Euro 2024 power rankings: Ronaldo’s Portugal makes a move, but will they rest stars?
With the second round of group games at Euro 2024 now complete, Spain and Portugal have the golden ticket. Now, what to do with it?
As every team prepared for its final group game, the neighbors from the Iberian Peninsula were the only ones that had their spot in the bracket already assured.
As the plaudits flow in for a Spanish side highlighted by the buoyant youth of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, and a Portugal squad still centered around Cristiano Ronaldo, either team has the luxury of resting key players.
Past tournaments have produced differing approaches to such situations. Some coaches prefer to keep the foot on the gas, for fear of disrupting the momentum. Others feel the chance to give players extra rest at the end of a busy club season is too valuable to pass up.
Both Spain and Portugal are flying high in the FOX Sports Euro 2024 power rankings, Spain holding onto top spot and Portugal leapfrogging France on account of its convincing win against Turkey.
We will continue to update the rankings after each day’s games as the tournament progresses.
POWER RANKINGS
- Spain: Made an outstanding start.
- Portugal (+1): In top form now.
- France (-1): Still on course after sitting Mbappé.
- Germany (-2): Still riding wave of momentum.
- Netherlands: Firmly on track.
- England: Wanted to improve on Game 1. Couldn’t.
- Austria (+2): Controls its own destiny.
- Switzerland (+2): So close to upsetting Germany.
- Belgium (-1): Made huge improvement.
- Italy (11): Weak defense of title to date.
- Denmark (+1): Was the better side against England.
- Turkey (-4): Disjointed and disappointing.
- Romania (-6): Big drop in performance.
- Slovakia (-1): Need to regain opening game fire.
- Ukraine (-1): Made a superb resurgence.
- Slovenia (+1): Was so close to first Euros win.
- Czechia (-1): Too many mistakes cost them.
- Serbia (-1): Late point gives some hope.
- Croatia (-1): Hugely disappointing so far.
- Hungary (+4): Still alive after late miracle.
- Albania: Spirited but limited defensively
- Georgia (+1): Battled hard but not enough.
- Poland (-1): Eliminated before final game.
- Scotland (-4): Not good enough from the start.
Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MRogersFOX and subscribe to the daily newsletter.
UEFA Euro
Euro 2024 group scenarios: How each team advances to the Round of 16
Ronaldo assists as Portugal advances to Euro 2024 knockout stage with 3-0 win vs. Turkey
Euro 2024: Is England choking? Players admit to impact of ‘too much pressure’
If Ronaldo wins Euros 2024, the G.O.A.T. debate with Messi reopens
Euro 2024 daily recap: Cristiano Ronaldo, Belgium enjoy bounce-back performances
Jamal Musiala isn’t just Euro 2024’s best young player, he’s the best overall so far
Two fans enter field for selfies with Cristiano Ronaldo during match at Euro 2024
Own-goals leads the scoring chart after bizarre start to Euro 2024
Euro 2024 daily recap: France can’t score without injured Mbappé, Poland first to be eliminated
Get more from UEFA EuroFollow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
