Euro 2024

IT wasn’t that long ago that German fans were largely pessimistic about their side’s hopes at Euro 2024.A series of disappointing results led to the dismissal of Hansi Flick and debate raged about Die Mannschaft’s best XI.However, consecutive wins over France and Netherlands in March, coupled with the return of Toni Kroos and the eye-catching form of some of their younger talents, have boosted morale considerably.Naturally, Dream Team Euros managers will be keen on Germany, now under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, so let’s analyse their top stars, bargain options, and players to avoid.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, GREAT FUN!Florian Wirtz has the potential to take the tournament by stormCredit: Dream TeamTOP STARSMuch of the hosts’ hopes rest on the young shoulders of Jamal Musiala (£4.5m) and Florian Wirtz (£4.5m).The former is one of the most natural dribblers in world football, a gift that should earn him a few bonus points, while the latter is coming off the back of a hugely successful campaign with Bayer Leverkusen.Wirtz registered 18 goals and 20 assists as Xabi Alonso’s side suffered just one defeat in all competitions.Joshua Kimmich (£5m) is the joint-most expensive defender in the game; a reflection of his dual purpose.Most read in Dream TeamThe 29-year-old will be hopeful of clean sheets in Group A, where Germany are joined by Scotland, Hungary and Swizterland, but he’s also got the quality to contribute in attack – he’s played more than enough times in midfield throughout his career.A fantastic crosser of the ball, Kimmich registered ten assists for Bayern Munich in 2023/24.Havertz finished well for Arsenal in 2023/24Credit: GettyUp top, Kai Havertz (£4.5m) is most likely to lead the line and he’ll be hoping to carry over the form he exhibited for Arsenal during the final third of the domestic campaign.Mikel Arteta started using him as a false nine and, as a result, Havertz scored nine goals and provided six assists in his last 14 outings for the Gunners.BARGAIN OPTIONSOutright bargains are generally found among the less fancied teams but that doesn’t mean savvy gaffers can’t find decent value for money among the German ranks.Maximilian Mittelstadt (£3.5m) has just three senior caps to his name but he’s expected to start at left-back after an impressive season with Stuttgart.The 27-year-old took his chance in those morale-boosting wins back in March, he even scored against the Netherlands.Starting defenders among the tournament’s bigger teams generally cost more than £3.5m so Dream Team bosses looking to save some cash at the back could take advantage of Mittelstadt’s price.Mittelstadt is expected to start at left-back against ScotlandCredit: GettyToni Kroos (£3.5m) is a class act and likely to be the man pulling the strings in midfield but whether his understated style will lead to many points is difficult to predict.Truth be told, it’s probably worth finding some extra budget for one of his more attack-minded team-mates.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
PLAYERS TO AVOIDAs previously mentioned, Havertz is thought to be the first-choice centre-forward from the get-go which means Niclas Fullkrug (£4m) will have to be content as an impact substitute, at least initially.The tall target man has an excellent record at international level having scored 11 goals in 15 appearances to date but his domestic form for Borussia Dortmund tailed off at the back end of the season – though he did produce some good performances in the Champions League knockout stages.Similarly, Thomas Muller (£4m) is generally limited to cameo performances these days.The experienced ‘Raumdeuter’ was a tournament specialist in his younger years but he’s only completed 90 minutes for Germany twice since Euro 2020.Fullkrug will have to be patientCredit: GettyAt the time of writing, Marc-Andre ter Stegen (£4m) is the joint-tenth most selected goalkeeper in Dream Team Euros but he’s likely to play second fiddle to Manuel Neuer (£4.5m).Backing a reserve keeper is a bad enough as it is but selecting one that costs £4m is a potential disaster.READ MORE SUN STORIESLastly, Leroy Sane (£5.5m) owners should tread carefully as he’s far from a guaranteed starter.The Bayern Munich winger’s price is a reflection of his talent but he’ll only be viable if he’s assured of minutes – gaffers might want to wait until Matchday 1 has played out before making a decision on him.Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euros fantasy game More

KYLE WALKER (£4m) is currently the most-popular defender in Dream Team’s Euros fantasy game.The England right-back features in 23.4% of teams created at the time of writing and while there’s still time for the outlook to change before the Matchday 1 deadline on June 14th (7pm), it seems certain he’ll be among the most-selected players in his position once the action is underway.But is he truly worthy of such immense popularity?PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, GREAT FUN!Dream Team Euros’ most-selected defenderCredit: Dream TeamWalker is almost certain to start for the Three Lions against Serbia and so it’s understandable that gaffers who think Gareth Southgate’s side will go far this summer believe the speedy defender is a safe and smart choice.Even at 34 years old he remains among the fastest players in Europe and he has been a regular for Pep Guardiola during Manchester City’s trophy-laden years lately.However, Walker rarely provides much attacking threat for England.His goal against Ukraine in qualifying for Euro 2024 was his only one at international level in 82 caps and he’s provided just three assists in his last 41 outings.This is partially because he has often been tasked with playing as a right-sided centre-back who isn’t supposed to stray too far from John Stones (£4.5m).Walker is one of Southgate’s favourites but not optimally suited to Dream TeamCredit: GettyDream Team bosses don’t need all their defenders to offer a threat going forward but those who don’t should be strong clean sheet candidates, especially if they’re at the more expensive end of the price range.Most read in FootballIn this sense, each player is only as good as their team’s collective defensive ability.England have a wealth of attacking pedigree in the current squad with the expected front four of Jude Bellingham (£6m), Phil Foden (£6.5m), Bukayo Saka (£6.5m) and Harry Kane (£7.5m) all heading into the tournament in excellent form.But there are question marks at the back.Stones, Harry Maguire (£4.5m) and Luke Shaw (£4m) are all availability concerns at this stage with the latter’s potential absence creating a serious problem at left-back.No doubt this is why so many gaffers have put their faith in Walker, who is almost guaranteed to start, but surely there’s a chance England’s makeshift back four will be more vulnerable than usual?Southgate has problems to solve in defenceCredit: RexAt £4m Walker doesn’t come cheap and for that price a defender should either have some notable attacking attributes or likely to benefit from clean sheets (ideally both).It may be the case that England’s defence holds up fine but managers should at least consider alternative options from other top teams.To be clear, picking Walker is by no means a clanging error but whether he’s an optimum selection, worthy of appearing in nearly a quarter of all teams, is another matter entirely.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euros fantasy game More