Dream Team

KAI HAVERTZ (£4.5m) is currently the fourth most-popular player in Dream Team Euros.The 25-year-old’s ownership of 34.9% also makes him the second most-selected striker in the game at present.However, the Arsenal star faces serious pressure from Niclas Fullkrug (£4m) for a place in Germany’s starting line-up ahead of Matchday 4.There is a clamour in Germany for Fullkrug to start over HavertzCredit: Dream TeamDie Mannschaft confirmed top spot in Group A thanks to the Borussia Dortmund target man’s stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland on Sunday night.Fullkrug’s emphatic header came in stark contrast to Havertz’s efforts at goal in the match, which caused Yann Sommer (£3m) few problems.The latter played well against Scotland to bank 13 points in Matchday 1 but he’s been less effective in his two most recent outings.Whereas Fullkrug has looked threatening in three consecutive substitute appearances – he’s scored two goals in just 73 minutes of playing time at the tournament so far.As a result, there is now a loud clamour for the Champions League finalist to start ahead of Havertz in the round of 16.In fact, a poll of 138,000 German fans conducted by Bild found that 90% of supporters want Fullkrug to start up top in the hosts’ next game.Fullkrug has been an effective super sub so farCredit: ReutersAfter the 1-1 with Swizterland, Julian Nagelsmann told Bild: “Fulle [Fullkrug] has a chance to start, but Kai has the same chances. Most read in Dream Team”Kai had three good chances, and he was annoyed that he didn’t take two.  He headed the ball onto his own shoulder. He still played a good game.”When asked about the possibility of Fullkrug starting, Die Mannschaft’s head coach said: “‘He provides arguments for both things. To continue to act as a substitute because he does it really well, he scores his second substitute goal.”Or to play from the start. It is both a joy and a sorrow for him that he fulfils the role well.”Nagelsmann named the exact same starting line-up for all three group games and clearly has faith in Havertz’s ability but his loyalty will be tested when the knockouts begin on Saturday.Not only has Fullkrug made a compelling case for himself at the tournament, his record at international level more broadly is highly impressive – the 31-year-old has scored 13 goals in 19 caps at a rate of one every 57.7 minutes.Nagelsmann has a big decision to make ahead of the round of 16Credit: GettyDream Team Euros managers have unlimited transfers available to them ahead of Matchday 4 so those who now feel uncertain about Havertz’s place in the pecking order can easily find an alternative if they wish.Unfortunately, the deadline falls at 4pm on Saturday (June 29th) which is an hour before Swizterland take on Italy but four hours before Germany kick-off in the evening.This means gaffers won’t know the hosts’ starting line-up prior to the deadline and will therefore have to second-guess Nagelsmann’s selection.READ MORE SUN STORIESSuch is the nature of international tournaments, there may be an indication from another source in the coming days of whether Havertz or Fullkrug will start and Dream Team Euros bosses should seek out as many clues as possible.At the time of writing, Havertz is currently the most transferred-out player ahead of Matchday 4… More

DREAM TEAM EUROS managers need to be aware that the deadline for Matchday is 7pm on Sunday (June 23rd).You must confirm your transfers, captain and any Boosters you wish to play before the cut-off time.Spain have been a class above in Group BCredit: GettyOne thing you should consider when devising your strategy for Matchday 3 is the potential for rotation.Games come thick and fast in major tournaments at the end of a gruelling domestic campaign and so managers afforded the luxury of a stress-free final group fixture may opt to rest key players before the knockout stages.Take for example, Germany and Spain, both sitting pretty at the top of their respective groups after back-to-back wins.Both the hosts and Luis de la Fuente’s side have impressed and gaffers will naturally be keen to recruit their in-form assets but it wouldn’t be all that surprising if their top performers were held back to some extent in Matchday 3.Naturally, Germany and Spain will want to keep their momentum going and earn favourable round of 16 fixtures by topping their