Monday, November 4, 2024

UEFA 2020 European Championship favorites

Euro 2020 is underway and continues through July 11, and there are plenty of angles to consider before making your bets. Here’s an overview of the favorites.
France (+480 to win): The 2018 World Cup champions certainly got no favors from the draw, as they’re grouped with defending Euro champion Portugal and a Germany. But eight of the 11 starters who brought a second world title to France are back for more this year, and there’s a chance this team might actually be better than the world champion from three years ago.
England (+540): Harry Kane is back after leading the 2018 World Cup in goals and helping the Three Lions to their highest finish in 28 years. But this isn’t a particularly seasoned English team, and Group D is sneaky tough.
Belgium (+750): If you believe FIFA’s world rankings, the Belgians are the world’s best team entering the tournament, a position they’ve held since their third-place finish at the World Cup in 2018. But there are questions about the health of stars Kevin De Bruyne, and Axel Witsel,
Portugal (+800): The defending Euro champions still have Cristiano Ronaldo, who’s still getting it done at age 36, and a stalwart defense that might be the best in the entire tournament.
Germany (+900): It’s the swan song for Manager Joachim Low, who will step down after the tournament. Recent results include a 6-0 thumping by Spain in November and a stunning 2-1 loss to North Macedonia on March 31..
Italy (+900): Playing their first three games at home, it would be a tremendous shock if the Italians didn’t at least win Group A, which also includes Turkey, Wales and Switzerland.
Spain (+900): Manager Luis Enrique has shaken things up by leaving legendary center-back Sergio Ramos off his final roster. But the team’s final preparations hit a rocky patch when captain Sergio Busquets tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday, meaning he could miss much of the group stage while in isolation.

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