make the most of your betting experience. With so many websites out there, this site really comes into its own to streamline your experience and ensure you get the best value for money.
There are many teams that the bookies feel have the potential to win this year’s championship. Two that stand out above the rest, however, are France and England. The former have reached the last two FIFA World Cup finals, finishing first six years ago in Russia before losing to Argentina last December.
The latter, meanwhile, have known nothing but pain in major tournaments. The Three Lions haven’t lifted silverware since the 1966 World Cup final. They did reach the final of the most recent Euros, but were left stunned by Italy at Wembley. England headed to Qatar as one of the major contenders, however, they were downed by France in the quarterfinals courtesy of Harry Kane’s late penalty miss. They will be aiming to put that right this summer.
Hosts Germany are considered a distant third favorite. They thrived as hosts of the 2006 World Cup 8 years ago, reaching the quarterfinals before falling to Italy in extra time. That began a run of five straight tournaments in which Germany would reach at least the semifinals, and they will be hoping a similar run begins here. However, they certainly have their work cut out considering their recent form. Germany exited the most recent World Cup at the group stages for the second straight tournament, and have lost friendly matches to the likes of Austria, Turkey, Japan, Colombia and Poland in recent months.
When it comes to the tournament’s rank outsiders, there are a number of teams expected to struggle. Not all 24 participants have yet been determined, with the playoffs due to take place in March, but the likes of Georgia, Kazakhstan and Luxembourg all still have a chance of qualifying for their first-ever major tournament.
The best player in the tournament – and perhaps on the planet at present – is surely Kylian Mbappe. The French captain is the jewel in the crown of an impressive side. He is also a man with plenty to prove, as it was his missed penalty that saw Les Bleus eliminated in the last 16 of Euro 2020 to Switzerland. When it comes to goalkeepers, Gianluigi Donnarumma will take some beating. He made three penalty saves in the Euro final three years ago to take the trophy back to Rome.
So, who are the most successful teams in the tournament’s history? Let’s find out.
Germany
This year’s hosts Germany are the most successful team in the history of the Euros, winning three titles in their storied history. They won both the 1972 and 1980 tournaments under the banner of West Germany, defeating the Soviet Union in the former and Belgium in the latter. They then won their first tournament as a unified nation in 1996 when they defeated hosts England in the semifinals followed by the Czech Republic in the final. As well as that, Germany have also reached three more finals, which they ultimately lost.
Germany’s success is attributed to their strong defense, excellent teamwork, and tactical aptitude. Players like the recently deceased Franz Beckenbauer, all-time record scorer Gerd Muller, and former captain Michael Ballack have all contributed to their success over the years, making Die Mannschaft a formidable force. They are, however, without a victory in the tournament in almost three decades, although they will be hoping to put that right this summer.
Spain
Spain ended their 44-year drought and kicked off their golden era by defeating the Germans in the 2008 final in Vienna, thanks to a first-half strike from former Liverpool and Chelsea hitman Fernando Torres. That was their second victory in the tournament, their first coming on home turf in Madrid back in 1964 when they defeated the Soviet Union. Finally, in 2012, Spain became the first and only team in history to win the tournament back to back and successfully defend the trophy when they thumped Italy 4-0 in Kyiv.
Their brand of “tiki-taka” football, involving short, quick passes and possession-based play, has been lauded and emulated by football fans and coaches worldwide. The style of play was implemented by Atletico Madrid icon Luis Aragones in the build up to Euro 2008, a strategy that included dropping the likes of Real Madrid icon Raul in favor of Barcelona playmakers like Xavi and Iniesta. His decision led Spain to its first trophy in over four decades and laid the foundations for Vicente Del Bosque’s World Cup success in 2010 and glory at Euro 2012.
Italy
Italy have won the championship title twice, first in 1968, and then a romp to glory at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament. Their success is due to their excellent defensive play, midfield control, and tactical flexibility. Players like Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio, and Fabio Cannavaro have all been instrumental in the Azzurri’s victories over the years.
In Italy’s most recent triumph, former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini revitalized the side and blended youth, in the form of Federico Chiesa, with experienced players such as central defensive stalwarts Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. The mixture worked perfectly as the Italians lifted the trophy against all odds and, after missing two straight FIFA World Cups, they will be aiming to impress on the continental stage once more.
France
France have also won the championship twice, in 1984 and 2000. However, they have reached fewer finals than the Italians and hence are fourth on this list. Les Bleus’ success is attributed to their attacking style of play, skillful midfielders, and excellent defence. Players like Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, and Thierry Henry have all played a pivotal role in their victories.
France defeated the Italians at Euro 2020 thanks to David Trezeguet’s golden goal, but they haven’t lifted the trophy in the 24 years since. The closest they came was at Euro 2016, however, this time it was them who conceded in extra time with Portuguese striker Eder thumping home a long-range winner to silence the Stade de France. As mentioned, they are up there among the favorites for this year’s Euro competition.
