Having taken a look at Group A, Group B and Group C, attention turns to Group D at Euro 2024. We pick out the key player, young player to watch and make a tournament prediction for Austria, France, Netherlands and Poland.
How they reached Euro 2024
In a group with both Belgium and Sweden, Austria did well to not only book a place at Euro 2024, but run the Red Devils close having finished a point off top spot. Ralf Rangnick has his side set up well and having overseen victory in three of four away matches, Austria won't be concerned about playing away from home.
Key Player - Marcel Sabitzer
In the absence of the injured captain David Alaba, there will be added pressure on Marcel Sabitzer to provide the leadership in this Austria side. The 30-year-old comes into the Euros on the back of a solid season for Borussia Dortmund culminating in their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid and Ralf Rangnick will lean upon this tournament experience to help Austria.
Young Player to Watch - Nicolas Seiwald
While he failed to leapfrog Xaver Schlager and Amadou Haidara in the midfield pecking order for RB Leipzig, Nicolas Seiwald was solid enough when called upon for the German side last season. The 23-year-old finished the Bundesliga campaign top for tackles per 90 (4.2) of those to make at least 20 appearances in 2023/24 and his ball-winning capability is what'll likely see him start for Austria.
Tournament Prediction - Round of 16
How they reached Euro 2024
France eased to Euro 2024 as they navigated their qualification group with 22 points from their eight games. The only time they dropped points was once their spot in Germany was wrapped up and they played out a 2-2 draw with Greece. Wins home and away against the Netherlands further exhibited their standing on the international stage.
Key Player - Kylian Mbappe
Who else but? Real Madrid's new Galactico will look to lead France to international glory once more having shone in his final season for PSG. Indeed, Kylian Mbappe scored more goals (27) and returned a better WhoScored rating (7.71) than any other player in France's top tier last term with the French captain primed to fire Les Bleus to a third European championship.
Young Player to Watch - Eduardo Camavinga
While Eduardo Camavinga is unlikely to start for France this summer, with Didier Deschamps expected to use Aurelien Tchouameni or Adrien Rabiot alongside N'Golo Kante, the Real Madrid midfielder is a handy option for the 2022 World Cup runner up. Comfortable in midfield and at left-back, this versatility combined with his superb technical ability means Camavinga is a handy backup for Deschamps.
Tournament Prediction - Winners
How they reached Euro 2024
Having been drawn alongside 2022 World Cup runners' up France, it wasn't a surprise to see the Netherlands finish second in Group B of Euros qualifying. Ronald Koeman returned to the Oranje helm at the start of 2023, but qualifying for Euro 2024 got off to a dire start as they were smashed 4-0 by France in Paris. Nevertheless, they recovered quickly to earn 18 points from their eight games.
Key Player - Virgil van Dijk
The best rated centre-back in Europe's top five leagues last season, Virgil van Dijk was excellent for Liverpool in Jurgen Klopp's final campaign at the Anfield helm. The Netherlands captain will feel confident of transferring his club form to country this summer and if he can dominate at the back, then the Oranje will feel confident of keeping out their Group D rivals and at the very least make it to the round of 16 alongside one of the tournament favourites in France.
Young Player to Watch - Xavi Simons
Having returned to PSG last summer, Xavi Simons was sent on loan to RB Leipzig. Any concerns he'd struggle in one of Europe's top leagues were quickly quashed as the 21-year-old ended his debut Bundesliga campaign with 11 assists to his name. Simons is unlikely to remain at PSG next season and he'll delay making a decision on his future until after the Euros. A strong performance on familiar territory will boost his already impressive reputation.
Tournament Prediction - Quarter-finals
How they reached Euro 2024
Poland were poor in qualifying, winning only three of eight matches to finish behind Albania and Czechia with 11 points. As such, they were forced into the playoffs where they smashed Estonia before beating Wales on penalties to book their Euro 2024 spot.
Key Player - Robert Lewandowski
Even after enduring a mid-season dip in form, Robert Lewandowski ended his second La Liga season with 19 league goals and eight assists to his name. The 35-year-old will again lead the line for Poland this summer as Michal Probierz aims to mastermind progression to the knockout stages for just the second time in the Eagles' history.
Young Player to Watch - Nicola Zalewski
Michal Probierz favours a 3-5-2 setup and this benefits Roma youngster Nicola Zalewski. The 22-year-old is able to play in any position down the left flank and operating at left wing-back in Germany will allow the young Pole to yo-yo up and down the wing to stretch defences. Having averaged 3.5 crosses per 90 in Serie A last season, Zalewski is one prepared to throw the ball into the box where possible, and that'll suit Lewandowski.
Tournament Prediction - Group stages
Group prediction
1. France
2. Netherlands
3. Austria
4. Poland
