EURO 2020 Groups: A Comprehensive Overview of Teams and Key Players

EURO 2020, held across 11 European cities, features 24 national teams competing for the coveted title.

The tournament kicked off in Rome with a match between Italy and Turkey and will culminate in the final in London on July 11th.

Twenty teams qualified through the traditional European Qualifiers, while the remaining four secured their spots via the play-off matches, adding an extra layer of drama to the competition.

The teams are divided into six groups, each promising intense rivalries and exciting football. The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the round of 16. Adding to the excitement, the four best third-placed teams will also progress, ensuring a highly competitive knockout stage.

Following the group stage, the championship will proceed with quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final, showcasing the best of European football.

Let’s delve into each group to explore the teams, their qualification journeys, and the key players to watch in EURO 2020 groups.

• Group A: Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland
• Group B: Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia
• Group C: Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia
• Group D: England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic
• Group E: Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia
• Group F: Hungary, Portugal, France, Germany

GROUP A

• Qualifiers H Group: W7 D2 L1 GF18 GA3 P23
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Cenk Tosun (5 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Semi-Final (2008)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Group Stage

Head Coach: Şenol Güneş

Former national goalkeeper Şenol Güneş boasts an impressive resume, having secured six league titles with Trabzonspor as a player. His coaching career highlights include leading Turkey to third place in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and winning two league titles with Beşiktaş in 2016 and 2017. He has been managing the national team since 2019.

UEFA Key Player: Burak Yılmaz

Burak Yılmaz, the 35-year-old striker who plays for French Ligue 1 champions Lille, is Güneş’s primary attacking option. He is one of only two players to have played for Turkey’s four biggest clubs: Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Trabzonspor. Statistics show he scores in approximately half of his matches.

UEFA Player to Watch: Ozan Tufan

Fenerbahçe midfielder Ozan Tufan is known for his long-range shots and dynamic presence on the field. Versatile in midfield positions, he had already earned 50 national caps before turning 26.

Team Facts:

Turkey first participated in the European Championship in 1996. They were eliminated in the group stage in both 1996 and 2016. Their best performance was reaching the semi-finals in 2008, where they lost 3-2 to Germany. In the EURO 2020 qualifiers, Turkey finished second in their group, just two points behind reigning World Champions France, securing their place in the tournament.

• Qualifiers J Group: W10 D0 L0 GF37 GA4 P30
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Andrea Belotti (5 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Champion (1968)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Quarter-Finals, losing 6-5 on penalties to Germany

Head Coach: Roberto Mancini

Roberto Mancini was considered one of the best forwards of his generation during his playing career. As a coach, he has won trophies with various teams in England, Italy, Russia, and Turkey, including the Turkish Cup with Galatasaray. He has been in charge of the Italian national team since 2018.

UEFA Key Player: Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti, a dynamic midfielder with excellent ball control and tempo, is often compared to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo. He plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France. While his club form has been stellar, he is yet to fully replicate it for the national team. However, Mancini’s possession-based tactics could provide the perfect platform for the 29-year-old to shine in this tournament.

UEFA Player to Watch: Gianluigi Donnarumma

Despite being only 21, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has consistently been a first-team regular for his clubs, making him remarkably experienced for his age. Playing for Milan, this tournament marks his first major international competition as the starting goalkeeper. The question is whether he can fill the legendary Gianluigi Buffon’s shoes on the international stage.

Team Facts:

Italy enjoyed a flawless qualifying campaign, winning all 10 of their matches and topping Group J with 30 points. Their 9-1 victory over Armenia was the largest margin of victory in the qualifiers. Despite winning four World Cups, Italy has only won the European Championship once, back in 1968.

• Qualifiers E Group: W4 D2 L2 GF10 GA4 P14
• Top Scorers in Qualifiers: Gareth Bale (2 goals), Kieffer Moore (2 goals), Aaron Ramsey (2 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Semi-Final (2016)
• EURO 2016: Lost 2-0 to Portugal in the Semi-Finals

Head Coach: Robert Page

Robert Page, who played for clubs like Watford, Sheffield United, and Coventry, also earned 41 caps for Wales. A defender in his playing days, Page has managed Port Vale and Northampton Town. He previously coached Wales’ under-21 national team.

