In this post I'd like to highlight the teams, groups, rosters, stars to watch, and predictions. There are 24 teams in 6 groups of 4. The format is quite similar to the World Cup with 3 games in the Group Stage, followed by a 16 team knock-out round. It's different however in that the two top teams from each group will advance as well as the 4 best third place teams. I'm quite okay with this format, because quite often a very good 3rd place team misses out from the knock-out rounds. So without further ado here are the 24 teams and their best players to watch (including the players age, position, and club). I believe these tournaments are a great chance to scout the new rising superstars.
Group A
Analysis: Always known for their defense, I see this team lacking in star quality upfront. However they certainly will be hungry for action after missing out on the last World Cup. I predict them to win their group, however to be eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Wales (Players to Watch)
- Neco Williams (Age 20) DF. Liverpool
- Ben Davies (Age 28) DF. Tottenham
- Joe Allen (Age 31) MF. Stoke City
- Aaron Ramsey (Age 22) MF. Juventus
- Gareth Bale (Captain) FW (Age 31) Tottenham
- Danny Ward (Age 27) GK. Leicester City
- Daniel James (Age 23) MF. Manchester United
Analysis: This team made quite a splash in the 2016 Euro Cup, finishing in the Semi-Finals. They are especially of interest with their superstar Gareth Bale who has made it quite clear that he prefers playing for his national team rather than his club.
- Merih Demiral (Age 23) DF Juventus
- Caglar Soyuncu (Age 25) DF Leicester City
- Okay Yokuslu (Age 27) MF West Brom
- Burak Yilmaz (Captain) FW (Age 35) Lille
Analysis: This is a very young and hungry team and I predict they have the potentials to be a dark horse. I could see them finishing 3rd in the group, and maybe even into the quarterfinals.
- Yann Sommer (Age 32) GK. Borussia Monchengladbach
- Breel Embolo (Age 24) FW. Borussia Monchengladbach
- Granit Xhaka (Captain)(Age 28) MF. Arsenal
- Xherdan Shaqiri (Age 29) FW. Liverpool
Analysis: I think this team is good, but also they are in a very competitive group. With experienced names such as Xhaka, Sommer, and Shaqiri they could certainly cause some waves and surprises. However I predict they will finish 4th behind Italy, Turkey, and Wales.
Group B
Belgium (Players to Watch)
- Thibaut Courtois (Age 29) GK. Real Madrid
- Toby Alderweireld (Age 32) DF. Tottenham
- Jan Vertonghen (Age 34) DF. Benfica
- Axel Witsel (Age 32) MF. Borussia Dortmund
- Kevin De Bruyne (Age 29) MF. Manchester City
- Romelu Lukaku (Age 28) FW. Inter Milan
- Eden Hazard (Captain) FW. (Age 30) Real Madrid
- Dries Mertens (Age 32) FW. Napoli
- Thorgan Hazard (Age 25) MF. Borussia Dortmund
- Christian Benteke (Age 30) FW. Crystal Palace
Analysis: This team is stacked with superstar quality and after their 3rd place finish at the World Cup 2018, I would predict them to make another deep run. Their captain, Eden Hazard has had a terrible couple seasons with Real Madrid and will see this as a new opportunity to shine and return to his previous form with Chelsea. They also have one of the best playmakers in the world in Kevin De Bruyne and a top finisher in Romelu Lukaku. Under the management of Roberto Martinez I could see this team winning their group, making it to the semi-finals and maybe even the finals.
Denmark (Players to Watch)
- Kasper Schmeichel (Age 34) GK. Leicester City
- Jannik Vestergaard (Age 25) DF. Southampton
- Simon Kjaer (Captain) DF. (Age 32) AC Milan
- Andreas Christensen (Age 25) DF. Chelsea
- Christian Eriksen (Age 29) MF. Inter Milan
Analysis: I consider this team slightly above mediocre, with a strong defense yet lacking goal scorers. I foresee some fiery leadership from GK Kasper Schmeichel however a lot of draws and subpar performance from the unmotivated Christian Eriksen. I predict they will finish 3rd in the group, and be defeated in the Round of 16.
