Sluggish England
Surprisingly, England find themselves as the favourites to win Euro 2024 at 7/2. Despite topping the group and keeping two clean sheets, it’s fair to say England has been underwhelming. However, there were glimmers in the second half against Slovenia once Gareth Southgate made his substitutions that the Three Lions can cause teams problems.
Many teams that have won major tournaments have often started sluggish and then played better the further they progressed. Maybe this will be the case with England.
Another Lucky Draw
The reason that England find themselves down as the favourites is the fact that they are deemed to be on the easier side of the draw. They will play Slovakia on Sunday night, which on paper makes them strong favourites. If they were to progress all the way to the final, they wouldn’t have to play any of the European heavyweights like France, Germany, Spain, or Portugal until then. If England can gel in the knockout rounds, then they will have a good chance of going all the way, but at 7/2, you’re brave if you’re backing them.
Spain The Best So Far?
Next in the betting is Spain at 4/1. They’ve looked sharp, and they’ve won all three of their group games against Italy, Croatia, and Albania. A lot of people think they are going to go far, which they might. On the other hand, I’m a bit concerned about their squad, especially in the knockout rounds. A lot of their young players wouldn’t have experienced them, and they’ve come up short against the likes of Russia and Morocco in recent major tournaments after failing to break them down. Furthermore, they might have to play Germany in the quarterfinals and possibly France or Portugal in the semi-finals. I just think in one of those games they might come up short, and I can leave them at the prices.
Nothing Separates France And Germany
France and Germany are both next up in the betting at 9/2. Again, I’ve not been totally convinced by either of them.
France has been lacklustre. They were lucky to beat Austria; they should have lost to the Netherlands and were hanging on against Poland at the end of the game. Yes, they’ve got the experience of going far and getting across the line, but I don’t think they will this time. I can see them coming up short in the quarterfinals.
Germany were good against a poor Scotland and have played alright since then. Out of the teams towards the head of the market, I think they’ve got the most legs to get far, with the home crowd cheering them on. However, they’ve not been tested yet, and I do think they might come up short, possibly in the semi-finals.
Not Plain Sailing For Portugal
The team I tipped at the beginning of the tournament, Portugal, has played well at times, until they were outplayed by Georgia in their final group game. At the time of writing, they are 13/2 to win, which is a fair price. However, they are on the tough side of the draw, and they might come up short en route to the final, so I can’t go back in again.
Awesome Austria
Therefore, when it comes to the value, I’m looking at the other side of the draw, and I think Austria could be the dark horse at 16/1. They’ve played very well so far at Euro 2024, and they topped their group. Furthermore, their draw looks favourable. They have to play Turkey in the Round of 16 to see who they can beat, and then they would play the Netherlands or Romania, who I think they can also overcome. With that run-in, they might play England in the semis, who haven’t set the world alight, and if they beat them, they would be in the final, where anything can happen.
I just think there is no standout team at this year’s Euros, and I can see a similar tournament to Euro 2004, when Greece won it. Maybe Austria will lift the trophy this year?
Euro 2024 Outright Tip
Austria (16/1)
