Hamburg: The anticipation for Euro 2024 reaches a crescendo as the draw approaches, scheduled to be held in Hamburg, Germany.
Set to take place at the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, the event marks a crucial moment for leading nations, including France and England, who aim to discover their path to potential continental success.
With the tournament slated to run from June 14 to July 14, the draw will set the stage for an intense battle for supremacy.
While football enthusiasts gear up for the upcoming European Championship, the atmosphere in the winter-stricken city of Hamburg might not entirely shift towards the finals, with the prevailing focus on top-flight club football across the continent. Nevertheless, the draw signifies the beginning of the countdown to the tournament, featuring the 20 qualified nations alongside hosts Germany, reported AFP.
Notably, last year's World Cup finalists France, an England team yet to claim continental glory, along with Portugal, Spain, Belgium, and the hosts, find themselves among the top seeds for the draw. The presence of star talents like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham positions France and England as strong contenders.
England, having faced the disappointment of losing the Euro 2021 final to Italy, acknowledges the pressure but embraces the challenge, according to manager Gareth Southgate. Meanwhile, Germany faces on-field crises following a string of defeats post their World Cup exit, raising concerns about their form under coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Beyond the first pot, formidable teams such as the Netherlands in pot three and reigning champions Italy in pot four loom as potential threats. Italy, having secured qualification after a tense draw with Ukraine, seeks to defend their title in Germany, vowing to aim for victory despite recent challenges.
With the playoffs in March determining the final three spots at the finals, teams like Poland, Wales, Ukraine, and Greece, among others, remain in contention.
Despite Germany's uncertainties on-field, anticipation mounts for a return to the traditional format of a Euro staged in a single country after the continent-wide Euro 2020, plagued by pandemic-induced restrictions on travel and attendance.
The upcoming tournament promises an unencumbered fan experience, spread across 10 host cities in Germany, with Berlin set to host the final at the 70,000-capacity Olympiastadion after Munich kicks off the event on June 14.