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We still have the Euro 2024 play-offs to come, but the group stages of the qualifying campaign have come to a close, meaning we now know the identity of 21 of the 24 teams that will be competing in Germany next summer - and some nations secured their places in more impressive fashion than others.France are unsurprisingly looking formidable once again, England definitely have the talent to end their wait for a first major trophy since 1966, while Portugal are absolutely flying under new coach Roberto Martinez. Obviously, Spain and Belgium will fancy their chances, too, but what about the hosts, Germany - can Julian Nagelsmann revive a team has been in decline for some time now?Below, GOAL ranks and rates the top contenders to triumph at Euro 2024 as it stands...<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>Previous update: October 18, 2023.

Euro 2024 Power Rankings: Perfect Portugal climb, unimpressive England slide, while Germany go into freefall

Czech Republic qualified with a rather routine 3-0 win over 10-man Moldova, but the circumstances surrounding the game were nothing if not eventful. Just 24 hours before kick-off in Olomouc, manager Jaroslav Silhavy sent home three players for breaking curfew to frequent a nightclub. Then, immediately after the Group E encounter, Silhavy announced that he and the rest of his coaching staff were stepping down. "We had already decided before the game not to continue," he explained. "The pressure was already enormous - sometimes I didn't even understand it. This also contributed to our decision."Consequently, a team that played in fits and starts in qualifying, taking four points off Poland but just one off Albania, is now looking for a new boss just over six months before the start of the Euros. Not an ideal situation for a squad seriously lacking in quality, with West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek their best player by some distance.

Czech Republic ⇓

It's very hard to shake that suspicion that Serbia were very lucky to have been drawn in one of the weakest groups in qualifying. They claimed just 14 points from a possible 24, were beaten twice by Hungary and conceded nine goals in eight games. However, they still managed to guarantee a second-placed finish in Group G after striking late through Srdan Babic to nick a 2-2 draw at home to Bulgaria.It's also a historic achievement for the country, which hadn't qualified for the Euros since being renamed Serbia in 2006. The fans will also believe the side capable of upsetting anyone in Germany given they have quality attacking players, such as Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dusan Vlahovic and Dusan Tadic.

Serbia ⇓

Low-key qualification experts, Switzerland have only failed to feature at one major international tournament over the past two decades (Euro 2012) and booked their flight to Germany courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Kosovo in Basel.However, as that result suggests, the Swiss haven't exactly impressed in qualifying, drawing five of their six outings after opening their campaign with three consecutive wins, and then losing 1-0 to Romania in what was effectively a play-off for top spot.Still, veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer is excelling at Inter this season, Fabian Schar and Manuel Akanji are fine defenders, the Granit Xhaka-led midfield is nothing if not experienced, while Zeki Amdouni appears to have answered the fans' prayers for a goalscorer.The Swiss certainly won't win the Euros, but they'll likely to be a chore to play against - and watch.

Switzerland ⇓

Slovenia had to wait right until the final matchday to secure automatic qualification for the Euros, but their 2-1 victory over third-placed Kazakhstan actually saw them finish level on points with Denmark at the top of Group H. They also scored more goals than the Scandinavians and conceded fewer, but ended up second because of an inferior head-to-head record, with the 2-1 loss in Copenhagen proving decisive.Not that the nation's football fans will really care. Germany 2024 will be just Slovenian's second appearance at the European Championship, coming 24 years after their first, and hopes will be high that RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who scored five times in qualifying, will make a big impact at the tournament.The brilliant Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak is likely to prove even more crucial, though, to Slovenia's chances of getting out of their group.

Slovenia ⇓

Let's be honest, Slovakia were blessed by the draw, as underlined by the fact that their closest competition for second place in Group J was Luxembourg. However, Italian coach Francesco Calzona has still done an incredible job since taking over in November 2022.Slovakia collected 22 points in total, and although they were beaten home and away by Portugal, it was only by a solitary goal on both occasions. Furthermore, while Slovakia's squad is unlikely to strike fear into any opponents in Germany, they do have two top-class players in Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar and Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka.Nonetheless, their obvious lack of firepower will likely cost them dearly in Germany.

