Euro 2024: France are rightly favourites but nothing is certain in talent-stacked tournament

For the first time in 20 years, there will be no defending world champion at the European Championship, adding to a sense the tournament is an open field.

England are rightly among the favourites, but they are one of several sides aiming to be champions, while the 24-team format means even rank outsiders — Hungary are the most obvious pick as dark horses — will be eyeing a run into the knockouts.

For hosts Germany, who start proceedings against Scotland tonight, optimism is back and, more importantly, so too is icon Toni Kroos.

The midfielder's return from international retirement for a final swansong, coupled with some encouraging glimpses of new coach's Julian Nagelsmann's football, have given Die Mannschaft renewed hope, following a series of abject tournament failures.

Kroos adds to an experienced spine, also including goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Toni Rudiger, while an attack of Arsenal's Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala is technical and unpredictable.

It is still, however, early days for Nagelsmann, who only succeeded Hansi Flick in September, and while Germany should comfortably progress from a group which also includes Hungary and Switzerland, a run to the last four would probably be considered par by the home fans.

It may also be too soon to expect miracles from holders Italy under Luciano Spalletti, who will not have been in the job a year even if the Azzurri reach the final.

As well as a new coach, Italy go into the tournament with new leaders and a new style, with many of old guard who saw off England three years ago now retired.

Spalletti, who has rallied against a perceived culture of "modernity" in his squad and reportedly banned video games, does not have a recognised world-class centre-forward, with former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca (one international goal) likely to lead the line — although that did not stop Italy at Euro 2020.

Their first challenge will be to qualify from a group also including Spain, Croatia and likely whipping boys Albania. The Croats are still built around Luka Modric, 38, and have never won a knockout game at a European Championship, perhaps making them outsiders among the traditional heavyweights.

The Spanish looked unlikely European champions again when they lost to Morocco on penalties in Qatar 18 months ago, but they have stabilised under veteran coach Luis de la Fuente, and go to Germany with the same keep-ball approach and an intriguing blend of youth and experience.

Barcelona's 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal is one of the most exciting players at the finals, while Jesus Navas, 22 years his senior, also makes the squad. Their spine includes the imperious Rodri, although they are one of several top sides lacking a proven striker, with Alvaro Morata still their main source of goals.

France are the only contenders with no glaring weaknesses and, as is customary, Les Bleus start the tournament with the shortest odds and what is widely perceived to be the strongest squad.

In an indication of their depth, Arsenal's William Saliba is among the players struggling to make the side, while Real Madrid pair Eduardo Camavinga and Aurien Tchoimean are probably competing for one spot in midfield next to N'Golo Kante and Antoine Griezmann.

The runners-up in Qatar have lost centre-back Raphael Varane and former captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, but there is no shortage of experience on the pitch — Olivier Giroud is still around — and Didier Deschamps, 55, continues to go strong as head coach.

In Kylian Mbappe, France surely have the tournament's best player, who should be energised by finally securing his move to Real Madrid and always rises to the biggest occasions.

If there is a concern beyond over-confidence (recall their shock defeat by Switzerland at Euro 2020), it might be in Deschamps' preferred back two of Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano, both of whom finished the season on the bench for their clubs.

Holland, who face France in their second game, as well as Poland and Austria, have a reputation for attacking football, but this time around it is the defenders who are most likely to catch the eye.

Virgil van Dijk, Tottenham's Micky van de Ven and Nathan Ake were three of the Premier League's best stoppers last season, while midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is a potential breakout star for Ronald Koeman's side. The Dutch, though, may lack for a real killer up top.

Group E, made up of Ukraine, Slovakia, Belgium and Romania is the most open on paper.

Many of Belgium's golden generation have now retired, while Thibaut Courtois was controversially left out, and Jan Vertonghen, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are all the wrong side of 30.

A new generation, led by exciting wingers Jeremy Doku and Johan Bakayoko, will have to come to the fore.

Portugal are certainly not among the top sides lacking a superstar up front, although 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo should be both a strength and a weakness. Ronaldo seems likely to bang in the goals in a group also including the Czech Republic, Georgia and Turkey, but his lack of defensive work will put more pressure on his array of supremely talented team-mates, including but not limited to Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Joao Felix and Pedro Neto.

Perhaps Portugal's biggest concern is coach Roberto Martinez, who oversaw 10 straight wins in qualifying, but lacked killer instinct when it mattered during his time in charge of Belgium.