Euro 2024 Group E
GROUP E
Group E venues are Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich and Stuttgart.
Belgium, with their wealth of talent and experience, are the group's standout team. Slovakia and Ukraine, both known for their disciplined and hardworking squads, will aim to make a significant impact. Romania, with a blend of young talents and seasoned professionals, will look to surprise their opponents and progress beyond the group stage.
Belgium Slovakia Romania Ukraine
|
[Team Jersey Images © Soccerphile]
Belgium
 |
 |
 |
|
Belgium Kit 1 |
Belgium Kit 2 |
Belgium Kit 3 |
Belgium v Slovakia, 17th June, Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt
Belgium v Romania, 22nd June, Cologne Stadium, Cologne
Belgium v Ukraine, 26th June, Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart
Coach
Domenico Tedesco, known for his tactical acumen and ability to manage big personalities, Tedesco will aim to harness Belgium's talent to deliver on their promise. His focus on organization and efficient use of the squad's attacking prowess will be key. He has coached the national side since 2023 after taking over from Roberto Martinez (now in charge of Portugal). Previously he was at the helm at Schalke 04, Spartak Moscow and RB Leipzig so knows Germany pretty well.
Record
1984, 2000 First Round, 2016 Quarter-Final, 2020 Quarter-Final, 1972 Third, 1980 Finalists
FIFA Ranking (3rd) in the world
Men to watch
Kevin De Bruyne - the Manchester City playmaker and captain is the linchpin of Belgium's midfield. His vision, passing range, and ability to score crucial goals make him indispensable.
Romelu Lukaku - the powerful striker is Belgium's primary goal threat. Lukaku's strength, speed, and finishing skills will be vital for breaking down defenses. With 14 goals he was the top scorer in qualifying.
Jérémy Doku - a dynamic winger known for his explosive pace and exceptional dribbling skills, making him a constant threat to defenders. Currently playing for Manchester City, he has quickly become a key player at the Etihad with his ability to create scoring opportunities and deliver precise crosses just as he did in the recent FA Cup FInal loss to Manchester United at Wembley. Doku's youthful exuberance and flair have also made him a vital asset for the Belgian national team, adding a new, 'wild card' dimension to their attack.
The Red Devils should reach the Round of 16 and maybe well beyond. Bookmakers currently place Belgium among the favorites, with odds around 7/1.
How they qualified
Group F winners with 6 wins and 2 draws ahead of Austria and Sweden.
On the sidelines
Captain Kevin De Bruyne has hinted in the Belgian press that he may leave Manchester City as his wife seeks an 'exotic location'. Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, misses out with a knee injury sustained in training.
Formation
3-4-3
Analysis
Belgium enters Euro 2024 as one of the tournament favorites. With a squad brimming with world-class talent and experience, they will aim to finally convert their potential into silverware. Tedesco's tactical nous will be crucial in ensuring Belgium's attacking stars are well-supported by a solid defensive structure. If key players stay fit, Belgium should comfortably progress from the group and are strong contenders to go deep into the tournament.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg), Thomas Kaminski (Luton Town), Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest).
Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge), Zeno Debast (Anderlecht), Wout Faes (Leicester City), Thomas Meunier (Trabzonspor), Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht), Arthur Theate (Stade Rennais), Axel Witsel (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Yannick Carrasco (Al Shabab), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Orel Mangala (Olympique Lyonnais), Amadou Onana (Everton), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Arthur Vermeeren (Atletico Madrid), Aster Vranckx (vfL Wolfsburg).
Strikers: Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Romelu Lukaku (Roma), Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla), Lois Openda (RB Leipzig), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal).
Slovakia
 |
 |
 |
|
Slovakia Kit 1 |
Slovakia Kit 2 |
Slovakia Kit 3 |
Slovakia v Belgium, 17th June, Frankfurt
Slovakia v Czech Republic, 21st June, Düsseldorf Arena, Düsseldorf
Slovakia v Romania, 26th June, Frankfurt
Coach
Francesco Calzona - the Italian tactician has brought a new level of organization and discipline to Slovakia. Known for his defensive strategies, Calzona will aim to make Slovakia a tough team to break down. He was an assistant coach at Sorrento, Empoli, Napoli, and Cagliari before a brief spell in full control at Napoli. He assumed the role of Slovakia manager in 2022.
Record
2016 Second Round, 2020 Group Stage.
FIFA Ranking (48th) in the world
Men to watch
Milan Škriniar - the former Inter Milan and now PSG defender is Slovakia's defensive rock and captain. His leadership and ability to read the game are crucial for Slovakia's solidity at the back.
