Preview
UEFA Euro 2024 kicks off this weekend, and Group E could be one of the most unpredictable groups to call. Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine will clash to advance to the knockout stages. Domenico Tedesco’s Red Devils are favorites to top the group, but they are in a transitional period and were one of the biggest letdowns at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Francesco Calzona’s Falcons, Edward Iordanescu’s Tricolors, and Serhiy Rebrov’s Blue and Yellow will all be gunning for Belgium in Group E. Fans will be eager to see how all four nations fare in one of the most intriguing groups. We give an insight into what to expect from the group in Germany.
Teams
Belgium – The Red Devils were strong during their qualifying campaign, finishing top of Group F with six wins and two draws in eight games. The Belgian’s golden generation is fading out and they’ll be hoping to win their first major title at Euro 2024 this summer. Domenico Tedesco has an impressive squad, particularly Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and their all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku.
Slovakia – Francesco Calzona’s men could be tough customers for the opposition with their 4-3-3 formation that worked a treat during qualifying. The Sokoli have been on a fine run and will want to flex their muscles on the main international stage. They performed fairly well at Euro 2016 by their standards, making it out of the group and they’ll hope to replicate that performance in Germany.
Romania – Tricolors will don the underdog tag amid a lack of success as a nation and that might just suit them. They appeared in five European Championships from 1984 to 2016 but missed out on a place at Euro 2020. They wowed during qualifying with a remarkable first-placed finish in a group consisting of Switzerland and Israel among other nations.
Ukraine – The Ukrainians had a strong showing during the Euro 2024 qualifiers and only missed out on second place in a group with England and Italy on goal difference. Serhiy Rebrov has a solid squad at his disposal including Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mykhailo Mudryk who might want to shine after forgetful Premier League seasons.
Also Read: UEFA Euro 2024 Preview, predictions and key players to watch | Group C
Key Players To Watch Out in UEFA EURO 2024 Group E
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
The Manchester City superstar is perhaps the best playmaker in European football and one of Euro 2024’s megastars who has a point to prove on the international stage. Many expected him to spearhead a Belgian trophy win during their golden generation but that hasn’t happened and the 32-year-old midfielder is still without silverware with his nation. He’s had no such problem at club level, picking up his sixth Premier League title last season.
Milan Skriniar (Slovakia)
The PSG defender is under pressure amid a disappointing start to his Parc des Princes career following a big-money move from Inter Milan last summer. The veteran center-back struggled to impress the Parisians but is vital for the Falcons and will be in their quest to advance to the Euro 2024 knockout stages. He’s forged a strong partnership with David Hancko at the heart of the Slovakians’ defense.
Nicolae Stanciu (Romania)
The veteran midfielder has long been one of Tricolors’ most important players and he’ll don the captain’s armband in Germany. The 31-year-old plays his trade with Saudi Pro League outfit Damac and caught the eye during Euro 2024 qualifiers. He’s an astute dribbler with a real eye for goal who could be problematic for defenders this summer.
Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine)
The Girona striker was La Liga’s most potent goalscorer last season, winning the Golden Boot with 24 goals in 36 games. He was crucial as Michel’s men staged an unlikely title challenge and he’s equally as important for his national team. The powerful 26-year-old striker has a superb record of 10 goals in 28 caps and Ukraine will be pinning their hopes on him firing in Germany.
Key Games To Watch In Group E – Belgium vs Ukraine; Slovakia vs Ukraine
Slovakia vs Ukraine | 21 June
Romania doesn’t look like standing much of a chance and it’s unlikely they have the team to pull off a giant-killing. Ukraine’s ambitions to advance to the knockout stages could rely on them beating a tricky Slovakia side who have a difficult defense to get past.
Ukraine vs Belgium | 26 June
Belgium looks the most likely winner of Group E as they are 13 games unbeaten across competitions. Romelu Lukaku has been in red-hot form heading into the tournament. The Red Devils’ trickiest test might be against Ukraine who boast several impressive talent of their own. A decisive victory in that game could bode well for their chances of a successful tournament.
UEFA EURO 2024 Group E Matches
| Matches | Date | Time (GMT) | Venue |
| Romania vs Ukraine | 17 June | 1PM | Allianz Arena, Munich |
| Belgium vs Slovakia | 17 June | 4PM | Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt |
| Slovakia vs Ukraine | 21 June | 1PM | Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf |
| Belgium vs Romania | 22 June | 7PM | Cologne Stadium, Cologne |
| Slovakia vs Romania | 26 June | 4PM | Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt |
| Ukraine vs Belgium | 26 June | 4PM | Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart |
UEFA Euro 2024 Group E Predictions
- Belgium to win the group
- Ukraine to finish second
- Slovakia to come third
- Romania to finish last
Also Read: UEFA Euro 2024: Preview, predictions, key players and key matches to watch | Group B