Euro 2024 Preview - Group A

We’re a little over a week away from the start of Euro 2024 tournament, so it’s time to start my usual previews. I’m starting today with Group A, which include perennial powerhouses Italy, along with Hungary, Switzerland, Bonnie Scotland. Prospects: Germany enter this tournmaent in an unfamiliar situation - as dark horses. Yet, no one has the tournament pedigree or mentality that Der Mannschaft typically possess, so only a fool would discount them. They're likely to be hardest pressed by the plucky Hungarians but neither Switzerland nor the Scots, who are merely happy to be in the company of other Euro qualifiers, will trouble them. * One to Watch: Midfielder Florian Wirtz was a big reason that Leverkusen upset perennial Bundesliga favorites Bayern Munich this season and picked up the Bundesliga Player of the Season award as a result. * Most Likely to See Red: Kieran Tierney, Scotland's "Ball Recovery Monster." * Most Likely to Attempt a “Panenka:” Dimunitive Swiss schemer Xherdan Shaqiri has a flair for a dink. * Key Match: Germany v. Hungary - June 19, noon * Blue Devil’s Crystal Ball Says: As long as they can navigate their second match against Hungary, Germany should top the group. Hungary and Switzerland will vie for second spot and one of them should be one of the best third place teams in the R16. Steve Clarke shouldn't book an extended stay at the tournament hotel. His squad will be home with their feet up watching the latter stages.