Who could disappoint at the EURU or When the stars are not enough

Usually sports websites write big previews about who could surprise and be the driving force for their team at international championships. We had a beautiful ceremony and opening game. However, this article will be inside out. There is no shortage of surprises, and current form and a bit of luck often make the difference. Who could be the underdog?

Czech Republic – Tomas Soucek

Let’s start with the Czech national team. Soucek was in great form at West Ham. He scored several goals and his interplay with Rico was good. But in the national jersey, our key man will play a slightly different role.

In the absence of Kudela, he will have to orchestrate the defence. I’m sure we’ll see him in the shield midfielder position during the game and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’ll take the stopper position.

His colleague King can also perform defensive duties in an emergency, but he is better as a defensive midfielder. It was a long season in London, the coach didn’t spare Tomas. I hope I’m wrong.

England – Marcus Rashford

It’s good to see the speedy striker and left winger involved in activities other than football. 11 goals and assists are indeed not a few, but still Manchester United expect more from him. At the tournament, he is expected to perform mainly grinding the lines and assisting Kane. But something tells me he will fade in Albion’s packed line-up.

France – Antoine Griezmann

This player is in a similar position. Griezmann doesn’t shine given his abilities, neither in Barcelona nor in a “Gallic Rooster” jersey – with competition from Mbappé, Giroud and Benzema, I’m not surprised.

A false 9 would suit him best. France is the main favorite of the tournament according to the experts. Let’s see if this hairy elegance contributes a bit to the mill.

Belgium – Kevin De Bruyne

The Manchester City star is the brains of Belgium. Personally, I’m tipping Belgium for the gold medal and Romelu Lukaku as the tournament’s top scorer at odds of 7.0, but there’s a catch. De Bruyne must forget the disappointment of the Champions League, from which he picked up a nasty injury and a few cuts.

And that’s where I see the stumbling block. I originally wanted to give Black Peter to one of the stoppers because of his advanced age. What do you think? Will his performance be lackluster? As he is rightfully one of the best midfielders in the world, I hope not.

Italy – Gianluigi Donnarumma

Italy could go very far in the tournament, why do I see their number one goalkeeper as a weakness? Donnarumma was still figuring out his future not too long ago (he’s leaving for PSG for free), even though he is a high quality footballer, he can’t fix defences like the legendary Buffon.

He makes a lot of mistakes when playing at his potential. Italy will expect his form to grow during the tournament. If anyone is going to sink the ambitions of the Apennine Peninsula strugglers, it will be him.

Denmark – Christian Eriksen

I have a few favourite teams and Ajax is one of them. I have followed Christian Eriksen since the very beginning of his fine career. This year’s Scudetto is a great haul, however, he has done better in the Premier League.

Even though Denmark have an interesting line-up, this blonde technician is still the best. The play of the whole squad will depend on him. And that could also be a factor in his lackluster performance. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to his performances in advance.

News: Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field, the problem is thought to be his heart. Fortunately, he was able to be resuscitated. On behalf of the entire editorial team, fingers crossed!

Croatia – Mateo Kovačić

He’s got growing competition at Chelsea. Mount is coming to the fore, Kanté is still irreplaceable and Jorginho has improved as well. Croatia is benefiting from the last World Cup.

It has a lot of technical players. No goals and only two assists speak for themselves. Mateo Kovacic is not the one who will decide Croatia’s fate at the Euros.

Germany – Thomas Müller

What are we going to say, this humble and hardworking Bayern Munich star did his part for Germany. An impressive 11 goals and 21 assists should be a plus point for him heading into the EURU. He can only surprise, you can’t stop the years and preference will be given to faster and younger teammates.

Spain – Álvaro Morata

Since Spain are not used to a classic striker (the days of Villa or Raúl are gone), Morata will have a really tough time. He lacks so much on goal, productivity and a bit of healthy confidence. If he has to go to Qatar next year, it’s probably his last chance to score some goals.

Portugal – Renato Sanches

Owns the Golden Boy of Europe award, has talent in his legs but has been stagnant for years. His asset is that he can play multiple positions. Finally looks like he’s found a team where he can kick on again for a better tomorrow.

Lille ended PSG’s hegemony this year. I wish he had a bright moment, but I fear he’ll fizzle out and not be seen.

Slovakia – Marek Hamšík

Hamšík tried his hand in Scandinavia this year, which in my opinion was a stupid move. Slovakia has had many great footballers in its history, Marek Hamšík is already a legend.

In Naples he is still one of the football gods there. Slovakia knows what it has in it, but I fear that our neighbours will not replicate the success of the 2010 World Cup. And even a key player like Hamsik won’t change that.

Netherlands – Tim Krul

First of all, I’ll stick up for the penalty wizard. Yes, the Dutch national team hasn’t had a perfect goalkeeper since Edwin van der Sar. He will be the clear number one for the “Oranjes” if only because even the subs are not top. The Dutch will have to concentrate mainly on attack.

Virgil van Dijk is missing in the defence and Matthijs de Light will not be enough to do everything on his own. Tim Krul should be the one to guard the possible openings in the defence. At least the Dutch advanced from the qualification, they missed the previous World Cup in Russia. I wouldn’t be surprised if this wonderful country is finished soon.

Source: Transfermarkt, Chance