The excitement is building as we approach Euro 2024, one of football's most prestigious international tournaments. Set to take place in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024, this edition promises to be a spectacular celebration of European football. As the qualifying rounds continue, we're getting a clearer picture of what we might expect when the tournament proper kicks off next summer.

At Chorny Wtornik Sports Bar, we're already preparing for what will be a month of non-stop footballing action, with every match shown live on our big screens. Here's our preview of what to expect from Euro 2024.

The Host Nation

Germany secured automatic qualification as hosts and will be looking to make the most of home advantage. After a disappointing showing at the 2022 World Cup, Die Mannschaft are undergoing something of a rebuild under manager Julian Nagelsmann. With traditional German efficiency, the host nation has been busy preparing state-of-the-art stadiums across the country, from Berlin's Olympiastadion to Munich's Allianz Arena.

The Germans have a proud record in the European Championship, having won the tournament three times (1972, 1980, and 1996). Playing on home soil could give them the edge they need to add a fourth title, especially with emerging talents like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala coming into their prime.

The Defending Champions

Italy surprised many by winning Euro 2020 (played in 2021 due to the pandemic), defeating England on penalties in the final at Wembley. The Azzurri combine their traditional defensive solidity with a more expansive, possession-based approach under manager Roberto Mancini.

However, their failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup raised questions about whether their Euro triumph was an aberration rather than the start of a new golden era. With experienced campaigners like Jorginho and Leonardo Bonucci likely to feature alongside emerging talents such as Sandro Tonali and Gianluca Scamacca, Italy will be determined to prove their quality by mounting a strong defense of their title.

The Contenders

Several nations will fancy their chances of lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy next summer:

England

After coming agonizingly close in 2021, Gareth Southgate's England will be among the favorites. The Three Lions boast an embarrassment of riches in attack, with Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham forming a formidable quartet. If they can shore up their defense and overcome the psychological hurdle of tournament knockout matches, this could finally be England's time.

France

The 2018 World Cup winners and 2022 finalists remain a force to be reckoned with. Despite Kylian Mbappé entering his peak years and a midfield still anchored by N'Golo Kanté, questions remain about their overall team cohesion under Didier Deschamps. Nevertheless, their sheer quality makes them perennial contenders.

Spain

La Roja are going through a period of transition, but their triumph in the 2023 UEFA Nations League suggests they're on the right track. Barcelona youngsters Pedri and Gavi represent the future of Spanish football, while the experience of Rodri and Álvaro Morata provides a solid backbone. Their possession-based style remains, but with a more direct edge than in previous years.

Portugal

This could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last major tournament for Portugal, and what better way to bow out than by adding another European Championship to the one he helped win in 2016? With a supporting cast including Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Rafael Leão, the Portuguese have a blend of experience and youth that could take them far.

Belgium

The so-called "Golden Generation" is running out of time to secure a major trophy. Kevin De Bruyne remains one of the world's best midfielders, but questions persist about Belgium's defensive solidity. New manager Domenico Tedesco has the task of maximizing this talented group's potential before their window of opportunity closes.

Dark Horses

Beyond the obvious contenders, several teams could spring a surprise:

Netherlands

With Virgil van Dijk marshaling the defense and exciting attacking talents like Cody Gakpo coming through, the Dutch are capable of beating anyone on their day. Their fluid, attacking philosophy makes them one of the most entertaining teams to watch.

Croatia

Never write off the Croatians. Despite an aging squad, their midfield – still likely to feature the evergreen Luka Modrić – remains one of the most technically gifted in international football. Their experience in navigating tournament football makes them dangerous opponents.

Denmark

After their inspirational run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 following Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest, Denmark have continued to impress. With Eriksen back in the fold and a well-organized unit under Kasper Hjulmand, they could be this tournament's surprise package.

Tournament Format

Euro 2024 will feature 24 teams divided into six groups of four, with the top two from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 16. From there, it's a straight knockout competition through to the final in Berlin on July 14.

The expanded format, first introduced in 2016, means more matches and more opportunities for upsets, making for an unpredictable and exciting tournament.

Watch Every Minute at Chorny Wtornik

We'll be showing every single match of Euro 2024 on our high-definition screens, with special events planned for England games and other big matches. Our extended opening hours during the tournament mean you won't miss a minute of the action, and we'll be offering tournament-themed food and drink specials throughout.

For England matches and the knockout stages, we strongly recommend booking a table in advance as these events are always popular. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for details of our Euro 2024 packages, including pre-bookable seating with guaranteed views of the screens, food and drink bundles, and more.

Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just enjoy the carnival atmosphere of international tournaments, Chorny Wtornik Sports Bar is the place to experience Euro 2024. We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be an unforgettable summer of football!