Group A predictions: Hosts can sail into the last 16

Best bet
Germany-Hungary dual forecast

Group A has the makings of one of the most competitive sections at Euro 2024 with tournament hosts and three-time winners Germany joined by spirited Scotland, experienced Switzerland and potential dark horses Hungary.

Not since 1996 have Germany won the European Championship and their recent endeavours at major tournaments have been uninspiring.

Sandwiched between successive World Cup group-stage exits, Germany were knocked out of Euro 2020 in the last 16 by rivals England.

Joachim Low departed at the end of that tournament and, after a two-year spell under Hansi Flick, Germany are in the capable hands of Julian Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann has enjoyed success at Hoffenheim, Leipzig and Bayern Munich and is arguably the most talented head coach at Euro 2024.

That coupled with home advantage will be crucial to the team's credentials and star talents such as Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger and Jamal Musiala should at least ensure Germany will top the group - but who will join them in guaranteeing their place in the knockout phase?

Scotland were one of the surprise packages in Euro 2024 qualifying, winning five of their eight matches to finish below Spain but above Norway in Group A.

It is their second successive European Championship and there was plenty to be learned from Euro 2020 in which they lacked innovation and bravery, crashing out in the group stage with just one goal to their name.

Steve Clarke's reluctance to veer away from a passive 3-4-2-1 set-up could be their downfall and they do not come into Euro 2024 in great form, having lost their two March friendlies 4-0 and 1-0 against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland respectively.

Switzerland are regulars at major tournaments but have progressed beyond the group stage of European Championships only twice - in 2016 and in 2020.

Murat Yakin's side will likely look to build on a sturdy rearguard featuring Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi, while Granit Xhaka will be the bedrock of their midfield.

But they lack experience in attack and are not the most enterprising team going forwards, having scored just once across friendlies with Denmark and Ireland in March.

And dark horses Hungary could be ready to capitalise on Scotland and Switzerland's deficiencies in Group A.

Having qualified for only two of the first 14 European Championship tournaments, Hungary are readying themselves for a third successive appearance in the competition.

In 2016 they defied expectations to make the last 16 before they drew two of their three matches in a group made up of France, Germany and Portugal at Euro 2020.

They have continued to grow under Marco Rossi and went through Euro 2024 qualifying unbeaten, winning five and drawing three of their eight games to top Group G.

Dominik Szoboszlai has enjoyed a decent debut season with Liverpool and will be the team's primary creative outlet, while Barnabas Varga was prolific during qualifying and is worth keeping an eye on.

In an open group, Hungary are worth backing to finish in the top two with hosts Germany.