Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho did not mince his words after he told Rio Ferdinand his prediction for the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament.
Host nation Germany will kick off Euro 2024 on Friday when they face Scotland in their Group A opener at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Germany are among the favourites to win the UEFA competition this summer alongside the likes of France, England and Portugal.
Euro 2020 champions Italy will begin their title defence on Saturday with their Group B opener against Albania, with kick-off slated for 9pm UK time.
England, who fell short of Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, are in Group C alongside Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia at Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate will take charge of the Three Lions for his fourth major international tournament, despite uncertainty around his future with England.
The England boss, who was linked with Manchester United in the past, is out of contract with the Three Lions in December.
Several United players have been called up by their respective countries to feature at Euro 2024, including Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund.
Mourinho predicts Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament
Speaking to TNT Sports, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was asked by Rio Ferdinand for his predictions for Euro 2024 ahead of the tournament’s start.
The ex-Manchester United manager predicted that Portugal will come out on top at Euro 2024, having spoken highly of his native country’s national team in the past.
Mourinho believes that England will fall short of the Henri Delaunay trophy, despite backing Three Lions captain Harry Kane to win the Golden Boot.
The 61-year-old Portuguese manager made it clear that he thinks that Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham will be named the Player of the Tournament.
Jude Bellingham, who was previously linked with a move to Old Trafford, is expected to play a starring role for Gareth Southgate’s men at Euro 2024.
The 20-year-old England midfielder enjoyed an impressive first season at Real Madrid after his blockbuster transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
Bellingham, who lifted a La Liga title and a Champions League with Los Blancos, is also tipped as one of the favourites to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
Mourinho reveals ‘surprise team’ to win Euro 2024
Mourinho insisted that either Portugal, France or England will capture the Henri Delaunay trophy at Euro 2024.
The ‘Special One’ even named host nation Germany as a ‘surprise team’ to win the European Championship, despite being one of the favourites due to their home-field advantage.
“The surprise team is anyone outside Portugal, France and England because I think those three are the favourites,” Mourinho said.
“So, anyone that comes outside these three, even countries with status like Germany.”