The clock is ticking with only a few days left until the start of EURO 2024. Historically, this tournament has always lived up to the hype, often demonstrating why Europe is considered one of the most thrilling continents for football. This year’s edition, hosted in Germany, promises to be no different. Several iconic venues are set to stage the drama – none more prominent than the Allianz Arena in Munich.
While the anticipation builds and excitement reaches fever pitch, only one question truly matters: Who will win? Here are the top five contenders we expect to vie for the title.
5. Portugal
Winner Odds: 8 (22bet)
Portugal is often overlooked in discussions about potential EURO 2024 winners, but their talent pool is too vast to ignore. Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to lead the pack despite nearing his forties, with Pepe anchoring the defense. With Fernando Santos no longer at the helm, Roberto Martinez has taken over managerial duties.
It is impossible not to get excited about a team boasting talents like Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Gonçalo Ramos. Portugal already showed it can compete at the highest level, having won Euro 2016, where Ronaldo cheered his team on from the sidelines due to injury. This time, the ex-real Madrid star will hope to contribute more directly while being surrounded by younger players.
Parabéns, Rafael Leão 🏄♂️🎂 #PartilhaAPaixão pic.twitter.com/aQj8XHuRbm
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 10, 2024
Despite their immense talent, Portugal has mostly underperformed in recent campaigns. This tournament is the last chance for veterans like Ronaldo, Pepe and Patricio, who would like to go out with a bang. While the group stages look favourable for Portugal, they must remember that the knock-out stages can be particularly unforgiving.
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4. England
Winner Odds: 4.2 (22bet)
This may disappoint some readers, but no, England is not in the top two favourites. The reason? Southgate’s controversial squad selections. With Harry Maguire absent due to injury and Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, and even James Maddison excluded, Southgate’s decisions raise eyebrows. It’s baffling how the Three Lions can afford to omit such talent when many teams would dream of having them.
England, by default, would be favourites, and they are still one of the strongest teams. We are talking about a team that boasts the likes of Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Buyako Saka, Declan Rice and Harry Kane. This is possibly the last chance for Southgate to redeem himself; as England’s golden generations have yet to secure an international trophy despite the abundance of talent.
Staying focused 👊#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/qYaKgy2yf4
— England (@England) June 12, 2024
England has an easy group on paper – but qualification for the knock-out stages should not be taken for granted. The Three Lions will face Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark. Serbia’s forwards are rather tall (like Aleksandar Mitrović), which is where Harry Maguire’s absence becomes a real problem.
The Three Lions will particularly have to watch out for set pieces, where this glaring weakness will likely become a serious problem. While England is one of the most talented teams globally, history shows that talent alone isn’t enough. Cohesion within the group is crucial.
England surprisingly lost against Iceland (1-0) in their last International Friendly, which sparked intense criticism towards Buyako Saka, who only played for less than 30 minutes. This incident highlights England’s fraught relationship with the media, potentially impacting player morale.
Bringing the energy! 🔋 pic.twitter.com/OLwFGgHOhw
— England (@England) June 11, 2024
England’s talent is both a blessing and a curse, a Damocles’ sword hanging over their heads. With the rising pressure and impatience following their World Cup quarterfinal exit in Qatar, one wonders if England will get another chance.
The youngsters will remain, but if England fails to win this tournament, it could mark one of modern football’s greatest disappointments.
3. Spain
Winner Odds: 8.5 (22bet)
Spain is a name that comes back every tournament and it is hardly surprising. Their endless pool of talent often leaves the head coach with the difficult task of deciding which stars to leave out.
Spain is notoriously known for its excess in the midfield, boasting players like Rodri, Mikel Merino, Pedri González, Alex Baena and Martin Zubimendi. No team in the world can compete with the depth of Spain’s midfield, and this year is no different.
If their midfield wasn’t enough, Spain also boasts the young Lamine Yamal. Despite being under 18, he has already played fifty games in his first season with Barcelona – even when Spain was advised to be careful with him to avoid a repeat of Pedri’s situation.
👀🔊Pay attention and crank up the volume
Feel what it’s like to play a training match with the @SEFutbol, listen to every strike of the ball, every movement and everything the players say.
It really is worth it 😉#VamosEspaña | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/CXqHkAWLyn
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) June 12, 2024
Yamal is by far the most exciting player of the tournament and essential to Spain’s dynamics. Spain has not had a dribbler as exciting as Yamal in a long time, who has repeatedly quoted Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr as one of his inspirations.
Adding Nico Williams and the experienced Alvaro Morata explains why Spain ranks so high on our list. And despite all that talent, Spain will have to be careful. They have landed in the ‘Group of Death,’ facing formidable opponents like Italy, Croatia and Albania. While Spain is deemed a favourite, surprises are never out of the question in such a competitive setting.
2. France
Winner Odds: 4.95 (22bet)
It might be an unpopular opinion, but despite France leading the pack with Kylian Mbappé, they are not my absolute favourites. Their talent often bails them out but it’s been a hot minute since the French team has truly impressed. France’s recent performances have been underwhelming.
They failed to win against Canada (0-0), lost against Germany (2-0), and only won in extremis against Chile (3-2). While they breezed through an easy qualification group, exemplified by their 14-0 thrashing of Gibraltar, this lack of competition could eventually backfire, breeding overconfidence.
𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 😍
The 2⃣5⃣ French players who have been called up for EURO 2024 👊#BleuCollectif | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/svAdmZMbuX
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) May 16, 2024
Despite all of that, France could still win the tournament, primarily due to their formidable attack. Kylian Mbappé is joined by Antoine Griezmann, the true leader and soul of the team, while Ousmane Dembélé and Kingsley Coman are expected to complement the forward line. France undoubtedly has the star power – whether they have the cohesion to exist as a unit is another question.
1. Germany
Winner Odds: 6.5 (22bet)
While many might downplay the host advantage, it will undoubtedly work in Germany’s favor. Die Mannschaft can count on Toni Kroos’s surprising comeback, as Julian Nagelsmann convinced him to give it one last try. Germany will also benefit from the talents of Ilkay Gündogan, Pascal Groß, Robert Andrich, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Jamal Musiala.
That winning feeling 😄#DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #GERGRE
📸 DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/nY5uaD1elc
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 7, 2024
Germany boasts one of the best-rounded squads of the tournament and a favourable draw, explaining why they are considered the number one favourites.
After a long period of struggle since their 2014 World Cup victory, Germany will be eager to leave behind their recent disappointments and win the tournament on home soil.
