EURO 2024: 6 leading contenders for the title from each group

The road to EURO 2024 glory is taking shape as the top nations across Europe have been paired into their groups.

With some mouth-watering clashes on the horizon, let's take a look at the key contenders who'll be fancying their chances of getting their hands on that famous Henri Delaunay trophy in Germany next summer.

You can never rule out the hosts, can you? Julian Nagelsmann's Deutschland have hit a few bumps in the road of late, but on home soil, they'll be a different beast.

With a spine including the likes of Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Kai Havertz and the emerging Jamal Musiala, they'll certainly be there or thereabouts come the business end.

Dark horses no more! Croatia were the surprise package at Russia 2018, riding the brilliance of Luka Modric all the way to the final.

While the years are creeping up on their golden generation, underestimate them at your peril.

With a bit of savvy management from Zlatko Dalic, they could be a real banana skin with Modric, six-time Champions League winner, expected to lead again.

Is it finally coming home? England fans have been dreaming ever since that heartbreaking Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.

Gareth Southgate has an ocean of talent to call upon, with Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo and others ready to take the tournament by storm.

However, can the Three Lions handle the pressure when the big lights come on?

Wow. Just wow. Look at the names in that French squad - Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, William Saliba, and N’Golo Kante.

The list goes on! The former World champions and their boss Didier Deschamps' will be the team to beat in Germany.

But can anyone stop them from adding the European Championship to their 2018 World Cup title?

The golden generation's last hurrah? Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and co have already achieved great things, but that elusive major trophy still alludes them.

With a few old heads and an injection of new blood like Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere, could the Belgians spring a surprise in 2024?

All eyes will be on the likes of De Bruyne, Lukaku and young manager Domenico Tedesco.

The old warhorse and Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo just keeps on going, doesn't he?

Portugal's captain Marvel will be 39 come Euro 2024, but you just know he'll be champing at the bit to add another major honour to his glittering CV.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and co will need to be at their best to give Ronaldo one last tilt at the big one.

So there you have it - an epic struggle looming in Germany in less than two weeks.

Whichever nation comes out on top, we're guaranteed a festival of world-class football to get us all out of our seats.