AFTER being delayed for a year, Euro 2020 is all geared for takeoff and an explosive tournament is on the cards.
The Euros is expected to showcase the continent's best and most talented players, including some familiar names, as well as up-and-coming youngsters aiming to cement their names in the history books.
Here’s what you need to know.
FRANCE are looking the favourites to win with the return of Karim Benzema to the national squad. The team also includes skillful talent in the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezeman.
ENGLAND are showing signs that they can be pretty formidable. Additions of young talents include Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham alongside the likes of Jadon Sancho and Harry Kane.
PORTUGAL will be led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be assisted by Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and the likes of Joao Felix and Ruben Dias.
BELGIUM aim to be victorious with their ‘Golden Generation’. Roberto Martinez’s side have a profusion of talent in the team, and with their impressive 10 wins from 10 games during the qualification campaign, things look promising.
SPAIN will hope to regain the title since their back-to-back wins in 2008 and 2012 and a World Cup win sandwiched in between. Although slightly underperforming since then, they do stand as favourites with that 6-0 win over Germany in November.
Speaking of Germany, even though they already have three European Championship titles, being in Group F with France, Portugal and Hungary may prove to be a challenge.
Not discrediting the other teams, but dark horses such as Denmark, Turkey and Austria will look to surprise.
Young stars to look out for
Alexander Isak (21) - Sweden
Being compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the forward has already scored 33 goals in two seasons playing for Real Sociedad. With Zlatan out of the tournament due to an injury, Isak has the chance to show what he can bring to the team.
Phil Foden (21) - England
Proving his importance and influence in the Manchester City squad, the PFA Young Player of the Year was a late addition to the squad by Gareth Southgate, but a crucial choice nevertheless.
Jamal Musiala (18) - Germany
Before making the decision to play for Germany’s senior side, he was stuck between playing for England or Germany due to his parentage. Having found the net seven times from his attacking midfield position for Bayern Munich, the fleet-footed player has a deadly eye for goal.
Jude Bellingham (17) - England
Aiding Borussia Dortmund to a third-place finish, a German Cup and reaching the Champions League quarter-final, the box-to-box midfielder has won the league’s Newcomer of the Season award and looks set to play a vital role in the England squad.
Nuno Mendes (18) - Portugal
With the combination of speed and skill, as well as already being in the sights of the two Manchester clubs, Mendes hopes to play a key role alongside Portugal hero and icon, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ryan Gravenberch (19) - Netherlands
Standing at 6’3’’, the teenager from Ajax is already one of the top players in the Dutch League and deservedly called up to the senior squad. Having made his debut with the team at just 16, the youngest player Ajax had ever fielded has the skillset to be shoulder to shoulder with the very best.
Adam Hlozek (18) - Czech Republic
Finishing the league with a stunning 15 goals from just 19 appearances, despite missing three months of the Czech Fortuna Liga with a broken foot, the youngster often has been compared to another centre-forward, Erling Haaland.
Joao Felix (21) - Portugal
Portugal coach Fernando Santos clearly sees Felix can make a difference to the team. With the creative impulses from Christiano Ronaldo to feed off on, Felix has the freedom to roam the pitch and provide the magical touch Portugal needs.
The first match kicks off on June 12, at 3 am local time. Italy takes on Turkey at Stadio Olympic in Rome. – The Vibes, 11 June, 2021