respective groups, so several key players will probably get substantial minutes while others are rested.This is the tightrope you will have to walk in Matchday 3.Havertz might make way for Fullkrug in Matchday 3Credit: RexDepending on your Sunday plans, you may be able to partially negotiate this conundrum by waiting for the Group A starting line-ups, which should be announced a few minutes before the 7pm deadline.Germany are set to take on Switzerland and a glimpse at Julian Nagelsmann’s line-up could be very helpful.Most read in FootballIf Niclas Fullkrug (£4m) is selected to lead the line over Kai Havertz (£4.5m), for example, then the Borussia Dortmund target man would suddenly look like a strong option for Matchday 3.Havertz, Jamal Musiala (£4.5m), Florian Wirtz (£4.5m), Antonio Rudiger (£4.5m), Ilkay Gundogan (£4m), Max Mittelstadt (£3.5m), Joshua Kimmich (£5m) and Manuel Neuer (£4.5m) all feature in more than 10% of teams at present and so confirmation of Die Mannschaft’s starters against Switzerland should prove useful just before the deadline.Of course, this little trick only applies to the teams playing on Sunday night (Scotland v Hungary kicks off at the same time) and so you’ll have to predict the line-ups for Spain, France, Portugal, etc.England produced a disjointed performance against DenmarkCredit: RexEngland currently lead Group C but their lacklustre draw against Denmark means they’ll have to beat Slovenia to guarantee top spot.If Gareth Southgate makes changes it will be in an attempt to get a better tune out of the Three Lions, not to rest his most-important players.However, based on their two performances at the tournament to date, are you suitably confident in England’s ability to provide healthy returns?It remains to be seen whether Kylian Mbappe (£7.5m) will feature against Netherlands this evening but, either way, there should be a clearer indication of his availability for Matchday 3.But again, if France have six points to their name then Didier Deschamps is unlikely to take an unnecessary risk with his star player ahead of the round of 16.Cancelo almost played as a No10 at times against CzechiaCredit: Dream TeamElsewhere, Joao Cancelo’s (£4.5m) role in Portugal’s opening fixture was particularly intriguing.Categorised as a defender in Dream Team Euros, the 30-year-old essentially played as an additional midfielder against Czechia, sometimes even occupying similar spaces to Bruno Fernandes (£6m) and Bernardo Silva (£4.5m).Pundits and fans alike were divided on whether Roberto Martinez’s interesting tactical approach helped or hindered his talented players and Cancelo only returned two points in Matchday 1 but defenders with the capacity to provide attacking returns can be worth their weight in gold in Dream Team Euros.Helpfully, you’ll be able to scout him out when Portugal take on Turkey on Saturday before making a decision on his Matchday 3 viability, when Cristiano Ronaldo (£6m) and company will take on Georgia.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou will have a clearer picture of Matchday 3 once Matchday 2 is complete so be patient (transfers can be reversed if needed) but make sure you don’t get caught out by the Sunday night deadline.And remember, you will be able to make unlimited transfers before Matchday 4 so there’s no need to worry about long-term viability when deciding upon your latest recruits – their Matchday 3 prospects should be your only concern. More

DREAM TEAM EUROS Matchday 1 contained a whopping 34 goals at an average of 2.8 per game.Amid all the excitement, several top stars justified their popularity but there were also plenty of unexpected names among the performers.Here’s an XI of the top Dream Team Euros point-scorers from Matchday 1.GOALKEEPER: Unai Simon (£4m)That’s one way of doing itCredit: GettySpain’s custodian manufactured his return of 12 points in a rather unusual way.Simon kept a clean sheet against Croatia in Berlin but he walked the tightrope as it was his error that led to La Roja conceding a second-half penalty.The Athletic Bilbao keeper saved the resultant spot-kick and had his blushes spared for a second time when Bruno Petkovic’s follow-up was disallowed for encroachment.Simon’s error should have led to his clean sheet being wiped out but his recovery meant he banked a dozen points when all was said and done.DEFENDERS: Dani Carvajal (£4m), Erik