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Andrew Cesare Richardson

This month marks the start of Euro 2024, the main tournament for Europe’s international sides.
A 12-month delay because of the coronavirus pandemic meant fans have only had to wait three years since the last tournament in 2021.
On that occasion, it was a first-ever pan-European event, with several major cities across the continent staging matches.
However, we have returned to tradition with just one host this time.




So, with less than two weeks to go until kick-off, here’s everything you need to know.
When is Euro 2024?
The tournament kicked off on June 15 at 3am Hong Kong time (June 14 at 9pm EST) when hosts Germany faced Scotland at Munich Football Arena – usually known as Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
The early matches each night start at around 9pm Hong Kong time, with the later ones at midnight.
Where is Euro 2024 being held?

The tournament is taking place across various cities in Germany, with the final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 15 at 3am Hong Kong time.
It is the first time a unified Germany will host the Euros. In 1988, the tournament was in West Germany – just one year before the fall of the Berlin Wall, uniting the country with East Germany – and was won by Netherlands.
Where can I watch Euro 2024?
In Hong Kong, all matches will be on NOW TV but for Singapore and Malaysia viewers, the action can be seen via SPOTV.
Those in the United States can follow events on Fox Sports.
Who are the favourites for Euro 2024?
World Cup finalists France and Euro 2020 runners-up England are among those expected to get to the later stages. Holders Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup so it would be a huge surprise if they retained their crown.




Elsewhere, the usual big hitters in Portugal, Spain and hosts Germany will be in the mix.
Who are the Euro 2024 debutants?
Georgia, led by Napoli star Kvara Kvaratskhelia, are the only side in the tournament that have never previously played in it.
Who are the Euro 2024 group favourites?
There are six groups and up to three teams can qualify from a group. The top two are guaranteed a place in the next round, while the best four third-placed sides will also go through.
Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
The hosts have not reached the quarter-finals of a major tournament since 2016 but will be expected to go deep here.
Switzerland were the surprise package three years ago as they eliminated then world champions France.
Scotland and Hungary are likely to be battling it out for a third-place berth.
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
The Group of Death. Croatia, World Cup finalists in 2018, may not be the team they once were but they did eliminate Brazil in Qatar 18 months ago.
Italy knocked Spain out at the semi-final stage of the Euros three years ago but La Roja got their revenge in the Uefa Nations League two years later.
The trio were also in the same group at Euro 2012, with Spain and Italy later meeting in the final. Ireland were the fourth team on that occasion and finished the tournament with no points. Albania will have similar expectations.

Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
Gareth Southgate’s side are among the favourites and will feel they have been dealt a favourable draw.
Denmark shocked the continent by reaching the semi-finals three years ago but fell at the group stage in Qatar.
Serbia are often touted as dark horses and hope this will be the occasion they live up to that tag, while Slovenia will surely be aiming only for third place.
Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
Les Bleus also carry the favourites tag and will be looking to win the tournament for the first time since 2000.
However, Netherlands want to make a mark at a major tournament for the first time since 2014, when they reached the World Cup semi-finals, and have missed out on two major tournaments since.
Austria, looking revived under Ralf Rangnick, could reach the knockout stages but will be without their star player in David Alaba, while Poland will once again rely on Robert Lewandowski.
Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
Belgium are not the star-studded outfit of recent tournaments but should breeze through this group.
Then it’s a fairly even contest between the other three teams to join them in the knockout phase.

Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic
With Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks alongside Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, anything is possible for Roberto Martinez’s Portugal.
Turkey were impressive in qualifying but flattered to deceive three years ago.
Euro 96 finalists Czech Republic will be aiming to edge out debutants Georgia and reach the last 16.


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Uefa

Euro 2024 fixtures, results, tables, how to watch, who will win and all you need to know

Euros holders Italy will be looking to defend the trophy they claimed three years ago. Photo: AP

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are likely to be the main stars for England at Euro 2024. Photo: Getty Images

A World Cup winner in 2018, Kylian Mbappé will hoping to add a Euros medal to his France haul. Photo: EPA

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is under pressure to deliver in a home tournament. Photo: Reuters

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Sunak (centre), seen on a visit to a non-profit organisation, has opted for an election days after England’s probable first knockout match. Photo: AFP

England, led by coach Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane, are among the Euro 2024 favourites. Photo: Reuters

England’s World Cup loss in 1970 was followed soon after by defeat for PM Harold Wilson. Photo: SCMP

Three days after Britain’s shock Brexit referendum decision, England lost 1-0 to Iceland at Euro 2016. Photo: AP

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Toni Kroos will end his playing career after Euro 2024, his club Real Madrid have announced. Photo: Reuters

Sport

Football

Month-long tournament taking place mainly in early hours of morning for Hongkongers, with France and England starting among the favourites


Month-long European tournament taking place mainly in the early hours of the morning for Hongkongers, with France and England starting among the favourites.
