Euro 2024 Ultimate Guide

Table of contents:

• A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE EUROS
• WHEN IS EURO 2024?
• EURO 2024 GROUPS
• GROUP A | GERMANY, SCOTLAND, HUNGARY, SWITZERLAND
• GROUP B | SPAIN, CROATIA, ITALY, ALBANIA
• GROUP C | SLOVENIA, DENMARK, SERBIA, ENGLAND
• GROUP D | NETHERLANDS, FRANCE, POLAND, AUSTRIA
• GROUP E | UKRAINE, SLOVAKIA, BELGIUM, ROMANIA
• GROUP F | PORTUGAL, CZECHIA, GEORGIA, TURKEY
• EURO 2024 FAVOURITES
• ENGLAND | TOURNAMENT ODDS 3.95
• FRANCE | TOURNAMENT ODDS 4.8
• GERMANY | TOURNAMENT ODDS 6.40
• SPAIN | TOURNAMENT ODDS 8.80
• PORTUGAL | TOURNAMENT ODDS 8.80
• EURO 2024 HOST CITIES AND VENUES
• OLYMPIASTADION | CAPACITY: 71,000
• FRANKFURT ARENA | CAPACITY: 47,000
• ARENA AUFSCHALKE | CAPACITY: 50,000
• STUTTGART ARENA | CAPACITY 51,000
• MUNICH FOOTBALL ARENA | CAPACITY: 66,000
• COLOGNE STADIUM | CAPACITY: 43,000
• VOLKSPARKSTADION | CAPACITY: 51,000
• DÜSSELDORF ARENA | CAPACITY: 47,000
• LEIPZIG STADIUM | CAPACITY: 40,000
• BVB STADION | CAPACITY 62,000
• BET ON EURO 2024 AT LOTTOLAND

 

A Brief History of the Euros

When the first Euros was contested in 1960, the world, and especially Europe, looked much different! The tournament debuted in France and was contested by only four countries—three of which do not exist today! France was joined by Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and the eventful winners, the Soviet Union.

The four-team format continued throughout the 60’s and 70’s, before expanding to 8b teams in 1980. West Germany eventually won the expanded tournament, adding to the title they had won in 1972. Germany would not add to their title for another 16 years, with France and the Netherlands taking victories in ’84 and ’88 that would make legends out of their two stars, Michele Platini and Johann Cruyff.

The 8-team format continued for 16 years, but by 1996, Europe was a reborn continent. The break-up of Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union had led to the continent hosting more and more independent countries. In 1996, the decision was made to increase the number of teams to 16. Again, Germany won the revamped tournament, with Oliver Bierhoff’s famous “Golden Goal” securing victory over the Czech Republic.

French and Greek triumphs in 2000 and 2004 were followed by an era of dominance by Spain. The Spanish were unbeaten for 35 international games from 2007-2009, during which period they won Euro 2008. Although they lost their unbeaten record to the USA in 2009, they continued to sweep up trophies, winning the World Cup and then a second European Championship in 2012.

In 2016 the trophy made the short journey from Madrid to Lisbon, as Portugal gleefully ended their international trophy drought with an unexpected triumph over hosts France. There would be more heartache for the hosting country in the Covid-delayed Euro 2020, as the English fell to Italy in London.

When is Euro 2024?

The 17th edition of the European Championship kicks off on Friday, 14 June 2024, in Germany. The first match sees the hosts take on Scotland at the Munich Football Arena. This will be the first of 51 matches that will take place throughout the following month, culminating in the showpiece final in Berlin’s Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday, 14 July 2024.  

Euro 2024 Groups

The first stage of Euro 2024 consists of six groups with four teams each. The group stage begins on Friday, June 14, with the final match kicking off on Wednesday, June 26. In total, the 24 teams will play 36 matches to decide which 16 teams will qualify for the next round.

Group A | Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland

Germany would surely have been one of the happiest teams when the groups were drawn for Euro 2024. Having been drawn alongside Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland, they are 1.40 favourites to top Group A. However, they will have to guard against complacency, as Scotland and Switzerland are both capable of springing a surprise—especially considering Germany’s somewhat indifferent form over the past four years.