Janza (£1.5m), Mert Mulder (£2m)Naturally, Spain’s streetwise right-back also benefited from his side’s clean sheet and he supplemented that with two tackles, a bonus point and a goal.Most read in FootballCarvajal latched on to Lamine Yamal’s inviting cross to put his side 3-0 up just before half-time.The Real Madrid defender therefore finished with 16 points, the joint-highest tally among all assets in Matchday 1.Carvajal combined a clean sheet with an unexpected goalCredit: EPAJanza was Slovenia’s unlikely hero as it was his firm strike from outside the box that was deflected past Kasper Schmeichel to earn Matjaz Kek’s side a point against Denmark.The industrious left-back also created a big chance and earned three bonus points for his efforts to bank 13 in total.Muldur completes the three-man defence having scored one of the goals of the tournament so far.Turkey’s right-back produced a sensational volley from distance to open the scoring in what proved to be a breathless encounter with Georgia in Group F.The 25-year-old pocketed 11 points once the dust had settled in Dortmund.MIDFIELDERS: Christian Eriksen (£3m), Fabian Ruiz (£3.5m), Jude Bellingham (£6m), Jamal Musiala (£4.5m), Michel Aebischer (£2m)Eriksen has a great record for DenmarkCredit: AFPDenmark’s talisman endured an ineffectual season with Manchester United but he once again stepped up at international level in Matchday 1.Not only did Eriksen score, he was one of just two players who earned the maximum of five bonus points, helping him return 14 overall.This was mostly due to the fact he provided seven accurate crosses – for comparison, nobody else at the tournament has registered more than three currently.Ruiz was the only player to both score and assist a goal in Matchday 1.The PSG playmaker put Alvaro Morata through one-on-one for the opening goal against Croatia and then three minutes later he displayed neat footwork on the edge of the box to double Spain’s lead.Like Eriksen, Ruiz also bagged 14 points.Bellingham got the job done for England against SerbiaCredit: GettyEngland mustered just five shots against Serbia in what was a relatively uninspiring performance but, crucially, they claimed the three points thanks to Bellingham’s emphatic header.The Real Madrid wonderkid was head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch in the first half and he earned three bonus points for his contributions outside of the game’s only goal.It feels a long time ago now but Musiala lit up the tournament’s opening fixture as he inspired Germany to a 5-1 thrashing of Scotland.The hosts’ No10 completed the same number of successful dribbles as all the other players on the pitch combined, not to mention his rasping goal.Many pundits tipped Hungary as potential dark horses but they succumbed to Swizterland in Group A, thanks in no small part to Aebischer.The Bologna midfielder didn’t register any goals or assists in his first 20 caps at international level but he provided one of each in Cologne to deliver three points for Murat Yakin’s sideBellingham, Musiala and Aebischer all earned 13 points each.STRIKERS: Cody Gakpo (£4m), Kai Havertz (£4.5m)16 points and countingCredit: Dream TeamNetherlands’ No11 earned more player performance marks (14), which ultimately determine bonus points, than any other player in Matchday 1.Predominately playing from the left, Gakpo produced an impressive all-round performance, including a goal, to help the Oranje beat Poland 2-1 in what is expected to be a competitive group.The Liverpool forward matched Carvajal’s tally of 16 points and sits joint-top of the rankings at present.Havertz only played 63 minutes of Germany’s convincing win but he did plenty of damage in that time, providing the assist for Musiala’s goal before converting a penalty.The Arsenal man is competing with Niclas Fullkrug (£4m) at centre-forward but his smart showing against Scotland should see him keep his place.READ MORE SUN STORIESHavertz claimed 13 points in Matchday 1.Bring on Matchday 2!Jack Wilshere, Gordon Strachan and Jurgen Klinsmann answer quickfire questions ahead of Euro 2024 More