UEFA Key Player: Gareth Bale

Even at 31, Gareth Bale remains Wales’ most influential player. He holds numerous records for the national team and is a vital figure both on and off the pitch. Currently with Premier League side Tottenham, Bale played a crucial role in Wales’ semi-final run five years ago.

UEFA Player to Watch: Ethan Ampadu

At just 20 years old, Ethan Ampadu is a versatile “joker” player, capable of playing in both defense and midfield. Known for his ball control and incisive passing, he can unlock defenses. He also strengthens the team defensively when out of possession.

Team Facts:

Founded in 1876, the Football Association of Wales is the third-oldest national football association in the world, after England and Scotland. They qualified for EURO 2020 from a relatively easy qualifying group, finishing second behind Croatia.

• Qualifiers D Group: W5 D2 L1 GF19 GA6 P17
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Cédric Itten (3 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Round of 16 (2016)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in the Round of 16, losing to Poland on penalties

Head Coach: Vladimir Petković

Born in Sarajevo, Vladimir Petković later settled in Switzerland. After retiring as a player, he began his coaching career. He briefly managed Turkish side Samsunspor in the 2011-12 season, but resigned as the team struggled. He took over the Swiss national team in 2014 and has successfully guided them to every major tournament since.

UEFA Key Player: Granit Xhaka

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, 28, is considered the brains of the Swiss team. His precise passing from midfield dictates their performance. An example of his importance came in a EURO 2020 qualifier against Denmark in March 2019, where Switzerland went 3-0 up, only to draw 3-3 after Xhaka was substituted in the 79th minute.

UEFA Player to Watch: Breel Embolo

Forward Breel Embolo, after a series of injuries, found a fresh start at Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany in 2019. His physical strength, versatility, and high tempo make this 23-year-old a dynamic and unpredictable player.

Team Facts:

Switzerland, under Petković, navigated the qualifiers successfully. However, they have struggled to replicate this success in major tournaments, being eliminated in the first rounds of the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, EURO 2016, and the UEFA Nations League.

GROUP B

• Qualifiers D Group: W4 D4 L0 GF23 GA6 P16
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Christian Eriksen (5 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Champion (1992)
• EURO 2016: Did Not Qualify

Head Coach: Kasper Hjulmand

The 49-year-old coach has spent a significant part of his playing and coaching career in Denmark. He was initially set to take over from Åge Hareide after EURO 2020, but with the tournament postponed, he took charge in July 2020.

UEFA Key Player: Christian Eriksen

With over 100 national caps, 28-year-old Christian Eriksen is Denmark’s primary offensive weapon. Considered among the world’s best attacking midfielders, Eriksen plays for Milan. He is central to initiating most of Denmark’s attacking plays.

UEFA Player to Watch: Andreas Skov Olsen

After two successful seasons in the Danish league, Andreas Skov Olsen transferred to Bologna in Italy. Primarily a right-winger, he can also play on the left. In his Denmark national team appearances, he has scored three goals and provided four assists in just 179 minutes of play.

Team Facts:

Denmark famously won EURO 1992 in a major upset. They had not initially qualified, but were included after Yugoslavia was excluded due to the civil war. Many players were called back from vacation just before the tournament. Despite the late call-up, Denmark achieved a remarkable victory, becoming European Champions.

• Qualifiers J Group: W6 D0 L4 GF16 GA10 P18
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Teemu Pukki (10 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: First-time qualification
• EURO 2016: Did Not Qualify

Head Coach: Markku Kanerva

Markku Kanerva won five league titles with Finnish club HJK. He then coached the under-21 national team for 12 years and served as assistant coach for the senior team. He has been in charge of the senior national team since 2016.

UEFA Key Player: Teemu Pukki

Teemu Pukki, a prolific goal scorer, has further refined his game since joining Norwich in 2018. His goals were instrumental in Finland qualifying for their first-ever European Championship.

UEFA Player to Watch: Fredrik Jensen

Fredrik Jensen, 23, plays for Augsburg. A versatile midfielder who can operate on the wings, he is particularly noted for his tempo and dynamism.

