As we gear up for Euro 2024, attention shifts to Group C, where England, Denmark, Serbia, and Slovenia will compete for advancement. This comprehensive preview dissects each team’s strengths and weaknesses, assesses their recent performances, and predicts the group standings. Don’t miss the betting opportunities we’ve highlighted to boost your betting value for this highly anticipated event.
Euro 2024 Group C Predictions
Euro 2024 Group C: England and Slovenia Set to Shine
Key Stats
– England’s Defence: England conceded only 4 goals in their entire qualifying campaign.
– Slovenia’s Resilience: Slovenia has lost just 2 of their last 19 international matches.
– Kane’s Firepower: Harry Kane scored 36 goals in the Bundesliga this season, highlighting his prolific form.
Slovenia
Best Euro’s Finish: Group Stage (2000)
Slovenia enters Group C as the underdogs but shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. Their impressive qualifying campaign saw them finish second in Group H, narrowly behind Denmark. They boasted both the best attack and defensive record in their group, scoring 20 goals and conceding only nine.
20-year-old striker Benjamin Sesko emerged as a key player, netting five goals in qualifying. Sesko, linked with several top clubs, will look to make his mark in Germany. Another significant asset is Jan Oblak, one of the world’s best goalkeepers, playing for Atletico Madrid.
Ranked 57th globally, Slovenia has lost only two of their last 19 international matches. They even secured a notable 2-0 friendly win over Portugal, featuring stars like Joao Felix, Ruben Neves, and Cristiano Ronaldo, in March.
Denmark
Best Euro’s Finish: Champions (1992)
Denmark has been a consistent presence in European Championships since their debut in 1964, missing only two of the last ten tournaments. The 1992 champions reached the semi-finals in the 2020 edition, losing to England.
Manager Kasper Hjulmand might leave out some veterans, with players like Kasper Schmeichel, Mathias Jorgensen, and Simon Kjaer possibly missing out. A lack of depth in defence could be a vulnerability, as four of the eight defenders in the recent squad have fewer than ten caps.
On the positive side, goals are likely to come more easily. Rasmus Hojlund, priced at 33/1 for the Golden Boot, will be crucial. Hojlund has demonstrated his scoring prowess with seven goals in eight games for Denmark during 2023.
Serbia
Best Euro’s Finish: Never Qualified
This is Serbia’s first appearance at the European Championships since becoming an independent nation in 2006. Despite their inexperience in the Euros, they have been regulars on the global stage, qualifying for three of the last four World Cups.
Serbia finished second in their qualifying group behind Hungary. Their squad includes well-known players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Serbia’s all-time top goalscorer, and Dusan Tadic, the most capped player for the Eagles.
Managed by Dragan Stojkovic, known as “Piksi,” the team faces pressure to perform after a disappointing World Cup 2022, where they finished bottom of their group. Serbia’s mix of experience and emerging talent makes them an intriguing contender in Group C.
England
Best Euro’s Finish: Runners-up (2020)
England narrowly missed out on their first European Championship title in 2020, losing to Italy in a penalty shootout. Gareth Southgate’s squad enters Euro 2024 as one of the favourites, thanks to their depth and recent strong performances.
Captain Harry Kane, who scored 36 goals in the Bundesliga this season, leads a formidable attack. Phil Foden, named Premier League Player of the Year, and Jude Bellingham, with 25 goal contributions in his debut season with Real Madrid, add to their offensive firepower.
England topped their qualifying group without defeat, six points clear of Italy. Only France and Portugal conceded fewer goals than England’s four in the qualifiers. Their group stage matches will be held in Gelsenkirchen (against Denmark), Frankfurt (against Serbia), and Cologne (against Slovenia), providing a different environment from Euro 2020 when they played their opening games at Wembley.
Predictions for the Euro 2024 Group C
Group Winner: England
England is widely anticipated to top Group C, a prediction rooted in their balanced team composition, considerable squad depth, and impressive recent form. Gareth Southgate’s squad is brimming with talent across all positions, positioning them as favourites to emerge as group leaders.
