As Euro 2020 finally gets under way, from a punter’s perspective, the important question remains who will lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy at Wembley on July 11, and where your money should be this summer?
It comes as no surprise that France are heavily tipped to follow up their World Cup triumph in Russia three years ago and add the European crown this year. Predictably, their odds are shortening even now but currently, 26/5 with SBK is the best price available, with all other major bookmakers offering in the region of 9/2.
Or, is this the summer football finally comes home?
Even if England win Group D, their path to a home Wembley final will be tough to reach however, with a likely opponent of France, Germany or Portugal in the last 16. If the Three Lions still float your boat however, SKB is the place to go again, as SportNation and UniBet are also offering 6/1.
Italy, meanwhile, are sneaking under the radar to go all the way this summer, with the Azzurri in the midst of a renaissance under Roberto Mancini. Holding a market value of around 16/1 shortly before the tournament was scheduled to begin last summer, the 2006 World Cup winners have now been halved to take the Euro crown.
Still loaded with experience in defence, but now spoilt for choice in attack also, Bet365, SkyBet and Betfred are offering the Italians at 8/1. Or will you be plumping for holders Portugal, who boast arguably their best squad in recent years.
No longer are the Selecao all about Cristiano Ronaldo, and Fernando Santos’ charges are now priced at an extremely attractive 9/1 with all four of Betfair, Betfred, Paddy Power and Betway.
Finally, a Euros punt would not be complete without laying a few quid on Germany to win.
Fetching identical odds as Portugal, and in Jogi Low’s final tournament in charge, could his tenure go out in glory?
Whatever the case, it is going to be a fascinating four weeks of festival football.
