Average Age Analysis: Euro 2024 Squads Ranked by Team Composition

Germany the Elder Statesmen

The hosts have the oldest squad on average

There has been significant buzz around some of the promising young talents emerging in the German national team recently. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, widely recognized as two of the brightest young prospects in global football, played pivotal roles in Julian Nagelsmann's squad's opening day victory, highlighting the potential that these young stars bring to the table for the four-time world champions.

However, despite the focus on youth, Germany actually boasts the oldest squad at the tournament, alongside Scotland. The presence of seasoned veterans like Manuel Neuer and the soon-to-retire Toni Kroos, both in their thirties, significantly raises the team's average age. Thomas Müller and captain Ilkay Gündogan also fall into this experienced category, with no teenagers currently in the squad for Die Mannschaft.

Czech Republic Usher in a New Generation

The Czechs have the youngest squad

The Czech Republic's squad for Euro 2024 suggests that Central Europe may be on the brink of a promising generation of talent. While the Czechs are not widely tipped to advance far in the tournament, being placed in a group with Georgia, Portugal, and Turkey, there is a good chance they could progress past the group stages.

This squad, assembled by Ivan Hašek, is the youngest at the tournament, with an average age of 25.5 years. Only three players out of 26 are older than 30.

While potential doesn't always translate into success, if this core group can remain together for another two or three tournaments, the Czech Republic could develop into a formidable team in the future. Their group stage match against Turkey, which has the second-youngest squad in Euro 2024, promises to be particularly exciting.

England the Youngest of the Favourites

The Three Lions are heavily tipped to win the tournament

If experience is deemed crucial for tournament success, Gareth Southgate's England team might face a prolonged wait to end their lengthy trophy drought. With an average age of 26.1, the Three Lions possess the third-youngest squad at Euro 2024, trailing behind only the Czech Republic and Turkey.

Prior to the tournament, England, along with France and Portugal, were favored by many top pundits. The French squad averages 26.9 years, while Portugal is slightly older at 27.0 years, influenced by the presence of the tournament's oldest players, Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo. This places these European powerhouses in the mid-range of age, nearly a year older on average than England's team.

Southgate's side has experience reaching a major final, having accomplished this feat three years ago. While several core players from that time remain integral, questions may arise regarding the maturity of newer faces like Marc Guehi and Anthony Gordon as England advances deeper into the tournament.

Italy's Drastic Change

The reigning champions are without many key players from Euro 2020

Italy kicked off Euro 2024 with a 2-1 win over Albania, despite conceding the fastest goal in tournament history. Luciano Spalletti's team recovered strongly to secure their first three points.

What makes this squad intriguing is how different it is compared to the group that lifted the trophy in Rome three years ago. Veterans like Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Marco Verratti are no longer part of the team, allowing younger talents such as Alessandro Bastoni and Davide Frattesi to take on more prominent roles. Leading the attack is 25-year-old former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca, contributing to a lowered average squad age from 27.7 to 26.5.

Italy's failure to qualify for the last World Cup necessitated change, and the current team reflects these adjustments, offering a glimpse into the future of Italian football.

Spain's Best Squad Since 2012

La Roja have a well-balanced unit and started brightly against Croatia

Under Luis De La Fuente's stewardship, Spain is experiencing one of its most promising periods since their dominant years from 2008 to 2012, when they secured consecutive European championships. Since then, replicating that level of talent has been challenging for Spain. However, Euro 2024 presents an intriguing mix of fearless young players and seasoned veterans in key positions.

Rodri stands out as a player who could rival those who brought trophies to Spain a decade ago. His composure and maturity in crucial matches provide a platform for players like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, the youngest player in European Championship history.

This unique blend of youth and experience means that while Spain might not be the outright favorites on paper, they possess a well-balanced squad capable of maximizing their strengths to the fullest.