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 big gains.

Europe may be politically divided, but there is something with the power to bring billions of people back together: football.

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, England were 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.

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", 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.

While England has the overall star power, France has the megastar striker Kylian Mbappe, who former France player David Ginola says "can change the entire game with just one move."

Relying too much on a few stars might work in the short term, but 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.

No! A big star has a galvanising effect. The presence of a Mbappe or Bellingham can propel their teammates to play their very best.

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