Russia (Players to Watch)
- Denis Cheryshev (Age 30) MF. Valencia
- Artem Dzyuba (Captain) FW. (Age 32) Zenit Saint Petersburg
Analysis: I don't know too much about the Russian team, as most of their players play in the Russian league. However I do recall they had a great performance at the World Cup 2018, which happened to be on home soil. Since this team is in an easy group, I could see them finishing 2nd and getting eliminated in the round of 16.
- Robin Lod (Age 28) MF. Minnesota United FC
- Tim Sparv (Captain). MF. (Age 34) AEL
- Glen Kamara (Age 25) MF. Rangers
Analysis: This is the first time I can recall seeing Finland on the big international stage (World Cup or Euro Cup). I don't know any players on their team, however notice they have several MLS players for Minnesota United which is interesting. I forsee them losing all their games however and finishing last in the group.
Group C
Netherlands (Players to Watch)
- Georginio Wijnaldum (Captain) MF (Age 30) Liverpool
- Memphis Depay (Age 27) MF. Lyon
- Daley Blind (Age 31). DF. Ajax
- Frenkie de Jong (Age 24) MF. Barcelona
Analysis: This team is always good, and suspect they will come out strong after missing the last World Cup. Memphis Depay has been in top form lately, and I could see him continuing his success alongside the young Frenkie de Jong. However the team has also had some unfortunate injuries of recent with Donny van de Beek and Virgil van Dyk. Their presence will certainly be missed, and I see this team maybe making it to the quarterfinals.
Austria (Players to Watch)
- David Alaba (Age 28). DF. Bayern Munich
- Julian Baumgartlinger (Captain) MF. (Age 33) Bayer Leverkusen
- Marcel Sabitzer (Age 27) MF. RB Peipzig
Analysis: This is another one of the above average teams on par with Switzerland, Denmark, or Sweden. They only really have one superstar player in David Alaba, and the rest are mediocre players from the Bundesliga. Since the team is in an easy group however I still see them finishing 2nd place, and being eliminated in the round of 16.
Ukraine (Players to Watch)
- Andriy Pyatov (Captain). GK (Age 36) Shakhtar Donetsk
- Oleksandr Zinchenko (Age 24) MF. Manchester City
- Andriy Yarmolenko (Age 31) FW. West Ham United
- Rusland Malinovskyi (Age 28) MF. Atalanta
North Macedonia (Players to Watch)
- Ezgjan Alioski (Age 29) DF. Leeds United
- Goran Pandev (Captain) FW. (Age 37) Genoa
Analysis: Just like Finland I believe North Macedonia is also quite new to the international stage. However they recently made quite a splash when they upset the mighty Germany. Any team that can defeat Germany (even if it is a friendly exhibition) deserves some credibility. Nonetheless I predict this team to finish last in their group.
Group D
England(Players to Watch)
- Jordan Pickford (Age 27) GK. Everton
- Kyle Walker (Age 31) DF. Manchester City
- Luke Shaw (Age 25) DF. Manchester United
- John Stones (Age 27) DF. Manchester City
- Harry Maguire (Age 28) DF. Manchester United
- Harry Kane (Captain) FW. (Age 27) Tottenham
- Raheem Sterling (Age 26) FW. Manchester City
- Marcus Rashford (Age 23) FW. Manchester United
- Kieran Trippier (Age 30) DF. Atletico Madrid
- Jadon Sancho (Age 21) FW. Borussia Dortmund
- Mason Mount (Age 22) MF. Chelsea
- Phil Foden (Age 21). MF. Manchester City
- Ben Chilwell (Age 24) DF. Chelsea
- Reece James (Age 21) DF. Chelsea
Analysis: Granted I am a little biased as a huge fan of the English Premier League but this team is unquestionably stacked with star power. They also had a great showing in the previous World Cup finished in 4th place. The team has depth at every position with great playmakers in Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, and Mason Mount. They also have great leadership in Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, and their head coach Gareth Southgate. I believe this is England's tournament to win, and if they don't make it pass the semi-finals it would be a major disappointment.