Slovakia ⇑

The emergence of Rasmus Hojlund has gone a long way towards helping Denmark get over the bitter disappointment of an embarrassing first-round exit at the 2022 World Cup. The Scandinavians had been widely touted as dark horses, but scored just one goal in picking up a solitary point in Qatar.Being placed in an incredibly soft qualifying group was, therefore, just the ticket for the Danes, who were able to shrug off some dreadful displays - most notably in the 3-2 loss to Kazakhstan and the 2-1 win over San Marino - to qualify with one game to spare thanks to a deserved 2-1 win over Slovenia.Still, a painfully poor loss in their final group game, in Northern Ireland, hammered home why nobody will be talking up Kasper Hjulmand's side ahead of Euro 2024 - which probably suits them just fine, in fairness.

Denmark ⇓

To say Germany's preparations for Euro 2024 are not going according to plan would be a colossal understatement. After failing miserably to reach the knockout stage of last year's World Cup, Die Mannschaft went into total meltdown, losing four of their first six games in 2023 - which led to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/hansi-flick-sacked-germany-head-coach-ultimate-price-japan-mauling-rudi-voller-france-friendly/blta83c535739be82d7" target="_blank">Hansi Flick being fired as coach after a shocking 4-1 defeat at home to Japan.</a>Caretaker coach Rudi Voller then led Germany to a morale-boosting friendly win over France before Julian Nagelsmann picked up a win, over the United States, and a draw, against Mexico, in his first two outings as the new head coach. But November's friendly losses to Turkey and Austria have hit hard.The hosts still have a fair bit of time to get their house in order in time for the Euros and let's not forget the quality of the players at Nagelsmann's disposal: Antonio Rudiger, Joshua Kimmich and Ilkay Gundogan are proven performers at the highest level, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry are a handful on their day, while Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz are potential superstars.However, the defence looks porous and the attack is lacking a world-class striker, meaning Nagelsmann has plenty to work on between now and June.

Germany ⇓

After a devastating defeat against Ukraine in the World Cup play-offs, Scotland came storming back to qualify for the Euros with two games to spare. In the end, progression was sealed thanks to Spain's win in Norway, but Steve Clarke's side fully deserved to go through after beating La Roja at home before pulling off a sensational comeback to triumph 2-1 in Oslo.Scott McTominay was the surprise star of the campaign, outscoring Erling Haaland with seven goals, while captain John McGinn was also excellent alongside the Manchester United midfielder.Truth be told, though, Scotland don't have anything like enough quality or strength in depth to challenge for The Henri Delaunay Trophy - they've absolutely nothing up front - but they could cause problems in Germany with the dogged but disciplined defending epitomised by their captain and one truly world-class player, Andy Robertson.

Scotland ⇓

Romania are on the rise again! Edward Iordanescu has worked wonders with a team that had failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, after also missing out on Euro 2020 and Russia 20218. Romania drew four of their first eight qualifiers, but finished with a flourish, beating Israel 2-1 to book their ticket for Germany before then defeating second-placed Switzerland to ensure top spot in Group I.Iordanescu doesn't have an especially strong squad and he lacks a prolific goalscorer. Still, Denis Alibec, Valentin Mihaila and Nicolae Stanciu all scored three times apiece in qualifying, while the defence has been immense, breached just five times in 10 games. The fact that Romania are in Pot Two for the draw will also aid their chances of getting out of their group next summer.

Romania ⇑

Things were looking grim for Croatia after back-to-back losses to Turkey and Wales in October, with captain Luka Modric admitting, "We haven't been this bad in a long time." However, Zlatko Dalic's side are nothing if not resilient, and they won their final two games, against Latvia and Armenia, to sneak into second place in Group D.Still, with many of their most influential players now the wrong side of 30 - Modric, defensive midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and Andrej Kramaric, Croatia's top scorer in qualifying with four goals - it feels like Euro 2024 will signal the end of a golden era for one of the game's great over-achievers.

Croatia ⇑

The reigning champions will be at next summer's Euros - but only just. Italy needed a point from their final fixture against Ukraine to progress as runners-up to England in Group C and they got it thanks to a 0-0 draw in Leverkusen. However, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/watch-mykhailo-mudryk-denied-penalty-ukraine-italy-euro-2024/blt5d855005991022fe" target="_blank">the Azzurri were extremely fortunate that VAR inexplicably refused to intervene after what looked like a clear, injury-time foul by Bryan Cristante on Mykhailo Mudryk in the penalty area.</a>Luciano Spalletti didn't care, of course. As he quite rightly pointed out, <a href="https://football-italia.net/spalletti-now-italy-can-really-get-to-work/" target="_blank">qualification was all that mattered to Italy</a>, after missing out on last year's World Cup in Qatar. He also took over in difficult circumstances, with Roberto Mancini, the man who led the nation to glory at Euro 2020, sensationally stepping down during the summer to take over Saudi Arabia.Spalletti is well aware that he has plenty of work to do between now and next summer - Italy are still searching desperately for a reliable goalscorer and will also be in Pot Four for the draw - but he does have some world-class players in Nicolo Barella, Federico Chiesa, Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni, and also showed with his title triumph at Napoli that he is capable of working wonders with undervalued squads.

