UEFA Euro 2020: From France to Portugal- Ranking the 5 top contenders for the title

The 2020 UEFA Euro would be the 16th edition of the prestigious European continental championship. While Portugal is the defending champion, various top sides have to potential to become title contenders. Here, we take a look at five of the top ones.

Ayush Gupta

Europe, First Published Jun 8, 2021, 1:14 PM IST | Last Updated Jun 8, 2021, 1:14 PM IST

When it comes to UEFA Euro, it is one of the continental tournaments in the world where one cannot predict the actual winner. It is one of the only tournaments where every team is equally competent and have the calibre to emerge as title contenders.

The UEFA Euro 2020 would be no different, with diverse top sides vying for the prestigious European continental title. As the 24-team mega-event gets underway from Friday, we rank the five top contenders for the title in its 16th edition.

England
Be it any edition; The Three Lions can never really be ruled out as proper title contenders despite not having close to winning it any time. The prime reason for the side to be considered contenders is its monumental possession of top performers, thanks to the enormous global impact of the English Premier League. With a highly talented young squad, regularly fighting at the top level on the European stage in club football, along with the prolificness of Harry Kane and manager Gareth Southgate, this is England’s golden chance at glory.

Belgium
The Belgian squad under Roberto Martinez has been a powerhouse. Although the side has defensive limitations, its bolsters incredible depth in the midfield and forward, making it a grave threat for any opponent. The likes of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne make the side even dangerous and its rich outing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup was good enough of an example of what the Red Devils is capable of doing.

Germany
The Germans have underperformed in the big tournaments in the past few years, following their glory in the FIFA World Cup 2014. However, judging by its star-studded squad and its depth, it would be impractical to rule it out. Following the return of Thomas Muller, along with the possession of defying talents like Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Timo Werner, Kevin Volland and Leroy Sane, Germany is the side to beat. Also, with this being head coach Joachim Löw’s final outing, the Nationalelf would be determined to come out on top.

Portugal
The defending champion was the surprise winner last term. Although it was a top side even back then, hardly anyone expected it to lift the title. Since then, the side has maintained a high consistency, even winning the UEFA Nations League. With modern-day great and team skipper Cristiano Ronaldo showing no signs of slowing down, it is once again the side to beat, along with the possession of other top performers like Ruben Dias, Pepe and Bruno Fernandes.

France
The most favourite of all has to be the reigning world champion France. Ever since winning the FIFA World Cup 2018, it has been on a roll. Although it fluttered in the UNL, finishing outside the top four, it is still a team that bolsters incredible talent. It comprises Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, N’golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot, Thomas Lemar, Presnel Kimpembe, Jules Kounde, along with veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. While the side is on a European title drought since 200, it could all change this year. Although its gameplay is sure to be world-class, the tag of being the world champion might just prove to be heavy.

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