Euro 2024 Preview: Group A - Scotland to progress with Germany?
Euro 2024 kicks off on Friday evening. Here we preview Group A, with all four teams under the microscope as we pick out the key player, young player to watch and make our tournament prediction for Germany, Hungary, Scotland and Switzerland.
How they reached Euro 2024
As tournament hosts, Germany qualified for Euro 2024 automatically. This does mean that Die Mannschaft haven't played a competitive match since the 2022 World Cup, which could work against the German national team, but a number of friendlies has granted Julian Nagelsmann the opportunity to experiment.
Key Player - Toni Kroos
In his final tournament before retirement, Toni Kroos would love nothing more than to secure Euros glory. The passing machine was instrumental as Real Madrid claimed both La Liga the and Champions League, with Kroos dictating the tempo with ease in the former having ranked top for passes per 90 (100.1) and pass success rate (94.7%). Give the 34-year-old the time and the space and he'll control proceedings on home turf.
Young Player to Watch - Jamal Musiala
Helping to usher in the next era of German football, Jamal Musiala shone for Bayern Munich despite a trophyless campaign. The 21-year-old struck 10 times and provided six assists for FC Hollywood in 2023/24. Fans will remember that performance against Costa Rica at the 2022 World Cup, where he completed 13 dribbles. Musiala has since refined his end product, which should terrify Germany's group rivals.
Tournament Prediction - Runners' up
How they reached Euro 2024
Hungary were drawn into one of the easier qualification groups, so it was no surprise to see the Magyars book their place at Euro 2024 with relative ease. Indeed, Hungary topped their group with 18 points from eight games and went through their campaign unbeaten to comfortably secure their spot in Germany.
Key Player - Dominik Szoboszlai
After a strong start to life at Liverpool, injury saw Dominik Szoboszlai struggle for form in the second half of the campaign. The 23-year-old, though, is the poster boy for Hungarian football and is the first name on the teamsheet. Szoboszlai was the top performing player in Group G with a WhoScored rating of 8.16 and having claimed the player of the match award in five of eight outings, there is ample pressure on the young midfielder to help Hungary progress beyond the group stages.
Young Player to Watch - Milos Kerkez
Following a solid debut campaign with Bournemouth, young left-back Milos Kerkez is already being linked with a high-profile transfer. A strong showing for Hungary this summer would see stock rise further with the 20-year-old happy to push forward without a second's hesitation. If granted the freedom to get upfield then he'll stretch defences, which will increase Hungary's chances of making the knockouts.
Tournament Prediction - Group stages
How they reached Euro 2024
While Scotland failed to win their final three qualifying matches, they progressed to the tournament proper alongside Spain having finished second in Group A, collecting 17 points in the process. A 2-0 win over Spain last March proved the catalyst for their qualification to Euro 2024.
Key Player - Scott McTominay
Few could have predicted that Scott McTominay would be Scotland's goal machine in Euro 2024 qualifying. The Manchester United midfielder netted seven times for the Tartan Army, that more than any other player in Group A. With his late runs into the box, McTominay can be expected to shoulder the goalscoring burden for Steve Clarke's men.
Young Player to Watch - Billy Gilmour
It's remarkable to think that Billy Gilmour is still only 22 years of age. The Brighton midfielder has been on the scene for a good few years now and looks to have finally settled for a Premier League side. Tidy on the ball, Gilmour's pass success rate of 92.2% was the third best of midfielders in England's top tier last term.
Tournament Prediction - Round of 16
How they reached Euro 2024
Switzerland weren't wholly convincing in their progression to Euro 2024. Indeed, they won only four matches and failed to win their final four group games, ultimately finishing second behind Romania in Group I with 17 points. That being said, they still impressed in front of goal, netting 22 times, more than any other group rival, and often show up for tournament football.
Key Player - Granit Xhaka
Fresh from playing a key role in Bayer Leverkusen's domestic double, Grant Xhaka will look to maintain his club form with Switzerland this summer. The 31-year-old made more accurate passes (3003) than any other player in the Bundesliga last season and having been instrumental in a first title success, Xhaka will be seeking to upset the apple cart in Germany.
Young Player to Watch - Zeki Amdouni
Burnley's club record signing may have struggled with adjusting to Premier League football but Zeki Amdouni has a decent international record having netted seven times from 15 appearances for Switzerland. The 23-year-old will aim to use Euro 2024 as a way to get back in the shop window ahead of a move away from Turf Moor.
Tournament Prediction - Round of 16
Group Prediction
1. Germany
2. Scotland
3. Switzerland
4. Hungary
