Euro 2024 : MM Group A Prediction & Breakdown

It’s no secret that International tournaments are the holy grail for any football fan, something anticipated worldwide and watched live by millions. Hosted in Germany this year, the Euro 2024 Championship kicks off this evening, and here at Mixtape Madness, we have taken the time to delve into our group predictions, star players and players to keep an eye on. Group A consists of Germany, Hungary, Scotland and Switzerland, and so our group-by-group breakdown starts with the home nation.

Germany

The Germans have long been one of the favourable sides going into International competitions, and despite being knocked out in the Round of 16 to England in their 2-0 revenge win at Euro 2020, they will be projected to reach at least the finals stage this tournament. With captain Toni Kroos’ last dance before his retirement, he’ll be attempting to guide his side to a trophy as a way to bow out, and with a fresh pool of talent coming through into the squad alongside a mixture of experience and globally recognised names, they will be looking to come out of this group strongly.

Star Player: Florian Wirtz

After an incredible season winning the league with Bayer Leverkusen, 49 games for the German side this season saw the 21-year-old accumulate 18 goals and 19 assists, a real attacking talisman in a well-organised side. Still one of the youngest talents worldwide, Wirtz will be trying to recreate this form for Germany during this tournament, and with many transfer rumours swirling around about gaining his signature, will be even more eager to impress on an individual level.

Player to look out for: Pascal Gross

One of the first names on the Brighton & Hove Albion teamsheet, Pascal Gross’ call-up to the Germany side has been nothing short of overdue. Scoring his first International goal last week with a last-gasp winner against Greece in a friendly, he’ll be brimmed with confidence stepping into his first major tournament for his country. A popular playmaker and assist-king in the Premier League for Brighton, his innovative creative flair sets him apart from other midfielders, and he is one of the most underrated players within this squad.

Group Prediction: 1st

Despite their frequent unpredictability, I don’t see anybody else topping this group other than Germany. The host nation for this tournament, the Germans will be motivated by their home support and the opportunity to bring the trophy home with masses of support. All three of Hungary, Switzerland and Scotland I don’t think will be able to compete with the experience and talent pool of this German team, and despite maybe making it difficult at times, I envision them cruising to 1st position within Group A with 9 points to their name.

Words : Harvey Marwood

Hungary

Hungary may well be the first team to be labelled as dark horses in this competition. Italian coach Marco Rossi has turned this team around, with his side now in Nations League A and boasting recent wins over England and Germany. The majority of this team are not household names but their commitment to the tactics of their coach and defensive resilience will make them a tough outfit for any side to break down.

Star Player: Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool’s midfielder is the lynchpin to any Hungary success in this tournament. After impressing early on in the Premier League last season his output dwindled somewhat, but on his day he has the quality and class on the ball to change a game. Since his appointment as captain back in 2022, Hungary have not lost a game he has played in – a streak he will be hoping to keep up throughout this tournament.

Player to look out for: Milos Kerkez

At just 20 years of age Kerkez has demonstrated a tenacity and aggression beyond his years. A regular for Bournemouth last season after joining from AZ Alkmaar, the left back is not afraid to bomb forward whilst also using his pace to track back and match the wingers he defends. Still quite raw, he is one of the more experienced players for Hungary at the highest level and will want to put himself in the shop window with a potential move to Chelsea or Manchester United on the horizon.

Group Prediction: 2nd

Despite a lack of star power, this side has proven itself to be a nuisance for even the top international sides. With Germany the standout side in this group the second spot is very much up for grabs, and if Hungary can stick to the formula that got them to this tournament they should have enough to reach the knockout stages.

Words : Joe Simpson

Scotland

Historically, Scotland has never been a team that has been favoured Internationally, and manager Steve Clark and his 26-man squad will desperately be trying to change that. Picking up one point from three games last tournament, with the point coming against England of all teams, they’ve always seemed to struggle with the demand of high profile International games. However, they’ll be feeling optimistic as ever and are hoping to have learnt their lessons from past years, so despite a rough set of results in their friendly warm-ups, they’ll give it their all regardless.

Star Man : Scott McTominay

One of Manchester United’s most consistent players, Scott McTominay has proven consistently that he can be a huge threat offensively as well as a great defensive unit for club and country. With 7 goals and 1 assist in 8 games, the Scotsman averages a goal involvement every game in the 23/24 season, and if he can keep that up there’s a good chance of Scotland picking up a couple of points, which is safe to say would lift the team a lot,

Player to look out for: John McGinn

Again, both midfield powerhouses I think will hold down the majority of the Scottish team. Having never historically performed to the greatest success Internationally, Steve Clark will be hoping his experienced midfield men can try to lift and carry the team with their experience. With Villa qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 1983 with an astonishing fourth-place finish captained by McGinn, he’ll be looking to share this experience with the Scottish team mates nonetheless.

Group Prediction: 4th

By no means is this a definitive prediction, but I find it hard to place Scotland above anybody else in this group. Despite having a slightly more aged squad, the history of the Swiss team at major tournaments favours them to win more points, and unless a massive swing of motivation and form finds Steve Clark’s men, it could well be a bow out of the European Championships at the first hurdle.

Words : Harvey Marwood

Switzerland

The Swiss have been a mainstay in European competition for some time now, with this iteration of the national side coming into their own at the last Euros by knocking out favourites France on penalties in the round of 16. However, a shaky end to their qualifying campaign saw them finish second to Romania in one of the weakest groups, signifying what could be an end to a golden era. With unrest between coach Murat Yakin and senior players, Switzerland have moved to a back three with Premier League stars Manuel Akanji and Fabian Schär shoring up the backline. This side still possesses quality in multiple positions but a lack of attacking flair could hold them back in a tricky group.

Star Man: Granit Xhaka

After Leaving Arsenal at the end of last season many thought that the combative midfielder would be winding down in his career by moving to Leverkusen. Instead, Xhaka is playing the best football of his career and was an integral part of his side’s unbeaten domestic season. His country will need all of his aggression and intensity in the middle of the park, if they are to get out of their group.

Player to look out for: Dan Ndoye

Ndoye is one of the few players on this team who has the capability to unlock a defence. Blessed with pace in abundance and strong dribbling ability, he played a key part in Bologna’s surprise qualification for the Champions League next season, and rumours are swirling of a move to Inter Milan this summer. At 23 he is still raw and needs to add goals to his game, but with a lack of any fierce attacking options at their disposal, he may well be relied upon to spark the Swiss into life.

Group Prediction: 3rd

I don’t think any team will be able to roll Switzerland over given their strength in defence, but an ageing squad coupled with a lack of end product and clinical strikers could be their downfall in this campaign.

Words : Joe Simpson