Ondrej Duda - the attacking midfielder is capable of producing moments of brilliance. Duda's versatility and goal-scoring ability make him a key player.
Will battle it out with Ukraine to qualify.
How they qualified
Slovakia qualified for Euro 2024 after finishing second to Portugal in Group J with seven wins and two losses (both against Portugal).
On the sidelines
Slovan Bratislava is the most successful team in the country with the most titles in both the domestic league and cup. They play at the 22,500 capacity National Football Stadium. The former midfielder Marek Hamšík is on the coaching staff.
Formation
4-3-3
Analysis
Slovakia will rely on their strong defensive organization and the experience of key players like Škriniar and Stanislav Lobotka. While they may not be the favorites to qualify from the group, their disciplined approach and ability to counter-attack effectively could see them causing upsets. Progressing from the group will depend on their ability to secure points against Romania and Ukraine, as well as their resilience against Belgium.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Martin Dúbravka (Newcastle United), Marek Rodák (Fulham), Henrich Ravas (New England Revolution).
Defenders: Peter Pekarík (Hertha BSC), Milan Škriniar (Paris Saint-Germain), Norbert Gyömbér (Salernitana), Dávid Hancko (Feyenoord), Denis Vavro (Copenhagen), Vernon De Marco (Hatta), Adam Obert (Cagliari), Matúš Kmeť (AS Trenčín), Sebastian Kóša (Spartak Trnava).
Midfielders: - Juraj Kucka (Slovan Bratislava), Ondrej Duda (Hellas Verona), Patrik Hrošovský (Genk), Stanislav Lobotka (Napoli), Matúš Bero (VfL Bochum), László Bénes (Hamburger SV).
Strikers: Róbert Boženík (Boavista), Lukáš Haraslín (Sparta Prague), Tomáš Suslov (Hellas Verona), Ivan Schranz (Slavia Prague), David Strelec (Slovan Bratislava), Dávid Ďuriš (Ascoli), Ľubomír Tupta (Slovan Liberec), Leo Sauer (Feyenoord).
Romania
 |
 |
 |
|
Romania Kit 1 |
Romania Kit 2 |
Romania Kit 3 |
Romania v Ukraine, 17th June, Munich Football Arena, Munich
Romania v Belgium, 22nd June, Cologne
Romania v Slovakia, 26th June, Frankfurt
Coach
Edward Iordănescu - the Romanian manager (aka Iordănescu Jr and son of Steaua București legend Anghel) has focused on rebuilding the national team with a mix of youth and experience. Known for his pragmatic approach, Iordănescu will aim to make Romania competitive on the big stage. His father Anghel managed the national side at Euro 2016 and also the 1994 World Cup.
Record
1984 Group Stage, 1996 Group Stage, 2000 quarterfinals, 2008 Group Stage, 2016 Group Stage.
FIFA Ranking (46th) in the world
Men to watch
Nicolae Stanciu - the creative midfielder is essential to Romania's attack. Stanciu's ability to create chances and score from set-pieces will be crucial.
George Pușcaș - the striker is Romania's main goal threat. Pușcaș's ability to find the back of the net will be vital for Romania's chances of progressing.
The Tricolorii are a very long shot for the tournament at 150/1 to win Euro 2024. Advancing beyond the group stage will be challenging. Belgium is one of the stronger teams in the tournament, and Ukraine has shown recent, competitive form. Romania's key match will be against Slovakia, where they might have the best chance to secure points.
How they qualified
Won Group I undefeated ahead of Switzerland winning 6 out of 10 matches, drawing 4, scoring 16 goals and conceding just 5 in the process.
On the sidelines
The Romanian team is remembered for going peroxide blond at the 1998 World Cup in France. It did not help as the team went out in the Round of 16.
Formation
4-2-3-1
Analysis
Romania will aim to blend their traditional technical skills with a more pragmatic approach under Iordănescu. Key to their success will be the performances of Stanciu and Pușcaș in attack, and Chiricheș in defense. While they face tough opposition in Belgium, their matches against Slovakia and Ukraine will be pivotal for their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Florin Niță (Gaziantep), Horațiu Moldovan (Atlético Madrid), Ștefan Târnovanu (FCSB).
Defenders: Nicușor Bancu (Universitatea Craiova), Andrei Burcă (Al-Okhdood), Ionuț Nedelcearu (Palermo), Adrian Rus (Pafos), Andrei Rațiu (Rayo Vallecano), Radu Drăgușin (Tottenham Hotspur), Vasile Mogoș (CFR Cluj), Bogdan Racovițan (Raków Częstochowa).