DREAM TEAM EUROS managers should be aware that the deadline for Matchday 2 is 1pm on Wednesday (June 19th).Therefore all transfers for the second round of group games need to be locked before that cut-off time.In terms of what changes to make, Matchday 2 features an intriguing set of fixtures that could be difficult for gaffers to navigate.Germany stars are popular ahead of Matchday 2Credit: GettyFirstly, it goes without saying that many of players we tipped prior to the tournament getting underway are still excellent options; individuals such as Jamal Musiala (£4.5m), Jude Bellingham (£6m) and Theo Hernandez (£5m) are even more viable after double-digit hauls in Matchday 1.Germany’s swaggering 5-1 victory over Scotland to get proceedings underway has certainly made a strong impression of Dream Team Euros bosses as Musiala, Kai Havertz (£4.5m) and Florian Wirtz (£4.5m) are all currently among the most transferred-in players ahead of the deadline.The hosts are set to take on Hungary, who disappointed against Switzerland in their first game.In fact, Group A might the one to target because, as impressive as Germany were in Munich, Steve Clarke’s troops looked disorganised, toothless and vulnerable.Andy Robertson (£3m) and company could conceivably rally against Switzerland but the contrasting fortunes of the two teams in Matchday 1 suggests the latter might contain some potentially savvy differentials.MAKE TRANSFERS FOR MATCHDAY 2 BEFORE WEDNESDAY’S 1PM DEADLINESwizterland will fancy their chances against Scotland based on Matchday 1’s resultsCredit: Dream TeamMichel Aebischer (£2m) was the unlikely hero for the Swiss against Hungary with a 13-point return via a goal and an assist.Most read in Dream TeamHowever, it should be noted that the Bologna midfielder hasn’t provided any goal contributions in any of his other 20 caps at international level.With that in mind, it might be wiser to back one of Swizterland’s reliable defenders instead with a view to targeting a clean sheet – Fabian Schar (£3m) and Manuel Akanji (£3.5m) being the leading candidates.Granit Xhaka (£3m) returned a modest four points against Hungary but he played very well and a similar performance again could easily result a decent haul.Gakpo enjoyed himself against Poland but France will provide a sterner testCredit: GettyOne of the problems facing Dream Team Euros bosses is that many of the best performers from Matchday 1 now face a difficult fixture in Matchday 2.Dani Carvajal (£4m) and Cody Gakpo (£4m) currently top the rankings having banked 16 points each but they are set to meet Italy and France respectively this week.Christian Eriksen (£3m) is joint-third overall but Denmark take on England on Thursday.Additionally, some fixtures that seemed favourable on paper suddenly look less appealing, such as Belgium v Romania.The Red Devils succumbed to Slovakia while Edward Iordanescu’s side produced an excellent performance to beat Ukraine 3-0, changing the outlook of Group E entirely.So what other transfer options are open to gaffers?England are one of just four teams to have kept a clean sheet at the time of writingCredit: GettyMany of the question marks surrounding England only grew bolder in the wake of their partially disjointed win over Serbia but the Three Lions’ defence held firm.Marc Guehi (£3m) in particularly looked solid at centre-back and the Crystal Palace fan favourite is considerably cheaper than the other starting defenders.If Gareth Southgate is going to persist with a risk-adverse approach it might be better off targeting England clean sheets in the remaining group games rather than copious attacking returns.READ MORE SUN STORIESFinally, Kylian Mbappe’s (£7.5m) broken nose is a significant factor as France’s superstar No10 is now considered a major doubt for Matchday 2.Many gaffers will be hoping an emphatic Portugal performance this evening eases some selection headaches.Former England and Arsenal star Jack Wilshere makes some BIG Dream Team Euros decisions More

