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Proper Football's Euro 2020 Breakdown: Group E

Craig Williamson - SNS Group / Contributor

Published May 28, 2021

When Euro 2020 kicks off next month, we’re going to have some serious superstar power on the pitch, and Group E features one world-class striker at the forefront of its national team.

Robert Lewandowski and Poland will be looking to reach the knockout phase for the second straight Euros after doing so in 2016, while Spain features a quality roster led by Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and David De Gea.

Meanwhile, Slovakia and Sweden aim to make some noise despite neither side having the star power of their adversaries.

We kicked off our Euro previews on Monday with Group A, Tuesday with Group B, Wednesday with Group C and Thursday with Group D, so go visit those pieces for more on big contenders like Belgium and Italy.

Let’s take a closer look at the four teams competing in Group E ahead of this summer’s Euro 2020 competition.

Poland

Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Key Players: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern), Wojciech Szczęsny (Juventus), Kamil Glik (Benevento)

Manager: Paulo Sousa

Euro history: 4th Euro appearance; Lewandowksi is Poland's all-time leading scorer

The conversation with Poland obviously begins with Robert Lewandowski, who has built himself into a superstar in Germany while at Bayern Munich and previously Dortmund.

This Polish side doesn’t boast a ton of depth, but Lewandowski’s presence always makes this group lethal and Group E will have to be on watch of where the striker is at all times.

Slovakia

Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/Getty Images

Key Players: Marek Hamsik (Goteborg), Martin Dúbravka (Newcastle), Milan Škriniar (Inter Milan)

Manager: Štefan Tarkovič

Euro history: 2nd Euro appearance; Hamsik is Slovakia's all-time leading scorer

2016 marked the first time Slovakia had ever reached a Euros, and they backed it up with a trip to the Round of 16.

With veteran Marek Hamsik still leading his side, the Slovakians will be seeking another trip to the knockout phase and potentially a lengthier stay this go around.

Slovakia features 10 players that are 30 years or older, which gives them plenty of experience in a group that sees a lot of youth with their biggest challenger in Spain.

Spain

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Key Players: Thiago (Liverpool), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)

Manager: Luis Enrique

Euro history: 11th Euro appearance; Won 2010 World Cup

This Spanish team will undoubtedly be different from those of the past.

Without any Real Madrid players present for this edition of the Euros, including Sergio Ramos being left at home, Luis Enrique clearly has a different vision for this group.

With several young attackers, including Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore, La Furia Roja will be a trio of players to look out for as Spain looks to set the tone in this group.

Sweden

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Key Players: Robin Olsen (Everton), Victor Lindelof (Manchester United), Alexander Isak (Real Sociedad)

Manager: Janne Andersson

Euro history: 7th Euro appearance; Finished 3rd at Euro 1992

The bad news for Sweden? No Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The star striker was left off due to injury, but Sweden still possesses a strong squad that made a run into the quarter finals at the 2018 World Cup.

Alexander Isak could be one of the most exciting young attacking talents at the tournament, while defensively the Swedes line up in a very compact and disciplined manner.