The Hungary Euro 2024 squad was incidentally the first to be announced, in the midst of their preparations for a third successive Euros appearance. Here, we look at surprising inclusions, standout stars and potential starting XIs.
Hungary breezed through qualification, topping their group unbeaten and finishing on 18 points from their eight games. They will be hopeful of reaching the knockout stage of the competition after being placed in Group A along with hosts Germany, Scotland and Switzerland.
Contents
Hungary – Key facts
Year founded: 1902
Nickname: Magyars
Current FIFA ranking: 26
Highest FIFA ranking: 18
Year of Euro debut: 1964
Best Euro performance: 3rd
Player to watch: Dominik Szoboszlai
Full Hungary Euro 2024 squad
Goalkeeper
Defence
Midfield
Attack
Surprise inclusions in Hungary Euro 2024 squad
Kevin Csoboth
Csoboth is perhaps a surprise inclusion, given that he has not had the best season at Ujpest. He's scored just seven goals in 35 appearances, while exciting attackers like Zalan Vancsa and Krisztian Liztes missed out. Csoboth has also never scored in seven senior caps for the national team.
Martin Adam
Adam is perhaps another surprising inclusion, given the wealth of attacking talent coming through in Hungary, as he has only scored once for K-League side Ulsan since March. The 29-year-old has also only netted three times in 20 senior appearances for his country.
In-form players for Hungary
Peter Gulacsi
Gulacsi enjoyed a particularly strong second half of the season in goal for RB Leipzig, helping them qualify for the UEFA Champions League via fourth place in the Bundesliga. He is attracting transfer interest ahead of the summer window, notably from a number of clubs in the Premier League.
Milos Kerkez
Kerkez was one of the standout performers for Bournemouth by the end of his debut Premier League season. Indeed, he averaged the 2023/24 PL's highest rate of successful defensive actions amongst players aged under 23, at a rate of 9.85 per 90 minutes.
Hungary Predicted Euro 2024 XI
Hungary vs Switzerland
(3-4-3) Gulacsi, Orban, Lang, Szalai, Bolla, Schafer, Nagy, Kerkez, Sallai, Szoboszlai, Varga
Marco Rossi tends to set up in a three-at-the-back system with Hungary, with Bolla and Kerkez likely to operate as right and left wing-backs respectively. In the opening group game, we cannot see much tactical change from the usual.
Hungary vs Germany
(5-2-3) Gulacsi, Bolla, Orban, Lang, Szalai, Kerkez, Schafer, Nagy, Sallai, Szoboszlai, Varga
Against the strongest team in the group in Germany, we think Rossi may tweak his system slightly to have Bolla and Kerkez operate in a back-five, and therefore more reluctant to go forward and with more emphasis on staying solid.
Assuming no injuries or suspensions, the personnel is unlikely to change, as Rossi will want his best XI available for this one.
Hungary vs Scotland
(3-4-3) Gulacsi, Orban, Lang, Szalai, Bolla, Schafer, Nagy, Kerkez, Sallai, Szoboszlai, Varga
Rossi may revert back to his traditional three-back system against a weaker opponent on paper in Scotland, giving the wing-backs more licence to go forward and cause havoc in the final third.
As he looks to indulge in his penchant for long-range shooting, Szoboszlai could occupy central spaces more often to combat Scotland's strong midfield, which includes the likes of John McGinn and Manchester United's Scott McTominay.