Italy ⇑

A 4-0 drubbing in Paris and a 2-1 loss at home to a Kylian Mbappe-inspired France have hammered home the fact that this is not a vintage Netherlands side, and cast considerable doubt on whether bringing Ronald Koeman back for a second spell as coach was really the right call. At the end of the day, though, qualification was the primary objective, and it was realised with one game to spare thanks to a 1-0 victory over Ireland.The Dutch are not short on quality - Cody Gakpo was outstanding at the World Cup, Xavi Simons is one of the most exciting talents to come out of Netherlands in the past 10 years, while captain Virgil van Dijk looks back to something approaching his brilliant best. But if you're relying on Wout Weghorst for goals, all is clearly not well, so we'll only find out in Germany - where they're going to be a third-seed team - if Koeman's side are really capable of mixing it with the big boys.

Netherlands ⇑

Arguably the feel-good story of the qualification campaign, Albania picked up the point they needed in Moldova to the reach the European Championship finals for the just the second time in their history.What's remarkable is that the Eagles, who are coached by former Arsenal and Barcelona full-back Sylvinho, were beaten in their first match, losing 1-0 to Poland. However, they then claimed 15 points from a possible 21, with a sensational 3-0 rout of Czech Republic the undoubted highlight of a historic seven-match unbeaten run in Group E.Still, while Albania also beat Poland at home in the qualifiers, and boast some decent Serie A players, such as Etrit Berisha, Elseid Hysaj, Berat Gjimshiti and Nedim Bajrami, it would be a huge surprise to see them make the knockout stages in Germany.

Albania ⇑

Turkey's hopes of reaching a third consecutive Euros appeared in real danger of going up in smoke after a 1-1 draw with Armenia. However, the decision to sack Stefan Kuntz as coach after a 4-2 friendly loss to Japan proved a masterstroke, with Vincenzo Montella leading his new team to a massive 1-0 victory over Croatia in Osijek - the latter's first-ever home defeat in a Euro qualifier.Turkey followed that up with a 4-0 rout of Latvia that saw them go through with one game remaining, as Montella became the first foreign coach to qualify the nation for a major tournament, and a 3-2 friendly win over Germany in Berlin has only strengthened the suspicion that Turkey might just spring a surprise or two at Euro 2024.

Turkey ⇑

They may have rather stumbled over the finishing line, but there's no denying the incredible progress Hungary have made since missing out on the 2022 World Cup. Marco Rossi's men clinched qualification for a third consecutive European Championship by drawing 2-2 in Bulgaria thanks to a last-minute own goal from Alex Petkov.However, star man Dominik Szoboszlai turned on the style in his country's final group fixture, with the classy Liverpool midfielder scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Montenegro that put the seal on an unbeaten campaign. Hungary definitely don't have the strongest squad, but home-and-away wins over Serbia show that they shouldn't be underestimated.

Hungary ⇑

After a tough start to life under Ralf Rangnick that included relegation to the second tier of the Nations League, Austria have become an entirely different prospect under the former Manchester United boss and sealed qualification for a third consecutive Euros in October by beating Azerbaijan 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Marcel Sabitzer.The Austrians, who are captained by Real Madrid's David Alaba, only took one point from their two games against Belgium, which suggests that they're unlikely to be title contenders in Germany. However, right now, Rangnick is being hailed for not only the results he has achieved, but the exciting and expansive approach he has adopted, which has resulted in the fans falling back in love with a team they had grown weary of watching under former boss Franco Foda.

Austria ⇔

Belgium's 2022 World Cup campaign was a complete catastrophe, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/de-bruyne-both-victim-cause-belgium-world-cup-breakdown/bltdb69aab57facb08c" target="_blank">star man Kevin De Bruyne causing quite the controversy by effectively dismissing many of his team-mates as too old before the tournament began.</a> The inevitable dressing-room divide played a big part in the Red Devils' humiliating group-stage elimination - as did Romelu Lukaku's poor finishing, in fairness.However, the Roma forward is fit and firing again, with Lukaku scoring a record-breaking 14 goals in qualifying. New coach Domenico Tedesco is also doing a fine job of rejuvenating the squad, with the Belgians unbeaten since he succeeded Roberto Martinez after the Qatar debacle.All things considered, De Bruyne might actually enjoy returning to the national-team set-up once he recovers from a long-term hamstring injury.

