It has not been the calmest start to the summer in Europe. An attempted assassination in Slovakia. EU elections that saw far-rightA range of ideologies that emphasise social order, racial purity and the elimination of opponents. parties make sweeping gains.

Yet the season can still be saved. Europe may be politically divided. But there is something with the power to bring billions of people back together: football.¹

On Friday evening, Euro 2024 kicked off in Munich, as host nation Germany faced Scotland. Numerous games followed over the weekend. Last night, England beat Serbia 1-0.

Ahead of the tournament, the bookiesShort for bookmakers, people who take bets on sporting and other events, calculate odds and pay out winnings. had England as narrow favourites to win, with odds of 3-1 - a 25% likelihood of victory. France follows close behind at 4-1, then Germany at 5-1. Title holders Italy are not expected to repeat their success, with 12-1 odds to win.

England's predicted success is thanks to a team of huge players. There is captain Harry Kane, who the Daily Mirror calls "the best striker in Europe". There is midfielder Phil Foden and winger Bukayo Saka. And then there is Jude Bellingham, "arguably the best player in the world".

But Southgate has also side-stepped some of England's biggest names - including Jack Grealish, a favourite in previous tournaments.²

While England has the overall star power, France has the megastar striker Kylian Mbappe, who often pips Bellingham in lists of today's best players. Former France player David Ginola says of Mbappe: "he can change the entire game with just one move."

While the odds favour these star-led teams, some think that a more balanced approach will carry the day. A game-changer can only function if the team around them is strong.

Football is also bruising. Players get tired and injured. Relying too much on a few stars might work in the short-term. In the long-haul it is the strength of the overall squad that matters.

Are teams more important than stars?

Yes: Football is a team sport. No one individual is greater than the whole. Look at Portugal's last World Cup, where even Cristano Ronaldo's undeniable talent was unable to push them past Morocco.

No: Teams thrive off leaders. A big star has a galvanising effect. The presence of a Mbappe or Bellingham can propel their teammates to play their very best in an attempt to match a star player's skills.

Or... It is not the star players that matter, but the star managers. England's Gareth Southgate and France's Didier Deschamps have pushed their teams to the finals before, and they can do it again.

Far-right - A range of ideologies that emphasise social order, racial purity and the elimination of opponents.

Bookies - Short for bookmakers, people who take bets on sporting and other events, calculate odds and pay out winnings.