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With Euro 2020 only a few days away, some of Europe's biggest teams are working on their preparations for what is set to be an intriguing tournament. The Euros are usually a reflection of the strength of each international team and this particular edition of the competition will likely serve as the ideal prelude to the World Cup next year.
Spain, in particular, have had an eventful few weeks leading up to the European competition. The squad has survived a coronavirus scare in the last few weeks and will need to shift their focus back to what is a challenging tournament.
Spain are the favourites to top their group in Euro 2020
Group E of the upcoming Euros will bear witness to an interesting set of clashes as Spain, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden battle it out for a place in the knock-outs. Spain seem to have the upper hand at the moment but will be wary of their opponents going into the competition.
Poland have impressive players in their ranks and could cause the Spaniards a few headaches going into this competition. Sweden are also a difficult team to beat on their day and could pose a few problems for the heavyweights in their group.
Slovakia are the dark horses in their group and will have to be at their best to get the most out of a difficult schedule. The Slovakians do have a few impressive Serie A talents in their ranks and could potentially cause a few upsets at Euro 2020.
Group E kicks off on the 14th of June with Poland taking on Slovakia at the Krestovsky Stadium in St. Petersburg. Spain take on Sweden the next day and have a point to prove under Luis Enrique this year.
With the Euros less than a week away, we take a look at each team in Group E of the competition and assess their chances of making it to the round-of-16 this year.
Spain
Luis Enrique has built a formidable squad with Spain and will be happy with nothing less than a first-place finish in Group E. La Furia Roja have one of the most technically adept midfield contingents at Euro 2020 and are the favourites to top this group.
With Sergio Busquets unavailable for most of the group stage, the onus will be on Rodri and Thiago Alcantara to dictate play in the midfield. Alvaro Morata is known for blowing hot and cold in high-profile competitions and will need to put the prolific side of his game on display here.
Spain have brought ample defensive talent to the Euro 2020 with Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, and Diego Llorente staking their claims for a place in central defence. With the depth and talent they possess, it would come as a genuine surprise if Spain fail to seal the deal in Group E.
Manager: Luis Enrique
Key Players: Thiago Alcantara, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Alvaro Morata
Predicted finish in Group E: 1st
Sweden
Sweden had massive expectations from Euro 2020 after Zlatan Ibrahimovic called time on his retirement for one last hurrah. The AC Milan striker suffered a knee injury in the Serie A, however, and has been ruled out of the competition.
With their star striker ruled out, Sweden will have to rely heavily on their squad depth to challenge Spain in Group E. The Nordic giants have impressive forwards in their ranks and the likes of Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski will be eager for an opportunity on the big stage.
Sweden also have a solid defensive unit led by Victor Lindelof and Marcus Danielsson. Emil Forsberg will have to become their creator-in-chief this year and could be the key to unlocking Sweden's immense potential.
Manager: Janne Andersson
Key Players: Emil Forsberg, Victor Lindelof, Alexander Isak, Marcus Berg, Dejan Kulusevski
Predicted finish in Group E: 2nd
Poland
The Euros often give some of Europe's dark horses an opportunity to put up a fight and step up against the continent's footballing bigwigs. Poland will relish the opportunity to pull off an upset against Spain and may well achieve the feat with the talent and experience they currently possess.
Robert Lewandowski is Poland's talisman and primary goal threat at the moment and will have to shoulder immense responsibility if his side is to make it to the business end of the tournament. The Polish striker broke Gerd Muller's Bundesliga record this season and is arguably the most lethal poacher at Euro 2020.
Poland might not be able to get the better of Spain in the group stages but could potentially manage victories against Sweden and Slovakia. The likes of Wojciech Szczesny and Jan Bednarek should be able to assist Lewandowski in his efforts to ensure that Poland make it to the next round.
Manager: Paulo Sousa
Key Players: Robert Lewandowski, Wojciech Szczesny, Jan Bednarek, Przemyslaw Frankowski
Predicted finish in Group E: 3rd
Slovakia
Slovakia are in for a difficult Euro campaign with Group E being as competitive as it is at the moment. The Balkan nation can pack a punch on the football pitch, however, and will be intent on proving its mettle at Euro 2020.
With Spain, Sweden, and Poland boasting impressive attacking line-ups, Slovakia will have to adopt a conservative approach to the tournament and are exceedingly likely to set up on the counter. Milan Skriniar has enjoyed an excellent season with Inter Milan and will be crucial to his country's chances of success at Euro 2020.
Slovakia also have their fair share of attacking talent and cannot be underestimated going into the Euros. Marek Hamsik still has several goals in him and the likes of Juraj Kucka and Lukas Haraslin add a discernible element of solidity to the team. While Slovakia might not be the best team in Group E, they certainly are capable of pulling off an upset or two.
Manager: Stefan Tarkovic
Key Players: Milan Skriniar, Juraj Kucka, Marek Hamsik, Lukas Haraslin, Peter Pekarik
Predicted finish in Group E: 4th
Also Read: Euro 2020: Greatest Spain XI of all time
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