Croatia (Players to Watch)
- Sime Vrsaljko (Age 29) DF. Atletico Madrid
- Ivan Perisic (Age 32) MF. Inter Milan
- Mateo Kovacic (Age 27) MF. Chelsea
- Luka Modric (Captain) MF. (Age 35) Real Madrid
- Domagoj Vida. (Age 32) DF. Besiktas
Analysis: The runner-ups at the previous World Cup still have a very impressive squad. Croatia always seems to play well at international tournaments and this one should not be any different. Their captain and playmaker Luka Modric, is getting a little up there in age, however he still has the ability to quarterback a deep run into this tournament. I foresee them finishing 2nd in this group and making it to the quarter-finals.
Scotland (Players to Watch)
- Andrew Robertson (Captain) DF. (Age 27) Liverpool
- Scott McTominay. (Age 24) MF. Manchester United
- Billy Gilmour (Age 20) FW. Chelsea
Analysis: Scotland hasn't made a major international appearance that I can recall since the 1990s. However the team isn't half-bad and has some notable star power quality in Andrew Roberston and Scott McTominay. They also have many players from the English Premier League as well as the successful Scottish clubs of Rangers and Celtic. I would not be surprised to see this team finish 3rd in the group and could see them playing in the group stage.
Czech Republic (Players to Watch)
- Tomas Vaclik (Age 32) GK. Sevilla
- Vladimir Coufal (Age 28) DF. West Ham United
- Vladimir Darida (Captain) MF. (Age 30) Hertha BSC
- Tomas Soucek. (Age 26) MF. West Ham United
Analysis: I remember Pavel Nedved and Rosiscky but aside from that couldn't name any other Czech players. None of the names from this roster are familiar to me, however wouldn't be surprised if they could finish 3rd in the group. I believe them and Scotland will have a very tight battle for the 3rd place spot.
Group E
Spain (Players to Watch)
- David de Gea (Age 30) GK. Manchester United
- Cesar Azpilicueta (Age 31) DF. Chelsea
- Sergio Busquets (Captain) DF. (Age 32) Barcelona
- Alvaro Morata (Age 28) FW. Juventus
- Koke (Age 29) MF. Atletico Madrid
- Thiago (Age 30) MF. Liverpool
- Jordi Alba (Age 32). DF. Barcelona
- Adama Traore (Age 25) MF. Wolverhampton
Analysis: I believe Spain's glory years of 10 years ago have passed, which was made especially clear by not including Sergio Ramos in this squad. However their roster is still very impressive with experienced vets such as Busquets, Jordi Alba, and head coach Luis Enrique at the helm. I believe they should easily win their group, and could foresee them making it as far as the quarter-finals, maybe even the semi-finals.
Sweden (Players to Watch)
- Victor Lindelof (Age 26) DF. Manchester United
- Andreas Granqvist (Captain) DF. (Age 36) Helsingborgs
- Emil Forsberg (Age 29) MF. RB Leipzig
- Dejan Kulusevski (Age 21) FW. Juventus
- Emil Krafth (Age 26) DF. Newcastle United
- Alexander Isak (Age 21) FW. Real Sociedad
Analysis: Sweden made a great run in the previous world cup to the quarter-finals and once again have a very decent team. Victor Lindelof is probably the best known player from Manchester United, however they have represented players from all across Europe's top teams. I predict they will have a tight battle with Poland for 2nd place in this group, but still should make it out to the knockout stage even if they finish 3rd.
Poland (Players to Watch)
- Wojceich Szczesny (Age 31) GK. Juventus
- Jan Bednarek (Age 25). DF. Southampton
- Robert Lewandoski (Captain) FW. (Age 32) Bayern Munich
- Lukasz Fabianski (Age 36) GK. West Ham United
Analysis: This team has one of the best players in the world in Robert Lewandowski, however not too much of a support squad. I think they're ultimately a above average team on par with Denmark, Switzerland, and Austria. I believe they will have a tight battle with Sweden in this group and whoever wins that matchup should secure the 2nd place spot to advance to the knockout round.
Slovakia (Players to Watch)
- Martin Dubravka (Age 32) GK. Newcastle United
- Milan Skriniar (Age 26) DF. Inter Milan
- Marek Hamsik (Captain) MF. (Age 33) IFK. Goteborg
Analysis: This team made it's first European appearance in the previous 2016 Euro Cup and are returning once again as a longshot. They are led by their superstar Marek Hamsik, with his iconic mohawk. However Hamsik is past his hey-day, and I don't foresee this team winning a game at the tournament.
