
Perhaps the most highly anticipated sports event in 2024 is upon us as 24 European countries prepare for a ruthless battle for continental supremacy.
March’s international break is around the corner, providing qualified teams with the last opportunity to test out their tactical set-up ahead of the UEFA 2024 European Championship.
As ever, a substantial contingent of the Manchester United squad should participate in the most prestigious continental tournament as we look at the likeliest candidates to represent their countries in Germany.
England
Beaten Euro 2020 finalists are among the leading title contenders.
If you look at the latest Euro 2024 odds with Betway, you’ll see England are the joint-favourites to lift the crown alongside the 2022 FIFA World Cup runners-up France.
Gareth Southgate’s side enjoyed a near-flawless qualifying campaign, racking up six wins and two draws en route to finishing atop Group C, ahead of defending holders Italy.
Despite being in and out of Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, Harry Maguire remains one of Southgate’s most trusted allies, as evidenced by his contribution during the qualifying campaign.
Though he’s currently on the sidelines, the ex-Leicester City defender should soon return to action, perhaps for next week’s blockbuster FA Cup quarter-final tie against Liverpool, as per the Evening Standard.
Maguire’s defensive colleague, Luke Shaw, is another played adored by Southgate and will probably be the Three Lions gaffer’s first choice at left-back if he can stay away from the infirmary.
There’s no doubt that Marcus Rashford will be part of the Euro 2024, even though he has experienced an underwhelming season by his high standards.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Mount will not be so lucky, especially the latter, who has spent most of his Man Utd career nursing injuries.
Teenage prodigy Kobbie Mainoo could be an unlikely candidate to board the plane for Germany following his jaw-dropping breakout campaign in the Premier League.
But that’s a long shot.
France
England’s fiercest title rivals, France, will touch down in Germany hungry for redemption after suffering a World Cup heartache against Argentina last winter.
Didier Deschamps boasts a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, among others, and will be keen to lead Les Bleus to continental glory for the first time since 2000.
Raphael Varane, whose future at Old Trafford is in the balance, will have to fight tooth and nail to make the Euro 2024 squad after being left out of Deschamps’ list during November’s international break.
According to the Mirror’s recent report, the Red Devils plot an eye-watering summer bid for Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite amid talks linking the 30-year-old Frenchman with an exit.
While Varane still has a chance to appear at the upcoming tournament, United’s forgotten man, Anthony Martial, will probably negotiate personal terms with other clubs come the German-held showpiece.
Portugal
Bruno Fernandes played a prominent role as Portugal enjoyed their first-ever 100% Euro qualifying campaign under new manager Roberto Martinez.
Alongside ex-Man Utd superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, the Red Devils captain was among the most prolific players in the qualifying cycle and will be looking to maintain his scintillating form in Germany.
Diogo Dalot should join his skipper after featuring for Martinez’s side regularly over the past 12 months.
Denmark
Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand will probably rely on Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund to spearhead the Danes’ bid to better Euro 2020’s run to the semi-finals.
Though the former has failed to impress this season, the latter has gone from strength to strength after a torrid start to life in the Premier League, showing glimpses of his burgeoning talent.
Scotland
Scott McTominay is not only Man Utd’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League this season. He’s also Scotland’s qualifying hero.
A striker trapped in the body of a midfielder tallied seven goals during the qualifying campaign to help his country secure back-to-back Euros qualifications.
McTominay will be one of the Tartan Army’s leading figures in Germany.
Netherlands
Tyrell Malacia has never reached the heights Ten Hag expected of him when he forked out €15 million to take him to the Theatre of Dreams from Feyenoord in 2022.
The 24-year-old left-back wasn’t part of Ronald Koeman’s squad in November, and he’ll stay out unless he performs a miracle down the final stretch of 2023/24.
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