Euro 2020: Preview

      2020 was a year filled with heartbreak and pain for so many and for many different reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic changed so many things about our lives and either cancelled so much or put many things on hold.

     Compared to the tragedies that were experienced in the lives of so many over the past year-plus, sad things that took place in the world of sports seem relatively miniscule.

     On top of the financial impact of the pandemic - which I have talked about in previous posts - so many games and events were either cancelled or postponed.

     But while they may look a little bit different than they would traditionally, the big sporting events are coming back. The international sporting community - which has lost so many events during the pandemic - has a loaded calendar to look forward to this summer.

     On top of already scheduled events, the postponed Olympic Games and the European Championships are finally set to play out this summer. While much remains up in the air regarding the status of the Tokyo games later this summer, the Euros are set to get underway tomorrow (Friday, June 11th).

     It is in that line of thinking that I would like to share my predictions for the tournament with you today. I will give a few teams that I think are the favorites and a few teams that I see as potential sleeper teams. One way or another, the next month of soccer promises to be a mouth-watering few weeks.

The Favorites

France- It looked like Euro 2016 - on home soil no less - would be France's time. But they were beaten in extra-time in the final by Portugal. However, two years later, Les Blues completed the long project of resurrecting their national team when they won the World Cup in Russia. Since the, this new golden generation of French football has not looked back. They breezed right through qualifying and have looked impressive in the matches leading up to this tournament. Didier Deschamps teams did suffer a potential setback, though, when in-form striker Karim Benzema picked up an injury in France's final warm-up match against Bulgaria. His status for their opener is up in the air. But France have one of the strongest teams - if not the strongest team - in the world and they are all in the prime of the careers. Historically, France's major tournaments go one of two ways: They either have an impressive run deep into the competition or they go out early and start fighting each other in practice. If you think I am kidding about that last part, Google the stories of their 2010 World Cup team, you will not be disappointed. While the latter may be entertaining, the far more likely scenario is that France will be either be in the late stages of the tournament or they will be the ones lifting the trophy in London when it is all said and done.

England- It has been a long time since the Three Lions have been amongst the pre-tournament favorites, but it appears as though a new generation of English talent has left the country's disastrous performances at World Cup 2014 and Euro 2016 in the rear-view mirror. Gareth Southgate's team has a great mixture of youth and experience as England returns much of the team that reached the World Cup semifinals three summers ago. England do have a few injury problems, though, leading up to tournament. Southgate had hoped that Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold - who has been banged up all season - could be a part of his team this summer. But an injury in a friendly last week against Austria means that Alexander-Arnold is out for the tournament. Surprisingly, Southgate elected not to replace him with the experienced and in-form Jesse Lingard - a decision that I think is a mistake. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also picked up a minor injury in their game against Austria, but it sounds like he could still be ready for their opener. If their was ever a time for England to end their now 55-year wait for a major trophy, this seems to be it.

Belgium- With major international tournaments being spread out, even a country that establishes a top-tier generation of players only has a few real opportunities to win a major trophy with those players. That, I believe, is the underlying story for Roberto Martinez's Belgium side. Two other big story lines are the statuses of their two best players. Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne sustained an injury in the Champions League Final for Manchester City. In all likelihood, De Bruyne will not be able to play in Belgium's opening match against Russia on Saturday. Meanwhile, there is a different set of concerns regarding The Red Devils' main superstar, Eden Hazard. Since making his move to Real Madrid, Hazard has struggled for form, consistency and, now, playing time. None of that is ideal with a major finals beckoning. One piece of good news for Belgium is that their main striker, Romelu Lukaku has excelled at club level since his move from Manchester United to Inter. He was a big part of the Inter team lifted a Serie A title this season in Italy. Belgium's roster is stacked and it has been that way for several years now, but you only get so many opportunities and Belgium's time with their golden generation may be ticking.

Sleeper Teams-

Italy- I gave serious contemplation to putting Italy in the previous group, but I think that they would still feel comfortable in this spot. Given Italy's pedigree as one of the greatest ever nations in international soccer, it was stunning to see them not qualify for the 2018 World Cup. But since then, the Italians have been serious about their rebuild and they got to work right away. They discarded many aging veteran players and replaced them with a new and dangerous group of rising young stars. Similar to past Italian teams with Gianluigi Buffon, it can be argued that Italy are led by their goalkeeper. 22-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma is an exceptional shot-stopper who will now be playing with added motivation as he is officially a free-agent. A strong tournament could land him at a top-tier club. A strong tournament from those around him could bring European glory back to Italy and complete their comeback.

The Netherlands- If Euro 2020 had taken place as scheduled, I do not see any reason why the Dutch could not have made a strong case to be in with the favorites. Long considered the bridesmaids of world football, Holland could not even say that about Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018, as they did not qualify for either tournament. But The Oranje have built an impressive young team that figures to be near the top of the European and the global game for several years to come. They even had a defender in Virgil Van Dijk win the Ballon D'Or which is basically the same thing as a defensive player winning league MVP these days in the NFL: it hardly ever happens anymore. Unfortunately, Van Dijk sustained a serious knee injury early this season. In spite of some early optimism, it was announced last month that Van Dijk, will not be able to participate in the tournament. Nevertheless, the Netherlands have a strong team that I believe will go far in the competition, but without their superstar defender, a title may be a step too far.

Germany- It is very weird seeing Germany in this category and not the favorites category, but then again, these are strange times that we are living in. Some may still put them up their, but I believe their spot in this group is fair. Germany suffered the World Cup's champions curse when their title defense ended in the group stage after defeats against Mexico and South Korea left them on the bottom of the group. Initially, the German FA made it clear to some of the team's veterans, such as Thomas Muller,  that they would no longer be in the future plans of the national team. But Muller finds himself back in the German squad which - per usual - boasts so many weapons. Germany will once again call upon veteran Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to lead their team. Even though some of their biggest names may be gone, the fact remains that it is Germany and it would not be at all surprising to see them lift the trophy at Wembley Stadium.

Spain- La Roja put together the most dominant run that any national team has had when, in a span of of four years, they won Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012. But most of the stars that were apart of that historic squad have moved on and Spain are looking to resurrect that former glory. Spain have many great young stars, but they will need players, such as Manchester United's David De Gea, to shake off poor seasons at their clubs. Without question, Spain have the capability to win the European Championships four the fourth time overall, I just would not put my money of them doing it.

Portugal- The reigning champions have Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks. Not much more needs to be said. This could very well be Ronaldo's last time playing in the Euros. With a Portugal team that has a good supporting cast around him, this has to be seen as an opportunity for him to lift his third trophy with the national team. Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United has had a terrific season and will certainly play a key role for the Portuguese. But without question, Ronaldo will have to have a big tournament for Portugal. But if Portugal want to go all the way like they did five years ago, the supporting cast around him will need to provide a major contribution as well.. I think Ronaldo will do his part, but will the team around him do their part to carry Portugal over the line at Euro 2020?

     Ultimately, what will happen over the next few weeks remains to be seen. But we can all at least be happy that the Euros have arrived and that some normalcy may be returning. Personally, I believe that France will win it all this summer. But without a doubt, there will be a lot surprises in store. Euro 2020 promises to be a competition that will be remembered for a long time to come.