EURO 2024 Favorites: Which teams have the best attack? (1 Viewer)

[Lady In Red]

Euro 2024 is just around the corner, and excitement is building among the 24 nations competing for glory this summer. While strong defenses are crucial in tournament football, goals ultimately decide the games, and every team needs the right mix to score.

Several attacking players will be looking to carry their impressive club form onto the international stage, with some eyeing the coveted Golden Boot award. Let's take a closer look at the attacking strengths of the top four teams tipped to win the Euros.

Germany:​

Host nation Germany is aiming for a record-extending fourth European Championship title, with a wealth of attacking options that could lead them to victory at Euro 2024. The 26 German players in Julian Nagelsmann's squad scored a combined 163 goals at club level during the 2023-24 season.

While none surpassed the 20-goal mark, seven players netted at least 10 times in all competitions. Deniz Undav, with 19 goals, and Hoffenheim's Maximilian Beier, with 16 goals, will compete for the center-forward spot alongside Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkrug. Havertz had 14 goals and seven assists for Arsenal, and Fullkrug added 16 goals and 10 assists for Borussia Dortmund.

Florian Wirtz, named Bundesliga Player of the Season, recorded 18 goals and 20 assists for Bayer Leverkusen and is expected to feature prominently. Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane also bring strong attacking records to the team. Joshua Kimmich, although primarily a midfielder, will offer creativity from right-back, supporting central playmakers Ilkay Gundogan, Pascal Gross, and Toni Kroos.

France:​

France is widely regarded as the favorite to win Euro 2024, with a squad packed with talent and led by Kylian Mbappe, considered one of the best players in the world. Mbappe, set to join Real Madrid, scored 44 of his 256 goals for PSG last season and is a strong Golden Boot contender.

Antoine Griezmann was the second-highest scorer among the French players with 24 goals and eight assists, likely playing in a deeper role to accommodate Mbappe or Olivier Giroud.

Marcus Thuram, with 15 goals and 14 assists in his debut season at Inter Milan, will push for a starting spot, while PSG's Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, and Bradley Barcola provide additional attacking options. France's midfielders, though not prolific goal scorers, will rely on full-backs Jonathan Clauss and Theo Hernandez, who both had strong seasons at their respective clubs, to create chances from the flanks.

England:​

Despite a recent mixed performance in friendlies, England's attacking talent makes them a formidable opponent at the Euros. The 26 players in Gareth Southgate's squad scored 242 goals at club level in 2023-24. Harry Kane remains England's talisman, with 44 goals and 12 assists for Bayern Munich, but Ollie Watkins is a capable alternative, having scored 27 goals and provided 13 assists for Aston Villa.

Phil Foden, after a standout season with Manchester City, and Jude Bellingham, excelling at Real Madrid, will be key players. Other notable attackers include Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. Trent Alexander-Arnold, known for his creativity, might feature in midfield, while Kieran Trippier offers an attacking threat from left-back.

Portugal:​

Portugal, eight years after their first European Championship win, boasts a squad rich in attacking talent, including the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 44 goals for Al-Nassr last season. The Portuguese squad scored 177 goals at club level, with seven players reaching double figures. Diogo Jota, Rafael Leao, and Bruno Fernandes each netted 15 goals, with Fernandes and Leao also providing numerous assists.

Leao will compete for a spot in the front three along with Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva, while young talent Francisco Conceicao could make an impact as a substitute. Midfielders Ruben Neves and Vitinha add further attacking options, and full-backs Joao Cancelo and Diogo Dalot will support the attack from the flanks.

DARK HORSES​

Spain might just be the dark horses to watch out for at Euro 2024, as they aim for a record fourth European Championship with a squad brimming with attacking talent under head coach Luis de la Fuente. Combining youth and experience, Spain's 26 players scored a total of 166 goals at club level during the 2023-24 season.

Alvaro Morata had a standout season, netting 21 times for Atletico Madrid, and he's expected to lead Spain's attack. However, 34-year-old Joselu, who scored 17 goals while on loan at Champions League winners Real Madrid, and Real Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored 14 goals and added four more in Spain's warm-up matches, will also be vying for the central striker position.

One of the most exciting players to watch is Barcelona's 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. In his breakthrough season, Yamal tallied seven goals and 10 assists. Alongside him, Dani Olmo (eight goals, five assists), Ferran Torres (11 goals, four assists), and Nico Williams (eight goals, 17 assists) will play crucial roles in Spain's attack.

Spain's midfield is also packed with goal-scoring potential. Five of their seven midfielders contributed at least 10 goals at club level last season. Manchester City star Rodri, known for his defensive role, surprisingly scored nine goals and registered 14 assists.

Villarreal's Alex Baena, who led La Liga with 14 assists, and Alex Grimaldo, who set up 19 goals as a left wing-back for Bayer Leverkusen, add further creativity and depth to Spain's attacking options.

With such a potent mix of experienced strikers and dynamic young talents, Spain could well be the surprise package that goes all the way in Euro 2024.