Over the years, the Euros have provided us with some of the most electric and captivating soccer moments. Not only have they showcased the world-class emerging talent on the continent, but the tournaments have served as a platform for legends to cement their names into the sport’s folklore.
As we close in on the tournament in Germany this summer, amid a sea of online predictions and analysis, many believe it will come down to England and France to see who the real king of Europe is. It feels like the English media backs their team to win every Euro. However, the unique distinction of Euro 2024 is that soccer journalists in other countries are also backing Gareth Southgate’s men to break their 50+ year drought on the international stage.
Prominent sports betting portals like WSN have put together their tips and predictions for Euro 2024, and they’ve boiled down some of the factors that could decide which country gets its hands on the trophy this summer. It’s the differences in opinion, even among analysts, that have so many people so engaged by how this year’s Euros will unfold – but which will be the team that comes out victorious, when all is said and done?
Breaking Down England’s Chances
If you’ve followed soccer for a long time, you’ll know England has consistently backed its national side to do the business. Their fabled “Golden Generation” of the early 2000s featured some of the best players in Europe, much like it does now: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Paul Scholes, to name a few.
All of these players knew how to perform dependably at the top level, and the team went into Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup as one of the tournament favorites, just like they are this summer. However, they failed to get over the line. Many of them are also exhibiting similar issues in the turbulent world of soccer management.
There are some unique differences with this England squad; they got to the final of the last Euro, which is something no England team has managed before. In addition, they have truly elite performers on the world stage. Phil Foden has been a star man for Manchester City over the last couple of seasons and has been instrumental in their domestic and Champions League success.
Likewise, Jude Bellingham’s emergence as arguably the best midfielder in the world culminated in a La Liga and Champions League-winning season with Real Madrid. They are winners, and they’re both arguably not even in their prime yet – and you can also add Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Cole Palmer to that list. England’s problems will be in defense, where there’s a notable disparity between the quality and experience of their attack and defense. There are also question marks about Gareth Southgate’s ability as a manager to get such precocious players over the finish line.
France – Mbappé and Company
France came within a whisker of winning the World Cup in 2022, with megastar Kylian Mbappé scoring a hat trick and almost single-handedly raising his national side to ultimate soccer glory. However, as destiny would have it, it remained for Lionel Messi to crown himself as the greatest of his generation.
All roads lead through Kylian, who many believe is the heir apparent as the face of soccer when Messi retires. Many believe his marketability goes beyond his chosen sport – much like Michael Jordan or Floyd Mayweather over recent decades. He will be captaining his country at a major tournament for the first time, and with this side having reached three of its last four major finals, the players have a steely grit that could give them the edge over England’s talented but inexperienced elite players.
Don’t Write off the Hosts
Whether it’s a Euros or a World Cup, a well-drilled and competent host nation can always upset the odds. The Germans will have the strength of their fans behind them this summer, and while the bookies believe they don’t have the sort of experience or quality that some of their teams of yesteryear had, to simply dismiss them would be a foolish move.
Toni Kroos has won six Champions League competitions and was one of Real Madrid’s standout performers. He has also announced that Euro 2024 will be his last time playing for Germany, and he will be keen to put on a world-class display in front of his home faithful. They also have some of the brightest talents in world soccer, most notably Jamal Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlović, and Florian Wirtz, a player who many believe is one of the best young talents on the planet.
Final Say
In our view, it’s hard to separate England, France or Germany. While people overlook Germany, a price of 6/1 isn’t quite the 150/1 you would’ve got for Greece winning Euro 2004.
While it wouldn’t be a shock to finally see England get past the finish line, there are also question marks over their defense and manager, and a dreadful loss in a warm-up game against Iceland could underline some of the bigger problems at play.
France’s consistency has been marred by their inability to win a major tournament since the 2018 World Cup, and Germany could be a dark horse here. Germany may get to the final, but France will come out victorious.