Team Facts:

Finland has qualified for the European Championship for the first time in their history, marking a significant milestone for Finnish football in the euro 2020 groups.

• Qualifiers I Group: W10 D0 L0 GF40 GA3 P30
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Romelu Lukaku (7 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Runner-up as Belgium (1980)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Quarter-Finals, losing 3-1 to Wales

Head Coach: Roberto Martínez

The 47-year-old coach played football in Spain and England. He began his coaching career in England as well. Martínez, considered a key midfielder for the Spanish national team during his playing days, has been managing Belgium since 2016.

UEFA Key Player: Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne, coming off a successful season with Manchester City, scored four goals and provided seven assists in just six qualifying matches. He is considered Martinez’s key player. However, an injury sustained in the Champions League final against Chelsea, fracturing his nose and eye socket, put his EURO 2020 participation in doubt.

UEFA Player to Watch: Youri Tielemans

Leicester City’s 23-year-old Youri Tielemans can play in various midfield roles. Known for his ball control, he plays a crucial role in directing attacks from midfield and is also known for his dangerous long-range shots.

Team Facts:

The Red Devils, along with Italy, were one of only two teams to win all their qualifying matches. They are consistently ranked at the top of FIFA’s world rankings for national teams.

• Qualifiers I Group: W8 D0 L2 GF33 GA8 P24
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Artem Dzyuba (9 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Champion as USSR (1960), Semi-Final (2008)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Group Stage

Head Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov

Former Spartak Moscow and Russia (USSR) national team goalkeeper Stanislav Cherchesov took over the national team in 2016. Despite inconsistent friendly results initially, he gradually implemented his desired style of play, leading Russia to the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

UEFA Key Player: Artem Dzyuba

Zenit’s towering 1.97m striker Artem Dzyuba is a menace to opposition defenses in the air. He carries the team’s goal-scoring burden and is expected to break Aleksandr Kerzhakov’s record for most national team goals during EURO 2020.

UEFA Player to Watch: Aleksandr Sobolev

Spartak Moscow’s 23-year-old Aleksandr Sobolev scored on his debut for the national team. Standing at 1.95m, he is seen as the natural successor to Dzyuba.

Team Facts:

Russia finds themselves in the same group as Belgium in EURO 2020, the only team they lost to in qualifying. Russia has failed to win their last five EURO matches. Their last EURO victory was a 4-1 win against the Czech Republic in the opening match of EURO 2012.

GROUP C

• Qualifiers C Group: W6 D1 L1 GF24 GA7 P19
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Georginio Wijnaldum (8 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Champion (1988)
• EURO 2016: Did Not Qualify

Head Coach: Frank de Boer

Frank de Boer, a decorated player for the Dutch national team and a defensive stalwart, also had a stint with Galatasaray. After retiring, he coached Ajax, Inter, Crystal Palace, and Atlanta United. He replaced his former teammate Ronald Koeman as national team coach in September 2020 after Koeman joined Barcelona.

UEFA Key Player: Memphis Depay

Despite the Netherlands having a solid squad, Memphis Depay is indispensable in attack. The Lyon player’s pace and dribbling create constant threats for opposing defenses. He is also highly skilled with his right foot.

UEFA Player to Watch: Frenkie de Jong

A midfield dynamo, 24-year-old Frenkie de Jong possesses excellent ball control, can build play from deep, deliver dangerous through balls, and create space.

Team Facts:

The Oranje failed to qualify for EURO 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, their longest absence from major tournaments since the 1980s. After that drought in the 1980s, they made a spectacular return by winning EURO 1988.

• Qualifiers A Group: W6 D2 L0 GF17 GA4 P20
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Roman Yaremchuk (4 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Group Stage (2012, 2016)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Group Stage

Head Coach: Andriy Shevchenko

Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko, a prolific striker with numerous trophies and awards, seeks to continue his success as a coach. He has been managing the national team since 2016. With 67 goals in club-level international matches, he ranks sixth among the highest-scoring European players.

