So here we go. Another European Championship summer set to grip the continent and indeed, world football.
With a schedule this time around more tightly packed than a tin of sardines, 50 games lie between Friday night’s curtain-raiser and the final.
Three Matchdays, the last 16 and a more traditional quarter-and semi-final passage are the route to Berlin on July 14.
This summer, we’ll be a taking a wider look at each round of the Euros, and picking our three punts to consider.
So where better to start than with Matchday 1.
Serbia vs England – Mitrovic To Score – 17/4
England are many people’s favourites for Euro 2024, however, after their surprise loss to Iceland, there are questions to answer.
The Three Lions’ progression out of Group C is surely not in question, but suddenly winning it is not a cakewalk.
As an opening game of the summer, Serbia in Gelsenkirchen now looks awkward, not least facing one of the best – on paper – strike partnerships around.
Whilst Dusan Vlahovic’s form continues on a roller-coaster, Aleksandar Mitrovic can be lethal.
Perhaps remarkably, this will be the first competitive meeting between the two sides are independent nations, but Mitrovic comes into this fresh from a goal against Sweden.
He also netted an average of a goal a game in Saudi Pro for Al Hilal this term.
England are overwhelming favourites to open their account with a win but given their apparent defensive issues on the left, at 17/4 with Unibet to score anytime, Mitrovic looks handy value.
Turkey vs Georgia – Both Teams To Score – 11/10
One of Matchday 1’s more intriguing opening encounters features something of a derby clash, as Turkey face neighbouring debutants Georgia in Dortmund.
Having met fives during their short history, only once have Georgia failed to score, with goals shared on three occasions.
The two sides last met 12 years ago, and though the Turks’ recent Euro record is chequered, they have ample firepower this summer.
🪪 @MikautadzeG 🇬🇪
🛫 30 août 2023
🛬 4 janvier 2024
📊 20 matchs
⚽️ 13 buts
👕 @FCMetzMeilleure recrue hivernale de @Ligue1UberEats 🌟 ?
#ASSEFCM pic.twitter.com/4snSy2vZbH
— Ligue 1 Uber Eats (@Ligue1UberEats) May 30, 2024
As Georgia do on their day, and a front three of Georges Mikautadze, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Budu Zivzivadze can be potent.
The question is, will the Georgians be cautious in their first-ever major tournament outing?
Perhaps, but we see both teams on the scoresheet to begin the Euros at 11/10 with Betfred.
Hungary vs Switzerland – Szoboszlai to be carded – 7/1
To round out Matchday 1, we jump back to Group A, as Hungary and Switzerland begin Sunday’s triple-header.
The Swiss are quietly fancied to go well this summer, but face a tough start to their campaign against Nations League A opposition.
Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai will be central to Hungarian progression but though his goals have been huge, we have our eye on his more combative style.
Not only does the midfielder link up play, he is often the man to break up play for the opposition – often via illegal means.
Though his price remains fairly lofty, Szoboszlai has been booked in three of the last seven games for Hungary and against Switzerland we are expecting a competitive contest.
At 7/1 to be carded with QuinnBet, punters should consider adding this to their betslip
Euro 2024 Matchday 1 begins on Friday.
