France are favourites, Germany have X Factor and England must address problem to achieve Euro 2024 glory

At last it's here. Euro 2024 is upon us.

England, led by Harry Kane, will be itching to go one further than the last European Championship when Italy won at Wembley in 2021.

Scotland fans have 'Super John McGinn' helping them crash the party for hosts Germany in the openerCredit: Getty

The depths of quality at Gareth Southgate's disposal has England fans dreaming that a first major trophy since 1966 and first ever European Championship is on the way.

Meanwhile, Scotland, with 'Super' John McGinn come into the tournament in Germany in great form, too.

They came through a tough set of fixtures to qualify and fans will be dreaming about escaping the group stage for the first time ever.

talkSPORT will be in Germany to bring you all 51 matches live, with top analysts like Emmanuel Petit, Ashley Young, Ally McCoist and David Moyes on hand to bring expert opinion.

THE TEAMS TO BEAT

EMMANUEL PETIT: “France is one of the favourites. We’ve been winning competitions, reaching finals in the last decade - they are probably the team to beat.

Most read in Football

Alexander-Arnold confirms Liverpool exit ahead of Real Madrid transfer

Trent confirms Liverpool departure, Arsenal head into PSG second leg with 'bad feeling'

Al Hilal target two Premier League bosses and Jose Mourinho with short deadline set

Tottenham Hotspur in major blow as club fear key man is set for lengthy spell on sidelines

With Mbappe as the striker, France are rightly among the favourites and Emmanuel Petit is certainly backing his compatriotsCredit: Getty

“Germany also, because they are playing at home. The way they played recently, I think mentally those guys when they play in front of their fans that can be the X Factor.

"They are under so much pressure from the last few years you can expect a big reaction on the pitch. They are so proud and they’ve got quality so I would be very careful against Germany."

ASHLEY YOUNG: “Italy have beaten England before. France, Germany as hosts… they will want to put on a spectacle in their own back garden, like England did [in Euro 2020].

“There’s so many teams. Belgium, Holland, Croatia… there are so many that could win it. But for me, I think it’s England’s time.

“I think England will go all the way and win it.

"I really think Southgate is the man to do it, he's created a spark. I've been in teams and squads where players aren't getting on with each other and it's a divided atmosphere. The togetherness is unbelievable and I really believe Gareth can deliver the trophy."

England, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, along with France, have two of the strongest squadsCredit: Getty

Ally McCoist is really looking forward to seeing Silva playCredit: AFP

ALLY MCCOIST: "I think England and France have the two best squads on paper.

"That won't necessarily win you it but they do have that little bit extra than the other squads.

"I've got one player to watch. Antonio Silva the Portugal and Benfica centre-back. He's 20 and I've seen a few times this season in the flesh and he's got an unbelievable career ahead of him."

WHAT ABOUT ENGLAND?

EP: "I think they were better than France [in the World Cup]. They should’ve won.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit previews France and Englands chance at Euro 2024

“You know when you play against France you don’t get a lot of occasions to score. But the main problem for England is to be decisive on the posts and the penalty area - defensively and offensively. If they can reach that I think they can be very, very difficult to beat.”

“For me this is the priority for England.

Harry Kane will be gunning for the golden boot this summerCredit: Getty

“I’m still wondering why Trent Alexander-Arnold is playing at right-back because he doesn’t fancy this position. You can see that," Petit said.

“I’ve seen a game recently where there was poor defending at the highest level. When you play in defence your priority is to be a proper defender instead of thinking, ‘what can I bring offensively?’

“He’s a marvellous player when he gets the ball but he’s a poor defender when he doesn’t have it.”

AY: "We've got to take the game to the opponents and we shouldn't be scared of any opponents. I don't think the players should be going into this worrying about what they're coming up against.

"Everything's about what we do, not what another team does, people say the weakness is the defence, but I see it as a very good squad that can go and win the tournament.

talkSPORT BET Euro 2024 Offers

Offer 1: Completely free £5 bet for Euro 2024 - No Deposit Needed

18+ New customers only. Opt in, get £5 free bet on selected markets. Available for first 5000 customers only. Bonus expires in 24h after registration. T&Cs apply, GambleAware.org Please gamble responsibly

Offer 2: Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets

18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

Scotland fans are hoping to upset the odds this summer

"They should be able to put what happened at previous tournaments behind them and go on and win it. The players that we've got coming off the bench when starters aren't performing, you've got players that can change the game in an instant."

AM: "I hear [England fans] all say [Gareth Southgate] hasn't won anything but you've not won anything since 1966! Let's just calm down, lads.

"This is the best England squad I can remember."

Group C

Slovenia
Denmark
Serbia
England

WILL SCOTLAND ESCAPE THE GROUP?

AY: "Scotland have done so well to qualify. They’ve got players that play in big European competitions.

“They’re going to have a good chance of getting out of the group. It won’t be easy for any country. But, more so this time around, Scotland have got a better chance than they did in previous years.

“I do think they’ve got a good chance, but I’m English - I want to see England do well. Not them!

“I was speaking to Ginny [John McGinn] recently - we get on really well and we talk all the time. He’s one of them guys in the dressing room who is just fantastic for everyone at Aston Villa.

“He’s a unique person, put it that way. I can’t tell you how so! He’s a winner. He wants to win. But he loves to mess about and joke about, that’s the side to him that I’m talking about."

AM: "Our qualifying campaign was excellent, particularly the Spain game at home. The Germany game is a great game for us because it's the opener and they will understandably be favourites. If we can beat either Switzerland or Hungary then I think we've got a good chance of qualifying [from the group].

"And I genuinely do think we can. Switzerland and Hungary are good sides - not brilliant and neither are we - but scoring goals will be our problem."

Group A

Germany
Scotland
Hungary
Switzerland

England begin their Euro 2024 campaign when they take on Serbia on Sunday June 16. They then face Denmark on June 20 and Slovenia on June 25.

Scotland meanwhile open the tournament on June 14 against Germany before facing Switzerland on June 19 and Hungary on June 23.

READ MORE ON EURO 2024