As clubs across Europe get back to playing (albeit with fewer fans), thoughts are already turning to Euro 2020.
Although it will technically be Euro 2021 by the time it gets underway, the competition will retain the reverence it’s achieved since 1960. With the event on the horizon, the question that’s on everyone’s lips is: who will win?
Before the competition was put on hold, the weight of public opinion was leaning towards England. Thanks to an impressive run in the 2018 World Cup, the oddsmakers had England at 4/1 to win Euro 2020.
Surprisingly, Belgium were only the second favorites at 5/1, despite going one place better in the World Cup (they finished third).
Whatever the betting community thought in March 2020, things have changed. Although there hasn’t been a dramatic shift, Belgium have been leapfrogged by France.
All change ahead of Euro 2020
Looking at the latest Euro 2020 odds on Betfair, England and France are out at 9/2. Belgium have remained steadfast at 5/1, while Germany and Spain are pegged at 7/1 and 15/2, respectively.
Naturally, the odds are just a combination of what the bookmakers think and the weight of public opinion. However, they’re often a great way to gauge which teams will make it into the knockout stages.
Indeed, even if England et al don’t win, the chances are they’ll be in contention. Based on this assumption, the odds suggest that France are a hot tip right now.
Yes, they’re walking the same betting line as England. However, they’re also a team on the ascent. At a time when others are struggling, France are surging.
Scrolling through Euro 2020 qualifier results, Didier Deschamps’ men have shown why they’re among the best in the world. A 4-1 victory over Moldova got the ball rolling back in March 2019.
Another four goals followed against Iceland before Turkey upset the applecart. Despite losing to Turkey last summer, France cruised through to Euro 2020 and notched up 25 goals in the process.
Goals could gift France the title
More recently, French forwards have shown their prowess in front of goal. A 7-1 drubbing of the Ukraine reminded everyone why the likes of Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann can’t be left unmarked.
In fact, it’s not just the so-called second-tier teams that have succumbed to France’s goal scoring abilities. Croatia couldn’t stop Giroud et al from scoring four during a Nations League group match in September 2020. Although the Croatians got two goals back, it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
Given what we know, France will be a threat and, if they’re allowed to play, it could be a long competition for every other team.
England and Belgium are no slouches. However, France are the in-form team and that’s thanks to a penchant for pinging in goals from every angle.
Can Deschamps men be beaten? Of course, Turkey showed that in 2019. However, based on the odds and what we’ve seen so far, France could be the best bet for Euro 2020.