With November’s international break beyond us, UEFA are preparing for Saturday’s Euro 2024 finals draw.
The pots have been confirmed after 20 sides qualified for next summer’s tournament, in addition to hosts Germany, and the remaining three places will be decided once the play-offs take place in March.
Those set to compete in Germany will discover their group-stage fate at 5pm GMT on 2 December, when the balls are pulled out in Hamburg. All teams are seeded in accordance with their overall qualifying rankings.
Seeding goes out the window once the competition kicks-off, though. The sports betting markets will be getting ready for a busy year as they price up the favourites to go all the way in Germany at Euro 2024. England will be expected to go far, but will we see any underdog shock the big nations?
Manchester United will have a number of players involved including Portugal’s Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes as well as England’s Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw. New midfielder Mason Mount will be hoping to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad, despite missing out for the games in November after being overlooked by the England manager (not for the first time).
There is interest in pot too as far as United are concerned, as Denmark and Turkey join Albania, Austria, Hungary and Romania. Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund pulled out of the Danish squad for the November internationals, though they’re certain to be going to the Euros if fit.
Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir will expect to be on the plane to Germany as part of the Turkey squad. The Turk has yet to make his Manchester United debut which could come in the winter when Onana leaves for the African Cup of Nations.
Scott McTominay is looking forward to another European Championship with Scotland qualifying behind Spain in Group A, and have been rewarded with a spot in pot three. The midfielder was in goalscoring form during the qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 and he’ll aim to be on target again next summer.
Furthermore, when Tyrell Malacia returns from injury, the full-back is expected to compete for a place in the Netherlands squad.
United may even have more players involved by the time Euro 2024 kicks off since the transfer window will reopen again before that point. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also expected to shake up the recruitment team, so fans are demanding improvements in the department.
