Claret Villans' Euro 2024 predictions

The countdown to the start of Euro 2024 is almost over as Germany and Scotland get us underway on Friday evening. Site expert Hekato Achumi and I provide our thoughts ahead of an exciting few weeks!

Winners

Hekato: It’s a tricky one to call. However, as a massive Cristiano Ronaldo fan I’m going to have to say Portugal.

Dan: My heart of course is saying England but having looked very poor in the warm up games I’m not so confident. My head is telling me that France are going to win it.

Runners Up

Hekato: I think it is very likely that one of France or England are going to go all the way to the final.

Dan: Looking at the path to the finals, if England don’t make it then I believe Portugal will make it to the final as they are likely to meet England in the semi finals. They have a fantastic squad and think they will surprise a lot of people with how far they progress.

Dark horses

Hekato: I’ve got a sneaky feeling that Turkey could surprise a few and advance further than expected. I think they will qualify through Group F with Portugal and spring a few surprises!

Dan: I think Denmark could have a decent tournament. I can see them coming second behind England in group B and would likely mean playing Germany in the next round. That would be tricky, of course, but think they have a decent squad and could ruffle a few feathers.

Biggest Disappointment

Hekato: Despite the fact that they have a talented squad, I think the pressure of being the host nation is going to have a negative effect on Germany. I don't think they will get as far as people expect.

Dan: I think Spain are going to struggle to get out of their group. Spain have a fantastic record across major tournaments in the last couple of decades but with a fairly young squad and a tricky group I think they are going to disappoint those who are backing them to go deep into the competition.

Golden Boot

Hekato: Again, as a big fan of his, I am going to back Cristiano Ronaldo to score the goals that will steer Portugal a long way in the tournament.

Dan: I believe that England will heavily rely on Harry Kane to score the goals to get them to the finals, and he is not someone who often fails to disappoint. He has had a fantastic season for Bayern and I believe he will score at least 5 goals in this tournament.

Star of the tournament

Hekato: There is a lot of expectation on the shoulders of Jude Bellingham for England which is difficult at such a young age. However, he has shown for Real Madrid this year that he can cope with the pressure and he will be a real star for England this tournament. Another name to watch out for is Lamine Yamal for Spain.

Dan: I think it is difficult to look past the incredible talent of Kylian Mbappe for France. Whenever he plays he looks like he will create some magic and I think fans will be treated to some special things from him in the next few weeks. Also, being a Villa page, I have to give one of our guys a mention and I believe that Ezri Konsa will get his chance to shine and prove what an incredible defender he is. With Stones suffering injury problems and Harry Maguire not even making the squad I think there's a good chance Ezri will get his opportunity.

Here's to England bringing it home!

UTV