Euro 2024 Group D guide: France can cement favourite status in group of dark horses
Despite what the bookies on this island claim, France are the actual favourites to win Euro 2024 and will waste no time confirming as such.
Les Blues have landed in an intriguing group, though, and know they will have to hit the ground running to avoid any group-stage panic.
Netherlands just about keep their long-standing ‘dark horses’ tag given the injury problems and lack of big names, while Austria have all the ingredients for true ‘dark horse’ status. Poland have Robert Lewandowski up top, though not for their opening game due to injury. Can they spring a surprise?
Dom Smith assesses Group D below.
France
Won the 2018 World Cup, reached the final in Qatar, and won the UEFA Nations League in 2021.
They head into the Euros with the most experienced squad and, in the eyes of many, the most talented. Will be hoping to improve on their Euro 2020 showing, which saw them knocked out in the round of 16 to Switzerland on penalties.
Manager: Didier Deschamps
From successful player to successful manager. Has now been in the job for 12 years and knows how to win.
Star player: Kylian Mbappe
Before he gets the chance to kickstart life at Real Madrid, he will set his sights on winning his first European Championship.
One to watch: Randal Kolo Muani
A technically gifted striker who Deschamps uses plenty and is now in the big-time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Chances of winning it in three words: The actual favourites.
Poland
Beat Germany a year ago and qualified for the tournament by winning a penalty shootout against Wales in the play-offs.
Their prize is to land in Group D alongside France and the Netherlands.
Plenty of experience, including captain Robert Lewandowski, whose next goal for his country will be his 83rd.
Manager: Michal Probierz
Took over last year after a stint as Poland Under-21 manager. An experienced Polish top-flight coach.
Star player: Robert Lewandowski
Feels like it was about 1960 the last time he wasn’t Poland’s best player. Now 35 but comes into the tournament on the back of 19 La Liga goals for Barcelona.
One to watch: Jakub Moder
The 25-year-old finds game-time hard to come by at Brighton but is key in midfield for Poland. Keeps the ball.
Chances of winning it in three words: An almighty challenge.
Netherlands
Have gradually crept up the rankings to seventh in the world in recent years, showing themselves to be somewhat reborn in Qatar after failing to qualify for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.
Head into the tournament in decent form and with a promising generation of youngsters beginning to shine.
Manager: Ronald Koeman
Was Holland’s assistant manager in 1997, manager from 2018 to 2020 and is now back for another bite of the cherry. Respected by his players.
Star player: Virgil van Dijk
You’ve got to be some player to be your team’s star man as a defender. Fortunately for him, and Holland’s chances, Van Dijk is.
One to watch: Jeremie Frimpong
The humorous Bayer Leverkusen right-back is a breath of fresh air and the form guy. Has to play.
Chances of winning it in three words: A dark horse.
Austria
Unbeaten since October, having beaten rivals Germany in that time.
Face a difficult challenge to make it out of Group D, but could spring a surprise or two if they can build on strong form and make a go of it.
Their slight obstacle is having to face France in their opener in Dusseldorf. Key will be not to panic if they lose that 4-0.
Manager: Ralf Rangnick
The ex-Manchester United manager gives off schoolteacher vibes but has certainly got this Austria team clicking.
Star player: Marcel Sabitzer
With David Alaba missing through injury, the baton is passed on to the wily Borussia Dortmund midfielder to skipper Das Team.
One to watch: Christoph Baumgartner
RB Leipzig midfielder is a tricky and talented playmaker with a fine shot and 15 goals from 38 caps. Not half bad.
Chances of winning it in three words: A tough ask.
