Betting markets preparing for a summer football feast

The stage is set for potentially one of the most closely contested European Championships of all time. This summer, the best European players in the world will come together in Germany to compete for the European Championship title. After Italy emerged victorious from a dramatic penalty shootout that decided Euro 2020 (played in 2021) at Wembley Stadium, London, Europe’s top nations are ready to do battle again to etch their name into history. But who are the bookies currently backing though?

England

Gareth Southgate’s charges go into this tournament as favourites. After coming so close to lifting the trophy in their own backyard in 2021, England will be desperate to right the wrongs from that fateful evening on 11th July 2021. And there is strong belief that England could go all the way to win their first UEFA European Championship in history. Southgate has the luxury of watching English players play starring roles for their club teams, and England arguably have the form players in Europe right now. The likes of Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Harry Kane (FC Bayern Munich), Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka (both Arsenal) are currently driving their teams to domestic and continental success this season. Southgate will be hoping they all steer clear of injury to play integral roles in Germany this summer.

France

There is one name that is enough to strike fear into any nation. Kylian Mbappé will most certainly be looking to make his mark on this tournament after the agonising World Cup final defeat to Argentina in 2022. Mbappe scored a hattrick that evening but was still on the losing side as Lionel Messi’s Argentina triumphed 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. The Euro 2024 betting market at Cloudbet has France as second favourites to win their third European Championship title. With the experience of Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann combined with exciting talents such as Warren Zaïre-Emery and French steel at the back in the form of William Saliba and Theo Hernandez, France have all the weapons to reign supreme this summer. There is also the small matter of that man Kylian Mbappé to consider.

Germany

Rounding out the top three are hosts Germany. Despite struggles at recent major tournaments, Julian Nagelsmann’s squad have the opportunity to achieve the greatest honour of all, lifting the trophy on home territory. You can never disregard a squad with Germany’s ability, despite their recent record and Nagelsmann certainly has the nous to outsmart his fellow managers. The carnival atmosphere expected for the tournament will turn up a notch for Germany’s matches, but all around the country, nations will be fighting tooth and nail to lift the trophy in the Olympiastadion, Berlin on 14th July.