DREAM TEAM EUROS doesn’t really get started properly until Kylian Mbappe (£7.5m) has played.France’s No10 registered eight points in his first outing of the tournament despite the fact he missed a golden one-on-one opportunity against Austria.The 25-year-old notched an assist for his decisive contribution to the game’s only goal, a disastrous own goal from defender Max Wober (£2.5m).It was all eyes on Mbappe on Monday nightCredit: Dream TeamMbappe also banked three bonus points for a performance that, while lively, didn’t require the superstar forward to slip into a high gear.With an ownership of 45.7%, most Dream Team Euros managers would have been relatively content with an eight-point return, although those who captained Mbappe will have been frustrated by the surprising miss.However, a major spanner was thrown in the works late on when Les Bleus’ captain collided with Kevin Danso’s shoulder (£2.5m) at a set-piece.The impact left Mbappe with a broken nose that forced him off, though not before he collected a cheap yellow card for entering the field of play before being instructed – an unusual moment that resulted in a minus point.With the deadline for Matchday 2 at 1pm on Wednesday (June 19th) gaffers are now sweating on the availability of arguably the highest-profile player in Dream Team Euros.Mbappe took a nasty blow at the end of normal timeCredit: GettyThe French Football Federation has published a statement saying: “Kylian Mbappe has returned to the base camp of the French team. He will undergo treatment in the coming days, without undergoing surgery immediately.”A mask will be made so as to allow the No10 of the French team to consider resuming competition after a period devoted to treatment.”Most read in Dream TeamThat last phrase is crucial as “after a period devoted to treatment” suggests Mbappe is a doubt for France’s meeting with the Netherlands on Friday. Even accounting for the best mask money can buy, will Didier Deschamps risk his star player with qualification for the round of 16 all but assured after Monday night’s victory over Austria?”I don’t think it’s that bad,” Adrien Rabiot (£3.5m) told reporters when asked about his team-mate’s injury. “I think he can recover quickly.“Let’s see what the doctors say. He may miss the next game against the Netherlands but he will surely be back very quickly.”Deschamps may be without Mbappe against NetherlandsCredit: APCompetitive Dream Team Euros bosses can’t afford to accommodate a £7.5m striker who doesn’t play in Matchday 2.The risk-adverse approach is to replace him with one of the other premium assets who are guaranteed to start in the second round of group games, such as Harry Kane (£7.5m) or Jude Bellingham (£6m).Portugal play their first game this evening against Czechia and, depending on how that plays out, Cristiano Ronaldo (£6m) could also be considered a viable replacement for Mbappe – the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at least offers a similar level of goal threat.The top-scoring forward in the game at the time of writing is Cody Gakpo (£4m) but, funnily enough, he faces France next and so he’s likely to find points harder to come by.READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, Kai Havertz (£4.5m) is already a popular recruit prior to Matchday 2 after his impressive showing during Germany’s 5-1 thrashing of Scotland, in which he bagged 13 points.It’s possible gaffers will be offered a further update from the French camp in relation to Mbappe’s availability before 1pm tomorrow but as it stands, the joint-most expensive asset in the game has to be considered a major availability risk.Germany Legend Jurgen Klinsmann reveals which stars he’d pick in Dream Team Euros More

DREAM TEAM EUROS managers should be paying close attention to which players are thriving in Matchday 1.One individual who certainly falls into that category is Fabian Ruiz (£3.5m).Ruiz and Spain sent out a statement of intent against CroatiaCredit: Dream TeamThe Spain midfielder produced three minutes of magic to put his side firmly in the ascendancy against Croatia on Saturday, an advantage Luis de la Fuente’s side converted into a 3-0 victory.Just before the half-hour mark, Ruiz slipped a perfectly-weighted throughball into the path of Alvaro Morata (£5.5m), who finished in a one-on-one situation to break the deadlock.Moments later, the PSG playmaker exhibited great skill and composure to beat two defenders on the edge of the box and fire home a second.Ruiz’s goal is among the best scored at the tournament to date and would perhaps have been lauded more had it been scored by one of Spain’s more celebrated players.The 28-year-old is the unsung hero in midfield alongside Rodri (£4m), widely acknowledged as the best player in his position in world football, and Pedri (£4m), Barcelona’s supremely talented 21-year-old.Ruiz scored and assisted on SundayCredit: APAnd it’s probably because Ruiz has a lower profile among Dream Team Euros bosses that he features in just 1.3% of teams at the