Euro 2024 is right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about how the epic football tournament could play out. There are plenty of rising stars that could shake things up in the competition, but the veterans could play the biggest roles. All the favourites have at least one big, experienced player who could be vital to success.
Harry Kane
Some would say that Harry Kane is now the best striker in the world, and he’s a massive reason why England are heavily favoured to win the competition. Indeed, according to the latest UEFA Euro 2024 winner odds, England can be backed at 3/1 at the time of writing.
N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante is now 32 years old and one of the most experienced players in an extremely strong French side. He has won almost all the major accolades in the game – aside from a European Championship with France. He will be hoping to change that next summer in Germany.
Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer will go into Euro 2024 as one of the most experienced players in the competition, having played for Germany since 2009. The 37-year-old is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and a powerful influence in defence for his nation.
Leonardo Bonucci
Now that Giorgio Chiellini has hung up his boots for Italy, Leonardo Bonucci is one of the most experienced veterans in Luciano Spalletti’s side. The 36-year-old has more than 120 caps for his nation and is a formidable foe for opposition strikers to contend with.
Álvaro Morata
Spain’s captain Álvaro Morata is one of the most experienced players in Luis de la Fuente’s side, and La Roja will need the Juventus man to be on top form if they are to have a chance of winning the competition. Spain are currently outsiders among the big sides in the bookies’ estimations.
Robert Lewandowski
At the age of 35, Robert Lewandowski’s career is showing no signs of winding down. His move to Barcelona has been a great success, with 31 goals in 48 league appearances. In 146 showings for Poland, the hit man has scored more 82 goals and the smart money would be on him adding to that at the Euros.
Romelu Lukaku
Despite his difficult spell at Chelsea after signing for the Blues in 2021, Romelu Lukaku is still up there with the best strikers in the world. He has had much greater success in Italy with Inter Milan and Roma, and an incredible record of more than 83 goals for Belgium.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Despite the fact that he will be 39 by the time Euro 2024 rolls around, Cristiano Ronaldo is still expected to be a crucial player for Portugal. The legend has made more than 205 appearances for his country to date and will be hoping to add to his ever growing goal tally that has already passed 128.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is another influential figure in the Portugal side, and his risk-taking attacking approach benefits players like Ronaldo. The 29-year-old has more than 63 caps for his nation, and played a massive part in winning the EUFA Nations League in the 2018-19 campaign.
Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić may have passed his 38th birthday, but he still remains a key player for both Real Madrid and Croatia. His expertise at the heart of midfield helped guide his country to the 2018 World Cup final and a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup.
For some people, watching these iconic players in action will be the highlight of Euro 2024. But which one of them will help guide their side to the ultimate prize at the end?
