Wenger: Germany not Euro favourites but could play 'interesting role'

Long-time Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger sees France, England and Portugal as Euro 2024 favourites but believes that Germany could also play a role as tournament hosts despite modest results in recent years.

Wenger, who is now director for development at the world governing body FIFA, told the Sportbuzzer portal in an interview published on Wednesday that while Germany "are not the absolute favourites ... they will play an interesting role.

"It's difficult to predict, but with the home advantage Germany can do a lot. It will be important to win the first game to boost confidence, but also to slowly but surely ignite a certain euphoria throughout the country," he said.

Germany open the month-long tournament on June 14 against Scotland, with Hungary and Switzerland their other group stage opponents. Germany went out in the round of 16 at the last Euros, in the group stage of the last two World Cups, and won only three of their 11 games in 2021.

"Germany should not necessarily be judged by their last results, which were not satisfactory. Perhaps it's a good thing for Germany that they haven't been able to create any euphoria recently, because the country won't be expecting much and the DFB team can only surprise in a positive way," Wenger said.

Wenger added that Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has all it takes "to focus his players on the most important things" and that a good final build-up will be needed.

Turning to the favourites, Frenchman Wenger rates his home team highly after winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 final.

"You get the feeling that nothing bad could happen to this nation because they play with incredible ease and self-confidence," he said.

"I also see the English, who look more mature than ever. Coach Gareth Southgate has been in charge of the players for several years, so they will be difficult to beat. Finally, I see Portugal, a very talented team with a lot of experience."