Group F
France (Players to Watch)
- Hugo Lloris (Captain) GK (Age 34) Tottenham
- Benjamin Pavard (Age 25) DF. Bayern Munich
- Raphael Varane (Age 28) DF. Real Madrid
- Paul Pogba (Age 28) MF. Manchester United
- Antoine Griezmann (Age 30) FW. Barcelona
- Olivier Giroud (Age 34) FW. Chelsea
- Kylian Mbappe (Age 22) FW. Paris Saint-Germain
- N'Golo Kante (Age 30) MF. Chlesea
- Karim Benzema (Age 33) FW. Real Madrid
- Lucas Hernandez (Age 25) DF. Bayern Munich
- Ousmane Dembele (Age 24) FW. Barcelona
Analysis: The returning World Cup champions will no doubt return to this tournament as the favorites. Their team is absolutely stacked with superstar quality, and could even field a B squad that could compete in this tournament. All eyes will be on their explosive superstar striker, Kylian Mbappe, arguably the best player in the world. However he is supported by a great cast of forwards in Griezmann, Giroud, and Benzema. The team has a brilliant pair of playmakers at it's center with Paul Pogba and N'golo Kante. Finally they have a solid defense of returning World Cup stars in Pavard, Varane, Hernandez, and their GK Lloris. I believe this is France's tournament to win, and anything less would be a disappointment.
Germany (Players to Watch)
- Manuel Neuer (Captain) GK. (Age 35) Bayern Munich
- Antonio Rudiger (Age 28) DF. Chelsea
- Mats Hummels (Age 32) DF. Borussia Dortmund
- Joshua Kimmich (Age 26) DF. Bayern Munich
- Kai Havertz (Age 22) FW. Chelsea
- Toni Kroos (Age 31) MF. Real Madrid
- Serge Gnarby (Age 25) MF. Bayern Munich
- Timo Werber (Age 25) FW. Chelsea
- Leon Goretzka (Age 26) MF. Bayern Munich
- Ilkay Gundogan (Age 30) MF. Manchester City
- Thomas Muller (Age 31) FW. Bayern Munich
- Leroy Sane (Age 25) Bayern Munich
Analysis: For some odd reason many critics believe Germany has loss a step, after their poor performance at the previous World Cup. However when looking at their roster and remembering the fact that they are Germany, I certainly could see them finishing atop this group and making a deep run into the tournament. Their no doubt in the group of death having to face Portugal and France, but still they should make it out to the knockout round. I think it's very likely that Portugal, France, or Germany will face each other twice in this tournament. I'm especially looking forward to the France-Germany matchup.
Portugal (Players to Watch)
- Rui Patricio (Age 33) GK. Wolverhampton
- Pepe (Age 38) DF. Porto
- Ruben Dias (Age 24) DF. Manchester City
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Captain) FW. (Age 36) Juventus
- Bernardo Silva (Age 26) MF. Manchester City
- Bruno Fernandes (Age 26) MF. Manchester United
- William Carvalho (Age 29) MF. Real Betis
- Renato Sanches (Age 23) MF. Lille
- Joao Cancelo (Age 27) DF. Manchester City
- Diogo Jota (Age 24) FW. Liverpool
- Joao Felix (Age 21) FW. Atletico Madrid
Analysis: The defending Euro Cup champs from 2016 will be another top contender in this tournament. Despite their very difficult group stage, I think it should be no question that Portugal will make it out. They just have to beat Portugal by a decent margin. This will most likely be Cristiano Ronaldo's last major international tournament and he certainly will want to steal the spotlight. But unlike their 2016 very fortunate and pragmatic run, this team is actually loaded with star quality. They have brilliant playmakers in Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Renato Sanches. They're also solid on defense. Portugal always seems to do well in the European competition and I forsee them making it deep into the tournament.
Hungary (Players to Watch)
- Peter Gulacsi (Age 31) GK. RB Leipzig
- Adam Szalai (Captain). FW. (Age 33) Mainz 05
Analysis: This team has a rich soccer history and probably isn't half bad, the only down side is they are in the group of death. For Hungary to somehow get a victory against Germany, France, or Portugal would be a major upset. I just don't see it happening, and see this group finishing without any points. Their best hope will be to score a few goals and not finish last in the tournament (most likely competing with North Macedonia and Finland).
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