As the start of the re-arranged Euro 2020 tournament draws ever closer, according to Find Betting Sites, the bookmakers favour England to win the trophy. But should they really be favourites, given how often we’ve seen super-talented England teams underperform at major championships? And if not England, who else is likely to be crowned European champions this coming July? In this post, we take a look at England’s chances of winning the Euros, as well as a look at the other nations who will be battling it out to be crowned Europe’s best.
England.
Few can argue that England have one of the most talented squads of players in world football. With a front line spearheaded by captain Harry Kane and a supporting cast to choose from Rashford, Foden, Sterling, and Lingard, among others, 2021 could certainly be England’s year. Yet talented England squads have come and gone with zero trophies to show for their undisputed qualities in recent years. This current England team at least has their semi-final appearance in the 2018 Russia World Cup to inspire them to go one further at the Euros this year. And with several games scheduled to be played at Wembley, home advantage could undoubtedly spur England onto victory. The bookies certainly think England are the team to beat this year.
Belgium.
If this golden generation of Belgian superstars doesn’t win a major tournament, it will be a crime against football. The brilliance of De Bruyne alone would be enough to propel other nations to glory, but Roberto Martinez can’t seem to get the formula right, in spite of the insatiable talent at his disposal. If Belgium finally click into top gear when they take to the stage at Euro 2021, it will take an awful lot to stop them. As has been the case with Belgium at the last few major tournaments, it remains to be seen whether their unbelievably talented squad is able to live up to the pre-tournament hype.
France.
The world champions were relentless in Russia in 2018. And with superstars throughout their squad, it would take a brave man to bet against them this summer. While Antoine Griezmann hasn’t had the best start to life at Barcelona, the mercurial genius tends to save his best performances for his national team. The same can be said for Paul Pogba, who marshals the French midfield like a man possessed and was one of their standout performers in 2018. What with Kylian Mbappe setting this season’s Champions League on fire and youngsters like Eduardo Camavinga chomping at the bit and hoping to get into the starting XI, few would be surprised to see Les Bleus crowned European champions this summer.
Germany.
The football world was collectively shocked by Germany’s early exit from the 2018 World Cup. The ultimate ‘tournament team,’ the Germans seem to turn up and efficiently work their way through the early rounds before increasing the tempo when it matters. Joachim Low has already announced that this will be his last tournament in charge of Germany, so his players will likely want to give him a send-off to remember. Even though the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz have had indifferent domestic seasons in the lead up to the tournament, with the Schmeichel-Esque Manuel Neuer between the posts, Toni Kroos pulling strings in midfield, and the electric pace of Leroy Sane to get in behind defences, don’t be too quick to rule out the Germans for a return to the top of the European tree.
An honourable mention has to go to Portugal in what will possibly be Ronaldo’s last tournament, as well as the Netherlands, who are back amongst the European elite with a point to prove. All in all, we’ve got a mouth-watering contest on our hands, and whoever wins the prize, let’s hope we’re treated to a footballing exhibition this summer.