Jose Mourinho has identified England, Portugal, and France as his top contenders for the Euro 2024 title.
Following their narrow defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, England is determined to clinch their inaugural European Championship trophy this season.
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The team managed by Gareth Southgate is slated to compete in Group C with Slovenia, Denmark, and Serbia, with their opening match scheduled for June 16.
On the other hand, France is poised for a robust performance, seeking redemption after their World Cup final loss to Argentina in Qatar in December 2022. Didier Deschamps’ squad will face off against Poland, Netherlands, and Austria in Group D.
Portugal, having completed a flawless qualifying round with 10 victories, is anticipated to make a strong impression at this summer’s Euro 2024. Under the guidance of Roberto Matinez, they are grouped with Turkey, Georgia, and the Czech Republic in Group F.
When asked for his prediction for Euro 2024, Mourinho said at a tribute event for his father on Wednesday: ‘For me, it’s one of the three strongest teams – Portugal, France and England.
‘Surprises can happen, yes. But looking at the quality and quantity of players, I think Portugal has to go there to win.’
Mourinho disclosed that he nearly took on the role of head coach for Portugal’s national team and has acknowledged the squad’s development under Roberto Martinez’s leadership.
‘I had the possibility of taking over the national team, a very real possibility,’ Mourinho said.
‘Now we are at the Euros, with a coach who has done a great job and a great generation of players. I want it to go well, which is to win.
Winning , will continue and go to the World Cup. If it has to happen one day, it will happen.’ I didn’t have any invitation from any Portuguese club.’
Speaking on his future, Mourinho once again revealed his desire to return to management this summer after he was sacked by Roma in January.
‘Whatever happens, will happen. I know that the weight of my history is heavy,’ Mourinho said.
‘I know that even when I coach teams that are not cut out to win, people always expect me to win. In the last two years I played in two European finals. I want to play more.’
