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5 nations most likely to win UEFA Euro 2020

By Shane McFarland

PORTO, PORTUGAL - JUNE 5: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Juventus celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Nations League Semi-Final match between Portugal and Switzerland at Estadio do Dragao on June 5, 2019 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
PORTO, PORTUGAL - JUNE 5: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Juventus celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Nations League Semi-Final match between Portugal and Switzerland at Estadio do Dragao on June 5, 2019 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) /
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Belgium’s midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (R) takes on Scotland’s midfielder Kenny McLean (L) during the Euro 2020 football qualification match between Scotland and Belgium at Hampden Park, Glasgow on September 9, 2019. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Belgium’s midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (R) takes on Scotland’s midfielder Kenny McLean (L) during the Euro 2020 football qualification match between Scotland and Belgium at Hampden Park, Glasgow on September 9, 2019. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. Belgium

It feels like we’ve been talking about Belgium as a dark horse in major tournaments for several cycles now. And that’s mainly because we have. On paper, this is unquestionably one of the most talented nations in world football but the real question is if they can put together a sustained effort to raise a European championship trophy next summer. A run to the semi-finals in the 2018 World Cup would suggest so, but their golden generation’s window is beginning to close and this could be as good of an opportunity as any to raise some hardware on a big stage.

The forward line is led by freshly minted winger Eden Hazard, who made a splash over the summer landing at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to play for Real Madrid. His attacking and dribbling prowess is almost second to none in world football and will make him a nightmare for defenses when he makes extended runs from the midfield into the final third. Whether it be finishing a goal or setting one up, Hazard is a player you just can’t take your eyes off of when he’s on the pitch.

If there’s a player who has a lot to prove in the next calendar year, if to no one other than himself, it’s Belgium’s no. 9, Romelu Lukaku. After a less than ideal exit from Manchester United to Inter Milan in the final weeks of the summer transfer window, Lukaku will surely want to prove himself as one of the world’s most dangerous strikers next summer. His performances with the national team have largely been productive and could prove himself to be the X-factor in next year’s tournament.

Turning attention to the Red Devil’s midfield, one needs to look no further than Kevin De Bruyne. Already established as arguably the best all-around midfielder in the world for club and country, De Bruyne’s health will be paramount for Belgium heading into Euro 2020. His ability to pick out a pass and break down lines of defense is a thing of beauty and make him a threat in any part of the pitch. Honorable mentions should also be paid to Axel Witsel as well as Youri Tielemans as they will both play roles in getting Belgium to where they want to be come the end of the summer next year.

Just like Romelu Lukaku, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will also want to hush some of the negativity around him next summer. After a number of brilliant performances in the 2018 World Cup, his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid has been less than spectacular, turning in a mixed bag of performances last season. If he can return to form this next calendar year, we could be talking about him as one of the most crucial pieces of the puzzle for Belgium in Euro 2020.

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