time of writing.What matters most is that is that he returned 13 points against Croatia in a fixture that, on paper, promised to be among the most competitive at top end of the scale in Matchday 1.As it turned out, La Roja overwhelmed Luka Modric (£4m) and company in the first half and while they had to withstand some pressure after the break, they ultimately completed a statement win that has made them favourites to top Group B.Most read in FootballAs one of the most successful Dream Team Euros assets in his position so far, Ruiz will be viewed as a potential differential option ahead of Matchday 2.However, Spain will once again be involved in arguably the standout match-up of the lot when they meet Italy in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday.Spain are among the most impressive sides at the Euros so farCredit: ReutersThat being said, gaffers who stayed clear of Spain assets in Matchday 1 because of their potentially tricky fixture missed out plentiful points.Ruiz is a typically Spanish midfielder in that he is an accomplished technician who is comfortable in tight spaces and progresses the ball smoothly.Truth be told, he generally does his best work in the middle third of the pitch but it’s worth noting he also scored in his side’s final pre-tournament friendly; a real poacher’s effort too.If Spain outclass Italy then gaffers will surely be keen to back them in Matchday 3 (vs Albania) and the round of 16 (potentially a third-place finisher). Dream Team Euros managers should be aware the deadline for Matchday 2 is 1pm on Wednesday (June 19th).Scotland legend Gordon Strachan gives his verdict on some BIG Dream Team Euros questions More

ENGLAND got their Euro 2024 campaign underway with a win over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen but question marks remain after an unconvincing second half.The Three Lions played well enough for the first half an hour with Jude Bellingham (£6m), the jewel in the crown, scoring what proved to be the winner with an emphatic header.The 20-year-old superstar delivered 13 points for the 42.1% of Dream Team Euros managers currently backing him – the joint-fifth highest haul of the tournament at the time of writing.Bellingham turned up for England against SerbiaCredit: Dream TeamBellingham supplemented his goal with three bonus points, a tackle point, and two appearance points, justifying his status as the most-popular midfielder in Dream Team Euros.He was also among the most-selected captains in Matchday 1, meaning a sizeable chunk of gaffers banked 26 points via England’s match-winner on Sunday night.However, the other popular attacking selections among Gareth Southgate’s squad came up short.Harry Kane (£7.5m) touched the ball just twice in the first half and ultimately provided just four points – an underwhelming return for the game’s most-popular player right now.The prolific striker forced a sharp save from Predrag Rajkovic (£2m) and helped England kill the game by winning a succession of free-kicks but his relative lack of involvement was a cause for concern.Kane is the joint-most expensive asset in the game at £7.5m and so Dream Team Euros bosses will hold him to high standards.Kane was barely involved in the first half at allCredit: GettyThe same is true of Phil Foden (£6.5m).Most read in FootballThe FWA Footballer of the Year once again looked relatively ineffectual on the left flank and he returned just three points when all was said and done.The 24-year-old finished Dream Team’s latest season game as the outright top points scorer and his talent is undoubted but the question of where he fits into Southgate’s system is even more of a talking point after Sunday’s performance.Compared to Germany and Spain, England’s win was uninspiring and it may be that gaffers feel compelled to switch up their strategy before Matchday 2.In more positive news, the Three Lions did register a clean sheet, just the second in the first seven fixtures of the tournament.This ensured healthy returns for Jordan Pickford (£4m) and all the defenders, including makeshift midfielder Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5m) and bargain option Marc Guehi (£3m).England’s defence held firmCredit: GettyEngland players are hugely popular in Dream Team Euros with seven assets featuring in more than 10% of teams at present.Overreacting to one game can be a mistake but, in the same breath, Dream Team Euros consists of just seven Matchdays and so the sooner gaffers gauge which teams are the genuine contenders this summer, the better.England face Denmark in Matchday 2 – Christian Eriksen (£3m) and company only mustered a draw with Slovenia on Sunday.Stick or twist?Jack Wilshere, Jurgen Klinsmann and Gordon Strachan settle some HUGE Dream Team Euros debates More

