Bastian Schweinsteiger names his favorites to win Euro 2024
As the UEFA Euro 2024 nears its beginning, debates among fans and pundits regarding their favorites to win the trophy are picking up pace. Former German international Bastian Schweinsteiger has thrown his weight behind France as the top contender.
Quizzed on social media platform X regarding his favorites for the tournament, the Euro 2008 runners-up medalist revealed his choice.
Here's the tweet:
The 2014 World Cup winner and former Bayern Munich star's footballing acumen is unquestionable, and his endorsement would be a major boost for the Didier Deschamps-coached outfit.
With world-class players in every position and a prolific forward of Kylian Mbappe's stature leading the line, Les Bleus has been regarded by many as the standout favorite. The current crop of established internationals, coupled with their ever-growing list of emerging talents, has brought them plenty of success over the past decade.
France reached the final of Euro 2016, only to be narrowly defeated by Portugal, and then went on to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The previous edition of the European competition was a disappointment as they were ousted in the Round of 16 by Switzerland on penalties, however, their performance in the 2022 World Cup re-established their spot in the footballing chain.
A look at France's squad for Euro 2024
Paired alongside the Netherlands, Poland, and Austria in Group D, the Kylian Mbappe-led side is one of the most well-balanced sides in the tournament. Right from goalkeepers to strikers, Deschamps is spoilt for choices in every position. AC Milan's Mike Maignan is set to guard the net for them, with Alphonse Areola and Brice Samba deputizing as the backup shot-stoppers.
When it comes to center-backs, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Konde, and Dayot Upamecano are all quality options. The variety of full-back options at their disposal is a worry for the opponents too. While Benjamin Pavard and Ferland Mendy are more suited for defensive setups, Jonathan Clauss and Theo Hernandez could be played in an attacking system.
N'Golo Kante has returned to the fray in the middle of the park, while youngsters like Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Youssouff Fofana will bring the dynamism. Antoine Griezmann reprises a deeper role when playing for his country, and without an iota of doubt, he's instrumental in how Les Bleus functions.
Despite the abundance of talent across the board, the forward line is what sends ripples down the opposition's spines. Veteran Olivier Giroud is still the trusted target man in Deschamps' setup, but in case there's a requirement for fresher legs, Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram are mighty capable. Ousmane Dembele and Kingsley Coman provide the width, and Bradley Barcola is the newest addition to the list of blistering wingers.
Then there's Kylian Mbappe. A man who can do it all - blast past defenders, stab the ball into the first post, curl it into the top corner, no-scope volley if the opportunity presents itself, or stare down a goalkeeper and score from 22 yards. The 25-year-old gives France the X-factor that is often associated with champion teams.