Fans all across the globe are waiting to see their favourite national teams participate in the Euro 2024 in Germany. The qualifying rounds of Euro 2024 are over with Poland, Ukraine, and Georgia progressing via the play-offs. England will be aiming to go one step further this year as they were beaten in the Euro 2020 final by Italy
Harry Kane will be desperate to win a trophy with the Three Lions whereas Kylian Mbappe would want a European Championship to complete a double with France. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo might play his biggest tournament on the international stage one last time. There are many young guns like Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal, who have already established themselves as some of the best players in the world and would be keen to showcase their talent on the international stage. Let’s take a look at the Top five best players to watch at Euro 2024.
Kylian Mbappe (France)
The World Cup winner with France in 2018 is regarded as one of the best footballers in the world but is yet to win the European Championship with the Les Blues. Mbappe is expected to join Real Madrid in the summer when his contract with PSG expires at the end of this ongoing campaign. Mbappe can be deemed the most lethal attacker in the world and the summer tournament gives him the opportunity to solidify his status on the international stage. The 25-year-old attacker has netted 24 times in 24 domestic outings.
Cole Palmer (England)
The England attacker is expected to be Southgate’s secret weapon in Germany this summer. Palmer scored his first goal for The Three Lions in the warm-up tie against Bosnia And Herzegovina with an exquisite spot-kick in the second half. The Chelsea attacker had a breakthrough debut campaign where he scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists in 33 league games and was rewarded with Chelsea’s Player of the Year honour. Palmer definitely finds himself in direct competition with Premier League’s Player of the Year Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon.
Also Read: 5 Players Who Could Retire After Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
The Portugal captain and the nation’s all-time record goalscorer has inspired all those football fans and budding players worldwide. The 39-year-old’s experience and skill will be beneficial for Roberto Martinez’s side this summer. In his 206 appearances for Portugal on the international stage, Ronaldo has bagged a magnificent tally of 128 goals. So far this season, CR7 has netted 36 goals for Al Nassr across all competitions. If Portugal manages to reach the final, Ronaldo would be the oldest player to feature in a Euro final.
Jude Bellingham (England)
The English midfielder has made an exemplary start to his Real Madrid career this season having 19 goal contributions in 22 La Liga appearances so far. He’s already cemented his place as one of the sought-after footballers on the planet and could potentially be in the running for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. At 20 years old, Bellingham already has 29 caps to his name. Bellingham’s impressive form for both club and country makes him one of the key players to watch out in Euro 2024 in Germany.
Florian Wirtz (Germany)
Bayer Leverkusen’s wonderkid enjoyed a breakthrough 2023/24 campaign after the German club secured their first-ever Bundesliga trophy. Wirtz has seen his stock skyrocket and has reached new heights over the last two seasons. The 21-year-old attacker contributed to 18 goals and 20 assists in 48 matches across all competitions last season and was voted Bundesliga’s Player of the Year after a remarkable campaign. Wirtz will be tasked to restore Germany’s international reputation which has been dented since winning the 2014 World Cup.