Euro 2024 favourites: Predictions and latest odds on top teams to win UEFA tournament in Germany
With the European qualifiers producing surprises and Euro 2024 feeling a long way over the horizon following the resumption of major leagues across Europe, assessing which teams stand to go far in Germany in the 17th edition of the finals is somewhat trickier than it will be once the club season ends.
Reigning champions Italy's qualification is in doubt after their draw with North Macedonia — the underdogs who knocked them out of contention to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup — left them with four points from three matches in third place in their group.
Relative minnows including Luxembourg, Armenia, Moldova and Kazakhstan have impressed in qualifying, springing surprises along the way to give themselves an unexpectedly strong chance of continuing that form into the tournament proper.
Spain are the only team to have lifted the trophy more than once in the 21st century, but La Roja have been overshadowed in Group A by Scotland's sensational performances, including victories over Luis de la Fuente's side and a Norway team spearheaded by Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland.
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At the distinct risk of being made to look foolish on past evidence, Germany look a long way from mounting a serious challenge at their home tournament.
Die Mannschaft's programme consists of friendlies because they have automatically qualified as hosts, and the notion of reading a great deal into non-competitive matches was one that cost manager Hansi Flick his job after a 4-1 thrashing by Japan in Wolfsburg on September 9, a third straight defeat as part of a five-game winless run putting paid to the former Bayern Munich boss' tenure.
Elsewhere in qualifying, World Cup finalists France, Euro 2016 winners Portugal and
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