 Belgium ⇔

Is football finally going to come 'home'? Well, you certainly wouldn't bet against Gareth Southgate's side triumphing in Germany next year. They've got the talent and, at this stage, they've also got the experience, having reached the final of the last Euros.Qualification was secured with two games to spare after a very impressive, come-from-behind win over Italy at Wembley. However, after concluding their campaign with two dire performances, against Malta and North Macedoinia, and there are still some doubts, mainly surrounding the manager.Southgate has long been criticised for his perceived conservatism and he's admitted himself that they haven't quite been at their best in 2023, which is something of a concern given they boast arguably the most exciting crop of attackers in world football. There are also fears that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/raheem-sterling-screwed-england-euro-2024-role-gareth-southgate-inconsistent/bltc7e6693dd7ae6b11" target="_blank">Southgate's inconsistent selection policy might see in-form players like Raheem Sterling left out of the squad for Euro 2024.</a>Still, if England can keep Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane fit, anything feels possible for the Three Lions.

England ⇓

Enormous credit must go to Luis de la Fuente for the way in which he’s managed Spain’s qualifying campaign. Some supporters and pundits argued that the former Under-21s coach lacked the top-level experience to lead the national team after a shock 2-0 loss at Scotland that Rodri and countless others did not take well. However, after lifting the Nations League trophy in June, La Roja then went on a six-game winning streak in Group A and sealed qualification after gaining revenge over the Scots before triumphing 1-0 in Norway.Confidence in De la Fuente has now been restored, and while <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/worst-case-injury-scenario-gavi-barcelona-confirm-midfielder-tore-acl-spain-surgery-knee/blt80432f5c0e489dca" target="_blank">the loss of Gavi to a season-ending injury is a disaster that could have easily been avoided</a>, Spain will still travel to Germany with an exciting young side featuring budding superstars Pedri, Ansu Fati, Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal, the brilliant defensive midfielder Rodri and captain Alvaro Morata, who is enjoying one of his purple patches up front.

Spain ⇑

Things couldn't be going any better for Portugal after replacing Fernando Santos with Roberto Martinez following <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-sa/lists/messi-completed-football-winners-losers-2022-world-cup-mbappe-runs-riot-ronaldo-ruins-reputation/blt27b495756fd7733b" target="_blank">a calamitous World Cup campaign that ended with the familiar sight of a frustrated and tearful Cristiano Ronaldo storming down a stadium tunnel.</a>Indeed, the Seleccao won all 10 of their Euro 2024 qualifiers, scoring 36 goals (Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes bagged 16 between them) and conceding only twice. Given their wealth of attacking options, Portugal simply have to be considered serious contenders to triumph in Germany next summer.However, it's worth pointing out that their qualifying group was absolutely atrocious, while it also remains to be seen if Martinez is actually capable of delivering in a major tournament, given the way in which he wasted Belgium's 'Golden Generation'.

Portugal ⇑

The highest-ranked European team in the world right now - and with good cause. France boast a frankly ridiculously deep pool of players, a potent mix of outrageously exciting youngsters and evergreen veterans who have seen, done and won it all.First-choice No.9 Olivier Giroud may be getting on a bit but there are no simply flaws in this squad: goalkeeper Mike Maignan is a miracle-worker, the defence is so good that William Saliba still isn't a certain starter, an already formidable midfield has been boosted by the emergence of generational talent Warren Zaire-Emery, link-man Antoine Griezmann is in the form of his life, while Kylian Mbappe is quite simply the most terrifying attacker in world football.Greece may have ruined France's hopes of finishing with a perfect record in qualifying by holding a much-changed Bleus to a 2-2 draw in Athens, but after beating Netherlands both home and away with impressive ease, the 2022 World Cup runners-up are very much the team to beat at Euro 2024.

France ⇔

Euro 2024 Power Rankings: Perfect Portugal climb, unimpressive England slide, while Germany go into freefall | Goal.com US

Portugal have overtaken England but Germany are plummeting down GOAL&apos;s Euro 2024 Power Rankings

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