Group B | Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania

Every tournament, seemingly without fail, the draw produces the dreaded “Group of Death”. For Euro 2024, it seems that Group B is the draw that every other nation will have been happy to avoid! Albania is making their European Championship debut, but they are rank outsiders to qualify from a group that contains reigning champions Italy, Spain, and Croatia.

Group C | Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England

“Thirty years of hurt” has turned into 58 years of misery as England hunt for their first international trophy since 1966. They may never have a better chance than this year with a team starring Balon d’Or contenders Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. They are expected to cruise through Group C (you can get odds of 12-1 for them to get eliminated at this stage. Joining them in the next round is likely to be one of Denmark or Serbia, with their match on Tuesday, 25 June, likely to prove crucial.

Group D | Netherlands, France, Poland, Austria

France went through penalty shoot-out agony in the World Cup Final when they succumbed to Argentina in 2022. Two years later, they will have to battle through a tough group containing Netherlands, Poland, and Austria to add to their two European Championship triumphs. However, both the French and Dutch teams will be confident of qualifying despite the potential for stern opposition from Poland and Austria.

Group E | Ukraine, Slovakia, Belgium, Romania

Belgium’s “Golden Generation” has so far failed to live up to its promise, and for the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin DeBruyne, this is likely to be their last chance of claiming international silverware. They will be confident of qualifying from Group E, with Ukraine, Slovakia, and Romania battling each other for second place.

Group F | Portugal, Czechia, Georgia, Turkey

Georgia was the surprise package of the qualifying round, beating Greece on penalties to qualify for their first international tournament. They face a seemingly impossible task in their tournament debut, with Portugal, Czechia, and Turkey all looking much better equipped to battle it out for qualification for the Round of 16.

Euro 2024 Favourites

One of the things that makes the Euro’s so compelling every four years is its ability to spring a surprise. For fans of the underdog there may be no better story than Denmark’s triumph in 1992 – made all the more remarkable by the fact that they had initially failed to even qualify for the tournament! Greece’s win in 2004 – against the heavily backed hosts, Portugal – was another underdog story for the ages!

So, while we are going to take a closer look at the five pre-tournament favourites for success, remember that this is a tournament where the outsiders have always had a chance!

England | Tournament Odds 3.95

Curiously, England are the only one of the top 5 favourites to have never won a European Championship – could that be about to change this year? Their young team certainly has the talent to go far, with the likes of Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham all enjoying stellar seasons for their club teams.

While England’s options look good going forward, their weakness seems to be at the other end of the pitch, where various combinations of centre-back pairings have all struggled to impress consistently.

France | Tournament Odds 4.8

France are looking to add to their two previous triumphs in this tournament, and one look at their squad will let you know that they stand every chance of making it all the way. Their star man is undoubtedly the rapid Kylian Mbappe, who came so close to single-handedly winning the World Cup Final in 2022. This is no one-man-show, however, as the striker is backed up by a more than capable supporting cast, including Mike Maignan, William Saliba, and teenage sensation Warren Zaire-Emery.

Germany | Tournament Odds 6.40

Germany have endured a torrid time in recent years. Their group-stage exit from the World Cup in 2022 was seen as an embarrassment, while performances in the subsequent 18 months have been less than convincing. However, their biggest weapon could be the tactical nous of their young manager, Julien Nagelsmann, who has been courted by most of the world’s elite clubs. With their more than capable coach, a strong squad and the backing of fervent home support, Germany could surprise many by going deep into the competition.

Spain | Tournament Odds 8.80

From 2008 to 2012, Spain enjoyed a period of success unlike any other. Two European Championships and a World Cup cemented that team’s legacy as possibly the greatest national team of all time. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the next generation of players hasn’t quite matched their predecessors yet.

However, having won the Nation’s League in 2023, the Spanish squad seems to have been reinvigorated by a trio of teenage sensations from Barcelona. Lacine Yamal, Pedri and Gavi. Although Gavi is likely to miss the tournament, his club teammates have shown that they are more than ready to make an even bigger impact on the national stage, and the Euros seem to be the perfect stage for their talents.

Portugal | Tournament Odds 8.80

At 38, this might well be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last international tournament and almost certainly his last Euros. The legendary attacker is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia and will be an influential presence for his country in Germany. Aside from Ronaldo, Portugal have quietly brought together one of the most exciting squads in the world.

