“They are the most complete teams in the tournament” - Fabregas names 2 favourites to win Euro 2024
Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has named Germany and Spain as his two favourites to go all the way at the ongoing Euro 2024. Both teams are through to the knockouts as group winners.
Hosts Germany became the first team to reach the Euro 2024 after winning their opening two games, beating Scotland 5-1 and Hungary 2-0. A last-gasp 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Sunday (June 23) made it an unbeaten group-stage campaign for Julian Nagelsmann's side.
Meanwhile, La Roja opened their campaign for a record fourth title with a 3-0 win over Croatia before overcoming defending champions Italy by a solitary goal to reach the Round of 16 as group winners. They take on Albania in their final group game in Dusseldorf on Monday (June 24).
In an exclusive on Legends Lounge, the Spaniard said about his favourites for the ongoing European Championships:
“Germany and Spain (are my favourites to win Euro 2024). They have very similar qualities. Similar type of football, similar principles. They look comfortable.
"They are the ones that are more ready to play this modern intense, aggressive football. Good on the ball, disciplined tactically (as well). They are the most complete teams in the tournament at the moment."
Fabregas was a part of La Roja's victorious Euro 2008, 2010 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012 teams.
Defending champions Italy have work to do to reach Euro 2024 knockouts
Defending champions Italy launched their title defence at Euro 2024 with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Albania, having conceded the fastest-ever Euros goal by any team, inside 23 seconds.
Luciano Spalletti's side, though, were comfortably second-best, as they lost 1-0 to Spain in their second game, leaving them with work to do to reach the knockouts. The Azzurri take on 2018 FIFA World Cup finalists Croatia on Monday (June 24) in Leipzig needing a point to go through.
However, the Azzurri will be knocked out if they lose again and Albania upset group winners Spain in the other game. In nine games with Croatia, Italy have won only once and lost thrice.