UEFA Key Player: Ruslan Malinovskyi

Ruslan Malinovskyi, with his excellent passing and ball control, can expand play in the opponent’s half. The Atalanta midfielder can exploit defensive gaps and create danger. His powerful left-footed shots are another key weapon. His performance significantly influences Ukraine’s attacking prowess.

UEFA Player to Watch: Viktor Tsygankov

Dynamo Kyiv’s young Viktor Tsygankov faces tough competition for a starting spot, as both Yarmolenko and Marlos can play on the right wing for the national team. However, when given the opportunity, he has the potential to make a significant impact.

Team Facts:

Ukraine qualified directly for a European Championship for the first time through qualifiers. They automatically qualified as co-hosts in 2012 and reached EURO 2016 via the play-offs against Slovenia.

• Qualifiers G Group: W6 D1 L3 GF19 GA9 P19
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Marko Arnautović (6 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Group Stage (2008, 2016)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Group Stage

Head Coach: Franco Foda

Franco Foda, who earned two caps for West Germany, has spent most of his coaching career with Austrian club Sturm Graz, winning both the league title and cup. He has been managing the Austrian national team since early 2018.

UEFA Key Player: Marko Arnautović

Austria has struggled to break down defenses in recent years. However, Marko Arnautović, playing in China, is their most potent weapon against compact defensive setups.

UEFA Player to Watch: Christoph Baumgartner

Christoph Baumgartner impressed on his national team debut in September 2020. The powerful midfielder possesses excellent game reading ability. His precise passing creates scoring opportunities. His performances have earned him a regular place in Foda’s starting lineups.

Team Facts:

Austria’s last victory in a major international tournament was at the 1990 World Cup against the USA. They aim to end this 30-year wait at EURO 2020.

• Qualifiers G Group: W4 D2 L4 GF12 GA13 P14
• Play-off Path: Beat Kosovo 2-1, Georgia 1-0
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Eljif Elmas (4 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: First-time qualification
• EURO 2016: Did Not Qualify

Head Coach: Igor Angelovski

Igor Angelovski was appointed North Macedonia coach in 2015 after his predecessor Ljubinko Drulovic joined Partizan. Before the national team, Angelovski managed North Macedonian club Rabotnički, winning both the league title and cup.

UEFA Key Player: Goran Pandev

Genoa striker Goran Pandev, 37, remains creative, intelligent, quick, and skillful despite his age. The team captain is North Macedonia’s most-capped player and all-time top scorer. His play-off performances were crucial in securing their EURO 2020 qualification.

UEFA Player to Watch: Eljif Elmas

Born in North Macedonia to a Turkish family, 21-year-old Eljif Elmas is considered the midfield brain. Formerly with Fenerbahçe, Elmas now plays for Napoli in Italy. He stands out for his tireless energy and passing range in midfield.

Team Facts:

North Macedonia finished third in their qualifying group, their highest finish in 13 qualifying campaigns since gaining independence.

GROUP D

• Qualifiers A Group: W7 D0 L1 GF27 GA6 P21
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Harry Kane (12 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Third Place (1968)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Round of 16, losing 2-1 to Iceland

Head Coach: Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate is remembered for his penalty miss in the EURO 96 semi-final. After a successful playing career, he took over the national team in 2016. He led England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s Best Coach.

UEFA Key Player: Harry Kane

Tottenham star Harry Kane carries the team’s attacking burden and captaincy. Despite the emergence of many young stars in the England squad, he remains Southgate’s first-choice striker.

UEFA Player to Watch: Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham earned his EURO 2020 spot with his performances for Borussia Dortmund, particularly against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals. His midfield energy, dynamism, and confidence, highlighted by his stylish goal, impressed. If England tops Group D, he will celebrate his 18th birthday at Wembley during the round of 16 match.

Team Facts:

England only lost one qualifying match, against the Czech Republic. Wembley Stadium, hosting the semi-finals and final, has been a fortress under Southgate, with 21 wins in 23 matches there.

