Denmark, France, Sweden

Double title holder, the Denmark is as always a scarecrow, additionally varnished by a very favorable draft. Coach Nicolaj Jacobsen has embarked on a revamp, notably sacking Parisian Henrik Toft Hansen, but superstar Mikkel Hansen and magical goalkeeper Niklas Landin are still there, accompanied by the phenom Mathias Gidsel, who has returned from his serious knee injury.

The France, Olympic champion, still regrets numerous injury withdrawals (Descat, N’Guessan, Minne in particular), but the incredible reservoir of Olympic champions makes them all dream. Still precious at the age of 38, Nikola Karabatic accompanies the brilliant young generation embodied by Dika Mem, undoubtedly the best player in the world today.

The Sweden broke his glass ceiling by winning the euro in Hungary a year ago, his first title in twenty years. Admirable in collective strength around their conductor Jim Gottfridsson, the men in yellow benefit from a course of small onions, with potential semi-finals and finals against opponents who will have traveled the day before.

Spain

It’s been five years since the “Hispanos” seem too old at the end of the race, and every time they invite themselves to the podium. The tactical science of the Hispanics is still fascinating. Their pair of Perez de Vargas – Corrales goalkeepers is almost second to none and Agustin Casado has dynamite in his legs to make up for striker Aleix Gomez’s absence.

Norway

The Norwegians have brooded all year over the frustration of their collapse against Sweden (23-24 after a 15-10 lead) that saw them lose the last four of Euro 2022. They are still very dependent on their superstar Sander Sagosen, who is capable of single-handedly winning a match, but has just come back from a long-term injury.

Egypt, Iceland

The serious injury of their best player, Yahia Omar (knee), dropped the odds. Egypt, 4th at the Tokyo Olympics. But the pharaohs still have a lot of talent in reserve, physical and, above all, pride, to show that they exist in this very European sport.

Around his fantastic right-back Omar Magnusson, Iceland advancing an impressive firepower, which had sunk the Blues at the Euro a year ago (28-20). When they gain stability, they can aim high.

Germany, with an inexperienced group, has little chance of getting involved in the battle for the podium by the admission of his coach Alfred Gislason, aiming instead for Euro 2024 at home. Like the Croatiadecimated by injuries.