EURO 2024: Five group games not to be missed

TOP FIVE GROUP GAMES: The Euro 2024 curtain raiser should prove the perfect game to get the ball rolling. Despite a lack of competitive action since their 2022 World Cup exit, the tournament hosts are one of the favourites to go all the way in front of their own fans. Pic: Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP

Friday June 14: Germany v Scotland.

The Euro 2024 curtain raiser should prove the perfect game to get the ball rolling. Despite a lack of competitive action since their 2022 World Cup exit, the tournament hosts are one of the favourites to go all the way in front of their own fans. Julian Nagelsmann has breathed fresh life into Die Mannschaft and expectations are high. However, Scotland aren't in Germany to merely make up the numbers; they did surprise Spain in qualifying after all. Considered by some to be dark horses at the Euros, this won't be easy for Nagelsmann's side when the tournament gets underway at the Allianz Arena this week.

Sat June 15: Spain v Croatia.

The blockbuster group stages games come thick and fast as Spain take on Croatia on Saturday evening. In the Euros Group of Death, the pair lock horns almost a year after La Roja claimed the UEFA Nations League trophy via penalties at Croatia's expense. Both sides need a result to kick off their respective campaigns with Italy in action against group outsiders Albania on Saturday night. Spain have the youthful exuberance in their favour yet Croatia's winning experience with the likes of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic should make for an intriguing match up.

Thurs June 20: Denmark v England

England will be looking to quickly move on from their disappointing 1-0 loss to Iceland when they take on Serbia in their group opener on Sunday night. They'll need to at least avoid defeat ahead of their meeting with Denmark on matchday two. The Danish Dynamite are not to be underestimated and have a number of familiar faces in the squad, including Rasmus Hojlund, Christian Eriksen, Mikkel Damsgaard and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. There is plenty of quality all across the pitch for Kasper Hjulmand's side and Denmark are not to be underestimated. Win here, though, and England fans will start to believe that Football is coming home...

Thurs June 20: Spain v Italy

Undoubtedly the blockbuster clash of the group stages, Spain and Italy played out a thoroughly enjoyable semi-final showdown at Wembley back in 2021. In the three years since, both sides have changed managers and yet fans should witness an enjoyable showdown between these two heavy hitters. Spain's talented crop of young players will fancy their chances up against an Italy backline that lacks that authority without Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini from yesteryear, though the Azzurri do still boast quality options in defence. This Group B clash could make or break either side's Euros campaign.

Fri June 21: Netherlands v France.

Netherlands lost just two matches on their way to qualifying for Euro 2024. Both of those came against Group D rivals France, which included a 4-0 mauling in Paris. There will be plenty riding on this meeting when the duo face off once more as both sides seek to secure their spot in the next round of the competition. The Oranje's last five defeats have come against more established European opposition, including Germany, Italy and Croatia along with France, and this will impact the Netherlands psychologically when they take on one of the pre-tournament favourites on matchday two.