Cesc Fabregas has named Spain and Germany as his two ‘favourites’ to win Euro 2024, labelling them ‘the most complete teams in the tournament’ based on their displays in the group stage.
Spain have flown out of the blocks in their opening two games against Croatia and defending champions Italy, netting four times without conceding a single goal.
Luis de la Fuente’s men will aim to make it three wins from three when they take to the field in Dusseldorf for their final Group B contest versus Albania this evening.
Tournament hosts Germany, meanwhile, finished as Group A winners to secure progression into the knockout phase on Sunday night, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland.
England had entered this summer’s event as many people’s favourites to lift the trophy on July 14 but Harry Kane and Co have so far flattered to deceive, edging to an uninspiring 1-0 defeat of Serbia before drawing with Denmark.
Asked to name his favourites for the tournament on the FIVE YouTube channel, Fabregas – European Championship winner with Spain – overlooked England said he had been impressed with the way his fellow countrymen had performed thus far.
The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder also praised Germany, who he claimed had ‘very similar qualities’ to Spain.
Asked to name his favourites for the tournament, Fabregas replied: ‘So far, Germany and Spain. They have very similar qualities, similar type of football, similar principles.
‘They look comfortable and, yeah, they are the ones that are more ready to play this modern, intensive, aggressive football.
‘They are good on the ball, disciplined tactically.
‘I think they are the most complete teams in the tournament at the moment.’
Speaking to the media ahead of Spain’s final group match with Albania, De la Fuente said he was pleased that fans and pundits were beginning to talk up their chances.
‘There is no one better than us and we have to continue working with that conviction,’ the Spain head coach told reporters.
‘I like the fact people are starting to think we could win it.
‘But we need to stay happy, calm, and the players need to enjoy what they do best – playing football and continuing to grow.’
De la Fuente hinted that he could be set to rest several players in Dusseldorf, with Spain having already secured passage to the knockout phase.
‘Little details like that are very important, in my opinion,’ he added.
‘At the end of the season, players are very tired and any chance to rest players is a plus.
‘But we play with hunger when we meet Albania too.’