Euro 2024 group A guide: Scotland face tough task to join Germany in knockout stages

For the second time inside two decades, Germany host a major football tournament.

The three-time Euros champions have suffered on the grandest of stages of late but, under Julian Nagelsmann, look back to their best as they welcome 23 other nations across four weeks.

A lot has changed in the six months since the group stage draw was made, with Scotland back in December tipped to reach the knockout stages ahead of Hungary and Switzerland, and even Germany. Not too many are making the same predictions on the week of the tournament curtain-raiser.

So, how will Group A shape up, and how far can these four nations go?

Dom Smith assesses Group A below...

Germany

Group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and a second-round defeat at Euro 2020 mark a turbulent few years for Germany, but the hosts have since turned a corner and must be considered serious contenders.

Toni Kroos has come out of retirement and will be crucial. Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, both 21, could flourish.

Manager: Julian Nagelsmann

Germany have improved under him, beating France (twice) and Holland since he replaced Hansi Flick in September.

Star player: Toni Kroos

Ilkay Gundogan, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer also provide experience, but Real Madrid star Kroos is their best footballer after returning to the international fold.

One to watch: Jamal Musiala

A former team-mate of Jude Bellingham at England youth level who has had a super couple of seasons for Bayern Munich.

Chances of winning it in three words: Don’t underestimate them.

Scotland

Reaching Euro 2020 was a big achievement but, besides a 0-0 draw with England, they never got going.

With Hungary and Switzerland in their group and third place possibly being enough to go through, the Scots have as good a chance as ever to avoid a group-stage Euros exit for the first time in their history.

Manager: Steve Clarke

Probably Scotland’s greatest manager of modern times. Has maximised a limited and lopsided squad.

Star player: Scott McTominay

Andy Robertson is captain but Manchester United midfielder McTominay is Scotland’s goal threat and most important player.

One to watch: Che Adams

Scored 16 Championship goals for Southampton this season and will start up front now Lyndon Dykes is injured.

Chances of winning it in three words: Not very high.

Hungary

Hungary go into the tournament on an excellent unbeaten run, having avoided defeat since September 2022.

Victories over Germany and twice against England in the last few years show their pedigree and bode well for a group of hardworking players.

Manager: Marco Rossi

The journeyman Italian coach has been in charge since 2018 and boasts an impressive record with Hungary.

Star player: Dominik Szoboszlai

An unpredictable midfielder who has become less raw and more consistent since joining Liverpool. Hungary captain at 23.

One to watch: Milos Kerkez

The 20-year-old Bournemouth man is a gifted left wing-back who joined AC Milan’s academy when Paolo Maldini rang him in 2021.

Chances of winning it in three words: Very small indeed.

Switzerland

Perhaps the nation that has most overachieved in European football in the 21st century.

They lack an out-and-out goalscorer capable of taking them beyond the quarter-finals, but the Swiss look a good bet to make the knockout stage and boast plenty of experience.

Manager: Murat Yakin

Sent 9.3kg of chocolate to the Northern Irish FA after Italy drew 0-0 in Belfast to send the Swiss to Qatar 2022 automatically at the Italians' expense.

Star player: Fabian Schar

Ex-Arsenal man Granit Xhaka and former Stoke forward Xherdan Shaqiri remain, but Newcastle centre-back Schar is a class act.

One to watch: Noah Okafor

The AC Milan winger is a tricky player for defenders to pin down and has improved since leaving Red Bull Salzburg.

Chances of winning it in three words: Slim but existent.