The 2024 European Championship in Germany looks set to be a thrilling tournament, with several nations in with a genuine chance of lifting the prestigious trophy.
The ante-post betting highlights just how competitive Euro 2024 is likely to be, with little to separate the teams listed at the head of the market. England are looking good, with some of best betting sites tipping them as joint favourites with France. Meanwhile Germany, Spain and Portugal are also listed at single-figure odds.
With that in mind, read on as we take a closer look at how the top teams are shaping up for Euro 2024, starting with the Three Lions.
Southgate must release the brakes on England
There are unlikely to be too many surprises in the England squad, with manager Gareth Southgate renowned for erring on the side of caution with his selections.
The Three Lions looked shaky at the back in recent friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, and they will need to improve to have any chance of winning Euro 2024. However, the biggest issue facing England is further forward, with Southgate yet to find the right balance in midfield.
He has traditionally favoured a defensive double-pivot system in the middle of the park, which many critics believe does not suit the players at his disposal. Unfortunately, Southgate has never shown any inclination to be anything other than cautious during this time in charge.
Playing Declan Rice as the midfield anchor with Jude Bellingham and Kobbie Mainoo ahead of him would give England more creativity in central areas. If Southgate fancied being even braver, he could use Phil Foden alongside Bellingham to give his team even more attacking flair.
A more likely scenario will see Southgate revert to type by selecting Jordan Henderson or Conor Gallagher alongside Rice. If he does, England fans would be well-advised not to wager on their team winning the tournament this summer. If he doesn’t, then fans should check out this euros betting guide before placing any bets.
France are the team to beat at Euro 2024
France finished as the runners-up at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and look a good bet to go one better at Euro 2024 this summer.
Les Blues defeated Netherlands home and away during qualifying, and will be tough to stop in their quest to win the continental title. Forward Kylian Mbappe is the most potent attacker in the tournament, while his supporting cast is packed with top-class talents.
The only problem facing manager Didier Deschamps is which players to leave out, particularly at the back. He has a plethora of options to chose from and it will be intriguing to see which big-name stars are omitted from his final squad.
Things are a little clearer in midfield, with Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni and Antoine Griezmann nailed on to start if they are fit. Eduardo Camavinga and Youssouf Fofana are quality back-up options, while Warren Zaire-Emery is also expected to make the cut.
The central striking role will be contested by Olivier Giroud, Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani, while Kingsley Coman will vie with Ousmane Dembele for the right-wing spot. Mbappe is guaranteed to start on the opposite flank and could be worth backing to win the Golden Boot at Euro 2024.
Spain could be dangerous this summer
Spain overcame the shock of losing against Scotland during qualifying to easily book their place at Euro 2024 and they could be extremely dangerous in Germany.
They have excellent options in goal and at the back, while their midfield boasts numerous world-class players. A record of 25 goals in eight qualifiers suggests Spain also have the attacking talent required to win a major tournament.
The key to their hopes is Manchester City midfielder Rodri, whose ability to control the centre of the park gives Spain the perfect platform to build from. The only selection question facing manager Luis de la Fuente is on the left flank, where Dani Olmo, Nico Williams and Ferran Torres will battle to start.
Germany are another team who could be in contention, particularly with home advantage. Toni Kroos’ decision to come out of international retirement should help Germany’s cause, but their lack of a world-class striker could scupper their hopes of lifting the trophy.
Portugal are also in the mix, although their performances at the last two major tournaments left a lot to be desired. They had a perfect record during qualifying, but dominating lesser oppositions proves little in the grand scheme of things.
Star striker Cristiano Ronaldo will be eager to shine in what is probably his last-ever major tournament and he is worth monitoring in the Euro 2024 top scorer market. If Ronaldo produces his best form, Portugal should mount a strong bid to win their second European title.
