Euro 2020 Betting Odds And Predictions
The latest edition of the European Championships kicks off on Friday evening as Italy entertain Turkey in Group A.
For the second time in the tournament's history, there are as many as 24 nations in the finals, with up three qualifying from each group.
With no clear favourite according to the sportsbooks' pre-tournament odds, here are our predictions for the tournament: All of these can be backed with a promo code from james-promo-code.co.uk:
Winner
Portugal won the latest edition of the tournament five years ago, when they beat hosts France 1-0 after extra-time.
England are heading into this summer's tournament as the sportsbooks' narrow favourites, priced at 5/1. However, we feel Gareth Southgate's side have too many weaknesses to go all the way. The manager being one of them, as well as the goalkeeper and defence.
Many feel Belgium could win their first major tournament. Similar to what many believed three years ago at the World Cup, before they were eliminated by France at the semi-final stage. There's no Vincent Kompany anymore but there is a wealth of depth and talent throughout Roberto Martinez's squad.
We make the Red Devils the second favourites, behind the world champions. Didier Deschamps also has an enviable squad to work with, including Kylian Mbappe, Kingsley Coman and N'Golo Kante.
France are currently 11/2 second favourites. Perhaps the reason they're not the favourite is when you look at the Euro 2020 fixtures. Les Bleus are in a group with Portugal, Germany and Hungary, whereas England and Belgium have a more favourable route to the knockout stages.
Prediction: France to win Euro 2020 at 11/2
Golden Boot
Antoine Greizmann was the top scorer in the tournament five years ago, but his goals have dried up for both club and country since. The forward was even left out of Barcelona's starting lineup for key games versus Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid this past season.
Kylian Mbappe could be the leading scorer for Deschamps' side this summer and the bookies have him as 9/1 third favourite. Once again, a top group stage could hinder his chances.
England's Harry Kane is the 6/1 favourite and will come up against the likes of Scotland, Czech Republic and Croatia in the group stage. The Tottenham Hotspur hitman won the award at the World Cup in Russia, also with a favourable group.
Internazionale and Belgium's Romelu Lukaku is the 7/1 second favourite but we predict the striker to lead the scoring chart at the end of the summer. Coming up against Finland, Russia and Denmark in the group stage will work in his favour, as will support from Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Thomas Meunier and co.
Prediction: Romelu Lukaku to win Golden Boot at 7/1
Group of Death
As mentioned earlier in this post, Hungary have been drawn in the group of death, alongside defending champions Portugal, world champions France and Europe's most successful nation, Germany.
The Central European nation are appearing in their second consecutive European Championship, having previously not qualified since 1972. Half of their squad plays in their home country, with four players in the German Bundesliga.
The other three nations will mark them down as a must win if they're to avoid being eliminated at the group stage.
Prediction: Hungary to lose all 3 group games at 11/8