• Qualifiers E Group: W5 D2 L1 GF17 GA7 P17
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Bruno Petković (4 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Quarter-Final (1996, 2008)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Round of 16, losing 1-0 to Portugal

Head Coach: Zlatko Dalić

Zlatko Dalić, who never earned a national team call-up as a player, was appointed coach in 2017. He successfully led the team to the 2018 World Cup final.

UEFA Key Player: Luka Modrić

2018 European Player of the Year Luka Modrić is set to break Darijo Srna’s record of 134 national team caps in this tournament. As captain, his vision, energy, and precise passing are crucial to Croatia’s performance and tempo.

UEFA Player to Watch: Josip Brekalo

Josip Brekalo embodies modern football’s demands. The Wolfsburg player is fast and skillful. His career has ascended since Dalić took over, scoring against Switzerland and assisting against France and Sweden in October 2020.

Team Facts:

Croatia climbed 122 FIFA ranking places, from 125th to 3rd, between 1994 and 1999, a remarkable rise in international football.

• Qualifiers I Group: W5 D0 L5 GF16 GA19 P15
• Play-off Path: Beat Israel 5-2 on penalties, Serbia 1-1 and 5-4 on penalties
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: John McGinn (7 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Group Stage (1992, 1996)
• EURO 2016: Did Not Qualify

Head Coach: Steve Clarke

Steve Clarke, a long-time Chelsea player, began his coaching career in 1998 as Ruud Gullit’s assistant at Newcastle United. After a successful spell at Kilmarnock, he took charge of Scotland in May 2019.

UEFA Key Player: John McGinn

John McGinn, an all-around midfielder, excels at breaking up attacks and initiating his team’s offense. The Aston Villa player’s passion and drive inspire his team. He is also effective in the opponent’s penalty area.

UEFA Player to Watch: Lyndon Dykes

Australian-born Lyndon Dykes, 25, chose to represent Scotland, stating he followed his “instinct and heart.” He impressed with two goals in his first five matches. His aerial ability, tempo, and finishing make him a threat to opposition teams.

Team Facts:

Scotland and England last faced each other in the European Championship at EURO 1996 at Wembley Stadium in London, adding historic context to their Group D clash in euro 2020 groups.

• Qualifiers A Group: W5 D0 L3 GF13 GA11 P15
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Patrik Schick (4 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Champion as Czechoslovakia (1976)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Group Stage

Head Coach: Jaroslav Šilhavý

Jaroslav Šilhavý holds the record for most Czech league appearances with 465 matches. The 59-year-old coach has won two Czech league titles. He has been managing the national team since September 2018.

UEFA Key Player: Vladimír Darida

Hertha Berlin’s Vladimír Darida is the team’s dynamo. His exemplary character on and off the pitch makes him a leader. He played a key role in the Czech Republic’s surprise qualifying victory against England.

UEFA Player to Watch: Tomáš Souček

Tomáš Souček is considered the heart of the Czech midfield. Despite his 1.92m height, he is excellent on the ball and effective in ground play. The 26-year-old West Ham player was named Czech Footballer of the Year in 2020.

Team Facts:

The Czech Republic has qualified for every European Championship since becoming independent after the Cold War split from Czechoslovakia. EURO 2020 is their seventh European Championship appearance.

GROUP E

• Qualifiers F Group: W8 D2 L0 GF31 GA5 P26
• Top Scorers in Qualifiers: Álvaro Morata, Sergio Ramos, Rodrigo (4 goals each)
• Best EURO Performance: Champion (1964, 2008, 2012)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Round of 16, losing 2-0 to Italy

Head Coach: Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique resigned in June 2019 for personal reasons, but returned to his post in November after the qualifiers concluded. He previously won the UEFA Champions League and Super Cup with Barcelona in 2015.

UEFA Key Player: Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets, a midfield engine, has been the backbone of the national team since his breakthrough in 2019. His performance is expected to be crucial for Spain’s EURO 2020 success. With Sergio Ramos’ injury, Busquets’ experience and composure in midfield are even more vital.

UEFA Player to Watch: Gerard Moreno

Gerard Moreno, who debuted for the national team in 2019, has become indispensable. The 29-year-old forward has scored five goals in 10 national team appearances. He played a key role in Villarreal’s Europa League triumph this year and is one of Luis Enrique’s main attacking threats.