The attacking prowess at Southgate’s disposal is formidable. Harry Kane, the team captain, continues to be a prolific scorer, having netted 36 goals in the Bundesliga this season. His ability to convert opportunities into goals is second to none, making him a critical asset for England. Alongside Kane, Phil Foden, who was named Premier League Player of the Year, brings creativity and flair to the squad. Foden’s agility and vision enable him to unlock defences and set up scoring opportunities, adding a dynamic edge to England’s attacking strategy.
Jude Bellingham, having excelled in his debut season with Real Madrid with 25 goal contributions in 27 appearances, is another pivotal figure. His midfield dominance, characterised by both defensive tenacity and offensive creativity, provides England with a balanced and versatile midfield engine. Bellingham’s ability to break down opposition play and initiate counter-attacks will be crucial in maintaining England’s forward momentum.
England’s defensive record further bolsters their credentials. The team conceded only four goals in their qualifying campaign, showcasing their defensive solidity. Key to this stability are experienced defenders like John Stones and Kyle Walker. Stones’ positioning and aerial prowess, combined with Walker’s pace and tackling ability, form a robust defensive partnership capable of thwarting opposition attacks.
Moreover, England’s tactical discipline and ability to control the tempo of matches give them an additional edge. Southgate’s strategic acumen ensures that the team can adapt to different play styles, maintaining possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. This adaptability and control are vital in navigating the challenges of the group stage.
The Three Lions’ recent performances in major tournaments underscore their ability to perform under pressure. Their journey to the Euro 2020 final and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup highlight a consistency that few teams can match. This track record, combined with the depth and quality of the squad, solidifies their status as favourites to win Group C.
Second Place: Slovenia
Slovenia is poised to secure the second spot in Group C, a prediction that may surprise many given their underdog status. However, their impressive qualifying campaign and recent form suggest they are well-equipped to advance beyond the group stage.
Slovenia’s qualification journey saw them finish second in Group H, narrowly behind Denmark. This performance is indicative of their capability to compete with stronger teams. Central to their success is Benjamin Sesko, the young striker who netted five goals in qualifying. Sesko’s ability to find the back of the net and his presence up front will be instrumental for Slovenia. His performance in Germany will be keenly watched, especially with top clubs eyeing his talent.
Another cornerstone of Slovenia’s strategy is their defensive strength, anchored by Jan Oblak. Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Oblak’s experience and leadership are invaluable. His shot-stopping prowess and command of the penalty area provide a solid foundation for the team. Oblak’s ability to organise the defence and make crucial saves in tight matches will be pivotal for Slovenia’s chances.
Slovenia’s recent form is also promising, having lost only two of their last 19 international fixtures. This resilience and consistency reflect a well-organised team capable of withstanding pressure. Their disciplined defence, which conceded just nine goals in qualifying, will be tested in the group stage, but their capability to stand firm is evident.
Competing well against Denmark in the qualifiers demonstrated Slovenia’s potential. Their ability to challenge and even outplay stronger teams suggests they can replicate such performances in the tournament. Additionally, Slovenia’s favourable schedule could work to their advantage. Meeting England in their final group game might see them face a less pressured opponent if the Three Lions have already secured qualification by then.
Slovenia’s blend of youth and experience, coupled with their recent form and defensive solidity, positions them as strong contenders to secure the second spot in Group C.
Final Group Standings Prediction:
- England
- England’s combination of tactical superiority, squad depth, and current form makes them favourites to win Group C. Their ability to control matches and create scoring opportunities will be decisive.
- Slovenia
- Slovenia’s recent form, defensive solidity, and the presence of key players like Benjamin Sesko and Jan Oblak could see them secure second place. Their resilience and ability to compete against stronger teams will be crucial.
- Denmark
- Despite their pedigree, Denmark might struggle due to a lack of depth in defence and an ageing squad. While they possess quality, the current stagnation could see them finish third.
- Serbia
- Serbia, despite having recognisable talent, may find it challenging to advance from this tough group. Their inconsistent performances in major tournaments and the pressure to perform could hinder their progress.
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