Every major international tournament has a so-called ‘Group of Death, with a stacked Group B certainly claiming that moniker at Euro 2024.
Three-time champions Spain head to Germany as perennial contenders, while Italy are the defending champions who claimed their second European Championship title by beating England in a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley three years ago, before then missing out on World Cup qualification for the second time in a row.
The two heavyweights are joined by Croatia, always the dark horses who have surprisingly never been past the quarter-finals of the Euros despite their impressive World Cup record, plus Albania, who qualified for only the second time ever and will be looking to spring some early upsets.
Dom Smith assesses Group B below.
Spain
Spain’s hopes of success this summer rest on their ability to knit together a well-balanced side, combing the youth of Pedri, 21 and Lamine Yamal, 16, with the experience of Manchester City’s Rodri and captain Alvaro Morata. Find the right system and XI and they will go far.
Manager: Luis de la Fuente
Still an unknown quantity, the former Spain Under-21s coach boasts a 70 per cent win rate as Spain manager and led them to the Nations League title last summer.
Star player: Rodri
Who else? The Manchester City man is the best midfielder in the world and the heartbeat of this Spanish team.
One to watch: Mikel Oyarzabal
The Real Sociedad attacker is still unheralded on English shores, despite being a regular scorer for Spain in recent years. At 27, he is coming into his peak.
Chances of winning it in three words: An outside bet.
Croatia
A nation that consistently punches above its weight, Croatia are serial tournament overachievers having reached a World Cup final in 2018 and semi-final in 2022.
Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Mateo Kovacic are all now well into their 30s, but an exciting generation featuring Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and Dinamo Zagreb’s Martin Baturina is now emerging.
Manager: Zlatko Dalic
In charge since 2017, he has inspired a golden generation and is enjoying a similar reign to that of England manager Gareth Southgate
Star player: Luka Modric
For one final time, 38-year-old Modric will be trusted to pull the strings and inspire another underdog’s run.
One to watch: Lovro Majer
The Wolfsburg midfielder is highly versatile and has scored four goals in his last five caps. Could get plenty of game-time.
Chances of winning it: Never underestimate them.
Italy
The holders face a tough task to defend their crown in Germany.
Beaten both home and away by England in qualifying, they were ditched last year by Euro 2020-winning manager Roberto Mancini when he left to take the Saudi Arabia job.
Manager: Luciano Spalletti
Last year led Napoli to their first Serie A title since 1990 before replacing Mancini in the Italy dugout.
Star player: Federico Chiesa
Hit so hard by injuries that it feels like he’s barely played since starring at Euro 2020. A huge talent.
One to watch: Federico Dimarco
Already one of the finest left-backs in the world, the Inter Milan ace is well placed to take the tournament by storm this summer.
Chances of winning it in three words: Definitely a chance.
Albania
One of the lowest-ranked teams in Germany, this is Albania’s second major tournament following their European Championship debut in France in 2016.
They have very little chance of making it out of a group largely viewed as being the ‘Group of Death’, but stranger things have happened.
Manager: Sylvinho
The former Arsenal and Manchester City left-back took charge in January 2023, and ex-City stalwart Pablo Zabaleta is one of his assistants.
Star player: Elseid Hysaj
The 30-year-old Lazio full-back has plenty of Serie A and Champions League experience and is Albania’s vice-captain.
One to watch: Rey Manaj
The former Barcelona striker is now banging in the goals for Sivasspor in the Turkish Super Lig. He and Armando Broja of Chelsea will share the game-time up front.
Chances of winning it in three words: They won’t do.