Team Facts:

Spain, champions in 2008 and 2012, are the only team to have won consecutive European Championships.

• Qualifiers F Group: W6 D3 L1 GF23 GA9 P21
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Robin Quaison (5 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Semi-Final (1992)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Group Stage

Head Coach: Janne Andersson

Janne Andersson is credited with Sweden’s resurgence in international football. Appointed in 2016, he led them to the World Cup in 2018 after a 12-year absence. Sweden achieved their best World Cup performance since 1994 and topped their UEFA Nations League group, which included Russia and Turkey.

UEFA Key Player: Emil Forsberg

Leipzig midfielder Emil Forsberg is known for his high tempo, creativity, and physical strength. He carries much of Sweden’s attacking burden. His long-range shots are dangerous, and he is a capable free-kick taker.

UEFA Player to Watch: Kristoffer Olsson

Kristoffer Olsson, 25, is a technically sound midfielder with a simple yet effective style. The Krasnodar player impresses with his physique, dribbling, and incisive passes.

Team Facts:

Sweden, EURO 1992 hosts, topped a group including England, France, and eventual champions Denmark. However, they lost 3-2 to Germany in the semi-finals.

• Qualifiers G Group: W8 D1 L1 GF18 GA5 P25
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Robert Lewandowski (6 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Quarter-Final (2016)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Quarter-Finals, losing to Portugal on penalties after a 1-1 draw

Head Coach: Paulo Sousa

Paulo Sousa replaced Jerzy Brzęczek, who managed the team during qualifiers, in January 2021. Sousa represented Portugal at EURO 96 and EURO 2000. Before Poland, he coached numerous clubs in England, Hungary, Israel, Switzerland, Italy, China, and France.

UEFA Key Player: Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski is considered Poland’s greatest-ever footballer. He is expected to be pivotal to their EURO 2020 performance. The Bayern Munich striker is renowned for his clinical finishing.

UEFA Player to Watch: Jakub Moder

Brighton’s 22-year-old Jakub Moder is still developing his playing style. His main weapon is his powerful long-range shooting. He scored his first national team goal against England at Wembley in March.

Team Facts:

Jakub Błaszczykowski currently holds the record for most goals for Poland’s national team. Lewandowski needs three more goals in this tournament to equal that record.

• Qualifiers G Group: W4 D1 L3 GF13 GA11 P13
• Play-off Path: Beat Republic of Ireland 4-2 on penalties, Northern Ireland 2-1
• Top Scorers in Qualifiers: Róbert Boženík, Marek Hamšík, Juraj Kucka (3 goals each)
• Best EURO Performance: Round of 16 (2016)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Round of 16, losing 3-0 to Germany

Head Coach: Štefan Tarkovič

Štefan Tarkovič was appointed interim coach after Pavel Hapal resigned following the EURO 2020 play-off semi-final and was officially appointed in December. He was part of Ján Kozák’s coaching staff at EURO 2016.

UEFA Key Player: Marek Hamšík

Marek Hamšík is Slovakia’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player. The 33-year-old captain and mainstay, playing for Dalian Shide in China, is the team’s midfield engine, known for his tireless energy. Slovakia’s success heavily relies on his presence.

UEFA Player to Watch: Tomáš Suslov

18-year-old left-winger Tomáš Suslov recounts telling his father he would one day play alongside Marek Hamšík. Now, he is close to realizing that dream. Groningen’s Suslov is considered a rising star of the tournament.

Team Facts:

Eight of Czechoslovakia’s EURO 1976 winning team’s starting XI were from Slovakia, highlighting the historical Slovak contribution to Czechoslovak football success.

GROUP F

• Qualifiers E Group: W4 D0 L4 GF8 GA11 P12
• Play-off Path: Beat Bulgaria 3-1, Iceland 2-1
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Willi Orban (3 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Third Place (1964)
• EURO 2016: Eliminated in Round of 16, losing 4-0 to Belgium

Head Coach: Marco Rossi

Former Italian national team defender Marco Rossi took charge of the national team in June 2018. Prior to that, he spent much of his coaching career with Hungarian clubs.