Midfielders: Nicolae Stanciu (Damac), Răzvan Marin (Empoli), Alexandru Cicâldău (Konyaspor), Ianis Hagi (Alavés), Marius Marin (Pisa), Darius Olaru (FCSB), Deian Sorescu (Gaziantep), Florinel Coman (FCSB), Adrian Șut (FCSB), Constantin Grameni (Farul Constanța).
Strikers: Valentin Mihăilă (Parma), George Pușcaș (Bari), Denis Alibec (Muaither), Denis Drăguș (Gaziantep), Daniel Bîrligea (CFR Cluj), Dennis Man (Parma).
Ukraine
 |
 |
 |
|
Ukraine Kit 1 |
Ukraine Kit 2 |
Ukraine Kit 3 |
Ukraine v Romania, 17th June, Munich
Ukraine v Slovakia, 21st June, Dusseldorf
Ukraine v Belgium, 26th June, Stuttgart
Coach
Serhiy Rebrov - the former Ukrainian international has brought a sense of discipline and tactical awareness to the national team. Rebrov's focus on teamwork and defensive solidity will be crucial. Rebrov played for both Spurs and West Ham United in England.
Record
2012, 2016 First Round. 2020 Quarter-Final. Ukraine previously competed as part of the multinational Soviet Union.
FIFA Ranking (22nd) in the world
Men to watch
Andriy Yarmolenko - The experienced winger is Ukraine's talisman and captain now back with Dynamo Kyiv after his spell in the Premier League with West Ham and a stint in the UAE with A Ain. Yarmolenko's ability to score and create goals still makes him a constant threat.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - The versatile Arsenal midfielder/defender is crucial for Ukraine's transitions. Zinchenko's tactical intelligence and technical skills are invaluable.
Roman Yaremchuk - The Valencia striker provides a focal point in attack. Yaremchuk's goal-scoring ability and physical presence will be key for Ukraine's offensive play.
Ukraine is heading into Euro 2024 with cautious optimism, aiming to build on their impressive performances from the qualifiers. Under coach Serhiy Rebrov, Ukraine has developed a solid defensive setup and a potent counter-attacking strategy, often deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation. Key players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Viktor Tsygankov will be crucial in both defensive solidity and attacking creativity. Bookmakers and analysts suggest Ukraine has a reasonable chance of advancing from the group stages, given their balanced team and tactical discipline. They are seen as a potential dark horse, capable of upsetting more established teams, as evidenced by their draws against England and Italy in the qualifiers. 100/1 to win the tournament and 11/10 to finish in the top two of Group E.
How they qualified
The Ukrainians beat Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in the play offs after finishing 3rd behind England and Italy in Qualifying Group C.
On the sidelines
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk signed for an initial €70 million (£62 million) from Shakhtar Donetsk, making him the most expensive Ukrainian footballer so far as well as the most expensive player signed from the Ukrainian Premier League.
Formation
4-3-3
Analysis
Ukraine, under Rebrov's steady guidance, will be a well-organized and disciplined side. With Yarmolenko's creativity, Zinchenko's versatility, and Yaremchuk's goals, they certainly have the potential to advance from the group. Their ability to perform in key matches against Romania and Slovakia will ultimately determine their progress, while their match against Belgium will test their defensive resilience.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Heorhiy Bushchan (Dynamo Kyiv), Anatoliy Trubin (Benfica), Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid).
Defenders: Mykola Matviyenko (Shakhtar Donetsk), Vitaliy Mykolenko (Everton), Illya Zabarnyi (Bournemouth), Oleksandr Tymchyk (Dynamo Kyiv), Yukhym Konoplya (Shakhtar Donetsk), Bohdan Mykhaylichenko (Polissya Zhytomyr), Valeriy Bondar (Shakhtar Donetsk), Maksym Talovyerov (LASK), Oleksandr Svatok (Dnipro-1).
Midfielders: Serhiy Sydorchuk (Westerlo), Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal), Ruslan Malinovskyi (Genoa), Viktor Tsyhankov (Girona), Taras Stepanenko (Shakhtar Donetsk), Oleksandr Zubkov (Shakhtar Donetsk), Mykola Shaparenko (Dynamo Kyiv), Mykhailo Mudryk (Chelsea), Heorhiy Sudakov (Shakhtar Donetsk), Volodymyr Brazhko (Dynamo Kyiv).
Strikers: Roman Yaremchuk (Valencia), Artem Dovbyk (Girona), Vladyslav Vanat (Dynamo Kyiv), Andriy Yarmolenko (Dynamo Kyiv).
Compiled by Joji Imamiya & Soccerphile
Buy tickets for soccer matches around the world