Ruben Dias leads a strong defence, Bernardo Silva is a talisman in midfield, and the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao all have the ability to unlock even the meanest defence. Portugal is flying a little under the radar as the tournament approaches, but with such talent in abundance, you rule them out at your peril!

Euro 2024 Host Cities and Venues

Germany is home to some of the best football stadiums in the world, making it a perfect host for Euro 2024. The matches will be played in ten host cities, spread all across the nation, from Hamburg in the north to Munich in the south.

Olympiastadion | Capacity: 71,000

With a capacity of 71,000, Berlin’s Olympiastadion is the biggest venue at Euro 2024. The iconic stadium has hosted some of football biggest matches, including the 2006 World Cup final and the final of the 2015 Champions League. This year, the venue will be host for six matches in total, including three group stage games and the tournament's grand finale on 14 July.

Frankfurt Arena | Capacity: 47,000

The Frankfurt Arena has a storied history dating back to 1925. In that time, it has hosted several notable events, including the 2002 Women’s World Cup final and quarter-final in the 2006 World Cup. With a capacity of 47,000, this stadium is not the biggest of venues, but—if Eintracht Frankfurt’s home matches are anything to go by—what the stadium lacks in size, it will more than make up for with atmosphere!

Arena AufSchalke | Capacity: 50,000

Seven-time league champions Schalke have endured a horrible few seasons as they have slipped out of the Bundesliga and battled to stay in business with debts of over €250 million. Their stadium, however, remains one of the world’s premier footballing destinations! The venue will host four matches in total, including England’s opener against Serbia on 16 June.

Stuttgart Arena | Capacity 51,000

The 51,000-capacity Stuttgart Arena shares the city with notable neighbours such as Mercedes and Porsche. However, it is not cars but football that is the biggest passion here—especially when VFB Stuttgart impresses as they have this season! Five Euro 2024 matches will be played in Stuttgart, including Germany’s second group-stage match against Hungary on 19 June.

Munich Football Arena | Capacity: 66,000

The Munich Football Arena, also known as Allianz Arena, is one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world, thanks to its eye-catching design and incredible atmosphere. This stadium has become used to the biggest events as it is Bayern Munich’s home stadium. It has also hosted the 2012 Champions League Final. For Euro 2024, it will host six games, including Germany’s opener against Scotland.

Cologne Stadium | Capacity: 43,000

England’s final group game against Slovenia will be played in Cologne, Germany’s fourth-biggest city. The stadium, which holds over 43,000, will also host three additional group-stage games and one Round of 16 match.

Volksparkstadion | Capacity: 51,000

Fans travelling to Hamburg for football this summer will not only be treated to one of the tournament's oldest stadiums but also one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. Thanks to its thriving nightlife and significant cultural history, Hamburg has become a favourite “city-break” destination. Meanwhile, it is also home to the Volksparkstadion, a 51,000-seater venue that has welcomed fans for Euro ‘88 as well as the 1974 and 2006 World Cups.

Düsseldorf Arena | Capacity: 47,000

France and Spain will both have group-stage games at the 47,000-seater Düsseldorf Arena. The stadium, which was built in 2004, has hosted numerous sporting events over the years, including the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011! This summer, its biggest game will be the quarter-final match on 6 July.

Leipzig Stadium | Capacity: 40,000

The Leipzig Stadium will host two of the most highly anticipated matches of the group stage: Netherlands vs France on 21 June and Croatia vs Italy on 24 June. These two games are undoubtedly two of the biggest of the group stages and might just give us an indication of who the eventual tournament winner might be!

BVB Stadion | Capacity 62,000

Last but by no means least is Borussia Dortmund’s BVB Stadion. The home of the iconic “Yellow Wall” is world-famous for generating an atmosphere unlike any other. This summer, the likes of France, Portugal, and Italy will all experience that atmosphere for themselves during the group stage, while a Semi-Final on 10 July that could potentially feature Germany is sure to send the decibels sky-high!

Bet on Euro 2024 at Lottoland

Now that we have given you our thoughts on this summer’s big event, we want to hear yours! Whether you agree or disagree, we would love to hear from you in the comments below. Don’t forget: if you want to bet on Euro 2024, Lottoland is offering exclusive offers and bonuses!