UEFA Euro 2024 Preview, predictions and key players to watch | Group C

Preview

In just 32 days, football fever is set to hit the throttle as UEFA Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany, with the hosts taking on Scotland in the curtain-raiser on June 14. After spreading out the tournament across multiple countries last time, the European championship is back to its old format, and we have many interesting storylines to look forward to. Georgia are set to make their debut in the competition, whereas Germany are aiming to become just the fourth side in history to win the trophy on its home turf.

Teams

Slovenia – The Eastern European minnows are all set to make their first appearance at the Euros since 2000, following an impressive qualifying campaign that saw them win seven times from 10 games. They’ve also started their preparations on a good note this year, going all three games unbeaten and winning twice, including a stunning 2-0 defeat of giants Portugal in March friendly.

Denmark – The Red and Whites won the Group H of the qualifiers ahead of Slovenia on goal difference and reached their second consecutive European finals. The Nordic side were the story of Euro 2020, as they survived Cristian Eriksen’s health scare in the opening match to reach the semi-finals, their best finish in the competition since winning the title in 1992.

Serbia – Serbia have qualified for the first time as an independent nation and will now be looking to leave a mark on the tournament. The side does have some experience on the international stage, having qualified for the last two World Cups, and given their talented roster, could be the showpiece’s biggest surprise.

England – The big fish in the pond, England will be looking to make amends for their Euro 2020 final loss on home turf, by going all the way in Germany. Manager Gareth Southgate has plenty of talented stars at his disposal as the Three Lions are keen to end their 58-year trophy drought.

Key Players To Watch In UEFA Euro 2024, Group C

Jan Oblak (Slovenia)

Slovenia have quite a few attacking talents, but Jan Oblak is perhaps their biggest star heading to the tournament. The Atletico Madrid custodian is among the best goalkeepers in the world. Tall, athletic and physically strong, Oblak is known for his speed, quick reflexes and exemplary reading of the game. His shot-stopping ability will be vital in Slovenia’s quest to reach the knockout stages.

Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark)

Christian Eriksen might be the biggest name on Denmark’s team-sheet, but his injury-ridden campaign with Manchester United means his club teammate Rasmus Hojlund is presently the MVP. The 21-year-old possesses deadly finishing and can make a team pay for even the slightest of defensive lapses. He has scored 14 goals for United this season, his first for the club, and was Denmark’s top-scorer in the qualifiers with seven goals, also the most in Group H.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Serbia)

It’s difficult to pick one player from a Serbian side that’s packed to the rafters with top-notch talents, but if we are being honest, then Aleksandar Mitrovic is the cream of the crop. The former Fulham striker is their all-time top-scorer with 57 goals, including five he struck in the qualifiers, the most in Group G. He’s had a prolific campaign with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League scoring 26 goals from 25 games, which proved vital in winning the league this season.

Harry Kane (England)

Who else could it be? Harry Kane hasn’t looked back since scoring on his England debut back in 2016. Unlike many great English players of the past, he has been able to carry his blistering club form onto the major international tournaments too, netting six times at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and another four at the Euro 2020. Coming off an impressive debut campaign with Bayern Munich, wherein he struck 44 times from 45 games, Kane is among the top favorites for the Euro 2024 Golden Boot.

Key Game To Watch In Group C – Denmark vs England

Two sides filled to the brim with talents, go head-to-head as Denmark and England renew their rivalry. At Euro 2021, these teams contested a tense semi-final that went into extra-time where the Three Lions prevailed 2-1. Although the stakes are much lower this time around, one can expect an interesting game nonetheless. And Christian Eriksen will be a part of it this time too!

UEFA EURO 2024 Group C Matches

Predictions

• England to win Group C
• Denmark to finish as Group C runners-up
• Serbia to come in at third
• Slovenia, owing to their inexperience, are predicted to finish last

Also Read:

• UEFA Euro 2024: Group A – Preview and Predictions
• Euro 2024: Guaranteed Players in Expanded Italy Squad for Soccer Tournament in Germany
• EURO 2024: UEFA extends squad strength of teams to 26