DREAM TEAM EUROS bosses have until 7pm to lock in their captain and vice-captain for Matchday 1.Remember, your captain will have their points doubled by the armband and your vice-captain will have their points doubled if your first-choice selection doesn’t play for any reason.Let’s analyse the most appealing options for the first round of group games.DON’T MISS OUT – PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!Who else?Credit: Dream TeamKylian Mbappe (£7.5m)It should come as no surprise that France’s captain is the popular choice.The 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner skipped training on Thursday with a flu bug disrupting Les Bleus’ preparations but, at this stage, the superstar forward is expected to start against Austria on Monday night.With goals worth six points in Dream Team Euros, it’s hard to argue against Mbappe for captain.Gaffers looking to take him on might be encouraged by the sickness in the French camp, which could possibly hamper Didier Deschamps’ side.Plus, Austria are no mugs – they’ve beaten Croatia, Italy and Germany under Ralf Rangnick.All things considered, Mbappe is a safe and sound selection for captain but there’s scope for alternatives if you’re that way inclined.Cristiano Ronaldo (£6m)Those who bet against Ronaldo often loseCredit: GettyThe five-time Ballon d’Or winner looked in fine form against Republic of Ireland in Portugal’s final pre-tournament friendly and no player, not even Mbappe, heads to Germany with a better reputation for scoring goals.Some gaffers may be hesitant to back a 39-year-old who spent the domestic season in the Saudi Pro League but Ronaldo has never adhered to normal expectations.The legendary No7 rattled along at a rate of a goal a game for Al-Nasser in 2023/24 and with the likes of Bruno Fernandes (£6m) and Bernardo Silva (£4.5m) in the supply line, he will fancy his chances of extending his record of 14 goals in European Championships when he faces Czechia on Tuesday.Fernandes is also in the captaincy conversation given his form in 2024.EUROS SCORE PREDICTOR IS HERE! CLICK PLAY FOR FREE NOW – £5,000 PRIZE POT!Talent to burnCredit: GettyJamal Musiala (£4.5m)According to our friends at Betfair, Germany are heaviest favourites to win their opening fixture among all 24 teams at the tournament.The hosts take on Scotland this evening and the home fans will hope their No10 displays the full extent of his undeniable talent.Musiala is one of the most natural dribblers in world football, an attribute which should help him collect his fair share of bonus points this summer.The 21-year-old’s Bundesliga campaign with Bayerm Munich was partially interrupted by injuries but the fact is he averaged a goal or assist every 110.4 minutes.If you like the idea of getting ahead of the game from the very first fixture then selecting Musiala as captain might be the way to do just that.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
Romelu Lukaku (£5.5m)Lukaku’s record is not to be underestimatedCredit: GettyBelgium’s hulking target man broke the record for most goals in a European Championship qualifying campaign when he bagged 14 in just eight outings to book his side’s place in Germany.More broadly, he’s scored 85 goals in 115 caps at international level.If you’re somebody who considers Lukaku a flat-track bully then that shouldn’t have too much of an impact on the striker’s viability for Matchday 1 as the Red Devils are set to face Slovakia, one of tournament’s biggest underdogs.The 31-year-old boasts an excellent record for Belgium but when things go wrong for him they go really wrong – remember those misses against Croatia at the World Cup? – so it might be wise to wait for a look at his form before rushing to stick the armband on him.But if you feel confident in Lukaku’s ability to punish Slovakia then crack on – he’s got Kevin De Bruyne (£7m) feeding him after all.Scotland legend Gordon Strachan gives his verdict on some BIG Dream Team Euros questions More