UEFA Key Player: Willi Orban

Willi Orban is considered among the best defenders in the world at intercepting attacks. In addition to his defensive prowess, he is also a threat in attack, especially from set-pieces. Between October 2018 and October 2020, he was the team’s second-highest scorer with four goals.

UEFA Player to Watch: Roland Sallai

Roland Sallai can play both as a winger and a striker. His performances for German side Freiburg this season have been impressive. After scoring eight goals and providing six assists, he earned his place in the EURO 2020 squad, having missed out in 2016.

Team Facts:

Hungary reached the semi-finals in 1964 and 1972. However, they failed to qualify for the European Championship again until 2016.

• Qualifiers B Group: W5 D2 L1 GF22 GA6 P17
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Cristiano Ronaldo (11 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Champion (2016)
• EURO 2016: Champion

Head Coach: Fernando Santos

Fernando Santos leads Portugal into EURO 2020 as defending champions, aiming to retain their title. After coaching all three of Portugal’s biggest clubs, he took over the national team in 2014. He led them to EURO 2016 victory and the inaugural Nations League title in 2019.

UEFA Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal’s most-capped player and all-time top scorer. EURO 2020 is expected to be the 36-year-old’s last major international tournament. The only accolades missing from his illustrious career are a World Cup and a EURO Golden Boot.

UEFA Player to Watch: João Félix

Atlético Madrid’s 21-year-old João Félix is currently among the team’s most talented players. He stands out for his ball control and aesthetically pleasing style of play in midfield.

Team Facts:

Portugal’s qualifying defeat to Ukraine in October 2019 was their only loss in EURO qualifiers or tournament matches under Santos.

• Qualifiers H Group: W8 D1 L1 GF25 GA6 P25
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Olivier Giroud (6 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Champion (1984, 2000)
• EURO 2016: Runner-up, losing 1-0 to Portugal in the final

Head Coach: Didier Deschamps

Former French national team defensive midfielder Didier Deschamps captained France to victory at the 1998 World Cup and EURO 2000. He has been managing the national team since 2012, leading them to World Cup glory in 2018.

UEFA Key Player: Kylian Mbappé

PSG forward Kylian Mbappé is particularly effective against top-level teams. While he can sometimes be contained by tight defenses, his abilities fully shine when he finds space in big matches, making him a key player for France in the ‘Group of Death’.

UEFA Player to Watch: Kingsley Coman

Kingsley Coman, who missed the 2016 World Cup squad due to injury, enters this tournament highly motivated. While not expected to be Deschamps’ first-choice forward, he possesses the potential to change games from the bench in this challenging group.

Team Facts:

This is France’s 13th consecutive major international tournament appearance. They have qualified for every tournament since the 1994 World Cup. In this period, they have reached five finals, winning three of them.

• Qualifiers C Group: W7 D0 L1 GF30 GA7 P21
• Top Scorer in Qualifiers: Serge Gnabry (8 goals)
• Best EURO Performance: Champion (1972, 1980, 1996)
• EURO 2016: Semi-Finals, losing 2-0 to France

Head Coach: Joachim Löw

Joachim Löw, who coached Turkish clubs Fenerbahçe and Adanaspor in the late 1990s and early 2000s, became a defining figure in German football history in the 2000s. He has been managing the German national team since 2006, winning the 2014 World Cup. Germany has reached at least the semi-finals in every EURO they have participated in under Löw. He announced that he will step down after EURO 2020.

UEFA Key Player: Thomas Müller

Thomas Müller, due to Germany’s youth movement and restructuring, had not been called up for 2.5 years. However, Löw recalled him for EURO 2020, believing experience would be crucial in this tournament. His drive and aversion to losing are expected to galvanize the team.

UEFA Player to Watch: Kevin Volland

Kevin Volland had an outstanding season with French club Monaco. He and Kai Havertz are expected to be key figures in Germany’s attacking tactics. This season, Volland scored 18 goals in 40 matches for Monaco.

Team Facts:

This is Germany’s 26th consecutive major international tournament appearance, highlighting their consistent presence at the highest level of international football.