Group C Team Insights & Key Players
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Euro 2024 is fast approaching, and Group C promises to be an exciting and tightly contested group. Featuring England, Serbia, Slovenia, and Denmark, this group is full of teams with unique tactics, talented players, and intriguing storylines. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at each team and what they bring to the table.
Serbia
Serbia is making their first appearance at the Euros as a nation-state, having gained independence in 2006. Head coach Dragan Stojkovic has said that qualifying from the group "would be a success." Serbia plays with a back five, wing-backs, and two defensive midfielders, and they can switch between a 3-4-2-1 and a 3-5-2 formation. Their attacking style is mixed, with a 62% possession average in qualifying, but they also have the ability to play direct and exploit the aerial prowess of Aleksandar Mitrovic. Crosses are Serbia's main route to goal, especially from the left, and they had the most headed shots in Euros qualifying.
England
England, under the guidance of head coach Gareth Southgate, has evolved into a team that is known for its possession-based style of play. They typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with a focus on building from the back and creating overloads in wide areas. England's attacking rotations and pressing structures are key to their success, and they have a wealth of talented players at their disposal. Harry Kane is the team's key player, but the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish are all capable of making a big impact.
Slovenia
Slovenia is a team that is known for its strict 4-4-2 formation and disciplined defensive structure. Head coach Matjaz Kek has built a team that is difficult to break down, and they are comfortable playing on the counter-attack. Slovenia's build-up rotations are key to their attacking play, with the full-backs pushing high up the pitch and the midfielders looking to find space between the lines. Josip Ilicic is the team's key player, and his creativity and goal scoring ability will be crucial to Slovenia's chances.
Denmark
Denmark, under the guidance of head coach Kasper Hjulmand, is a team that is known for its diagonal passing style and high-pressing system. They typically line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with a focus on creating overloads in wide areas and exploiting the space in behind the opposition's defense. Denmark's build-up rotations are key to their success, with the central defenders splitting wide and the midfielders dropping deep to create space. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is the team's key player, and his energy, pressing ability, and passing range will be vital to Denmark's chances.
Group C's Key Players
Each team in Group C has several key players who will be crucial to their success. For Serbia, Aleksandar Mitrovic is the focal point of their attack and will be looking to add to his impressive international goal tally. Dusan Tadic is another key player for Serbia, with his creativity and vision from the number 10 position.
England's key player is Harry Kane, who is one of the best strikers in the world and will be looking to lead his team to glory. Jude Bellingham is another player to watch, with his energy, pressing ability, and passing range making him a key component of England's midfield.
Slovenia's key player is Josip Ilicic, who is known for his creativity, goalscoring ability, and set-piece prowess. He will be looking to make a big impact in what is likely to be his final major tournament.
Denmark's key player is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is the engine of their midfield and a crucial component of their high-pressing system. He will be looking to dictate the tempo of the game and create chances for his teammates.
Weaknesses
Each team in Group C also has weaknesses that could be exploited by their opponents. Serbia's main weakness is their defense, which can be susceptible to quick counter-attacks and pace in behind. They will need to be wary of England's pacey forwards and Denmark's high-pressing system.
England's main weakness is their lack of creativity in midfield, which can make it difficult for them to break down well-organized defenses