A whole 365-days later than it was originally scheduled, EURO 2020 gets underway this Friday (11 June) as Turkey take on Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Unsurprisingly, reigning World Cup winners FRANCE go into the tournament as the ante-post favourites
Les Bleus arguably endured something of a World Cup hangover in Euro qualification with defeat to Turkey and narrow, unconvincing wins over the likes of Iceland, Andorra & Moldova.
Les Bleus arguably endured something of a World Cup hangover in Euro qualification with defeat to Turkey and narrow, unconvincing wins over the likes of Iceland, Andorra & Moldova.
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Didier Deschamps' men were runners-up in 2016 and a slot in Group F alongside Germany, Portugal & Hungary could have been kinder.
However with a squad containing quality all over the park and a proven tournament track record it’s easy to make a case for the bookmakers jolly. |
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Next in the betting sees Gareth Southgate’s ENGLAND. The Three Lions suffered semi-final heartache at the 2018 World Cup but have barely put a foot wrong since.
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Qualifying for the competition with 7 wins & a goal difference of +31.
Southgate came in for criticism following the announcement of his 26-man squad featuring an abundance of full-backs but in Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish & Phil Foden the former England defender still has a glut of attacking options. |
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BELGIUM come in as 3rd favourites. Roberto Martinez faces an agonising wait on the fitness of star man Kevin de Bruyne after the midfielder was forced off during Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Chelsea last month.
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The Red Devils have flattered to deceive in major tournaments though. No less so than when they were knocked out by the plucky Welsh in the 2016 European Championships.
In Romelu Lukaku, however, they have a natural goalscorer. The burly centre-forward banged 24 goals en route to securing the Serie A title with Inter Milan this season and the 28-year old looks a leading contender for the Golden Boot. |
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This Summer’s tournament will be long-serving GERMANY manager Joachim Low’s last dance at the helm of Die Mannschaft and the European Championship has thus far eluded the much decorated gaffer with a runners-up medal in 2008 the nearest he’s come.
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Germany find themselves in the unusual position of lacking firepower with Low’s squad seemingly looking heavily reliant on a misfiring Timo Werner.
The Chelsea forward scored 6 goals in his debut Premier League season & failed to score in any of his last 4 outings for his country. |
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SPAIN & PORTUGAL are the other contenders in single-figures.
Spain were European Champions in 2008 & 2012 before a disappointing display in 2016 saw them crash out in the round of 16 at the hands of Italy.
Luis Enrique took the bold decision to omit Sergio Ramos from his 26-man squad & it remains to be seen whether the former Barcelona manager’s decision will prove to be a wise one.
Luis Enrique took the bold decision to omit Sergio Ramos from his 26-man squad & it remains to be seen whether the former Barcelona manager’s decision will prove to be a wise one.
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Portugal are the defending champions having stunned France in their own backyard 5-years ago.
A Seleção boast an abundance of attacking threat in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernando Silva & Diogo Jota and with Ruben Dias marshalling the defence. It would be premature to discount Fernando Santos’ men lightly. |
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