Euro 2024: The favorites of each Group

The UEFA Euro 2024 have been drawn as we get closer to next summer’s football spectacle.

Last year’s final saw Italy emerge victorious after winning in penalties against England at Wembley after the tournament was delayed a year. This time around, fans have had to wait a shorter period of time, as that postponement did not have a knock-on effect and alter the dates in which the competition would be scheduled.

The Azzurri will be looking to defend their title in Germany in the coming summer, while The Three Lions and every other European nation to have qualified will be seeking retribution and looking to put their own name on the title. There have been shocks in the past, with Greece’s victory in 2004 perhaps the most memorable.

Who are the favorites to win Euro 2024?

As a result of the group drawings to have been made, the early tournament betting odds have already been released. Sportsbooks and bookmakers have been making their predictions about who the outright winner will be, as well as identifying who they believe will be the winner of each group.

According to the best betting sites, England and France are considered to be the best option at the moment to win the tournament outright. They are both valued at +350, with hosts Germany following at +650. Spain (+700) and Portugal (+800) follow, but Italy’s chances of retaining the trophy they won in 2021 look slim at +1,800.

Favorites for each group and their odds are as follows:

• Group A: Germany (-167)
• Group B: Spain (-139)
• Group C: England (-200)
• Group D: France (-175)
• Group E: Belgium (-286)
• Group F: Portugal (-200)

While Groups D, E, and F are yet to be completed in terms of the draw, the three teams that are to be placed via the playoffs are unlikely to change those odds drastically.

Why are England and France considered the outright favorites?

England and France are among the two national teams to boast considerable squad depth and talent among their ranks. Therefore, it is hardly a surprise that they have both been made joint outright favorites by the bookies. Both managed to go undefeated in qualifying (as did a few others), but both teams arguably have better players to choose from.

The Three Lions have looked like a side that are just on the periphery of international greatness under Gareth Southgate, with the country coming close last time in the Euros and progressing in the World Cup.

France, though, has a pool of players to be envious of. They are able to call upon a collection of stars in every position and across all ages, thus making them a team to watch closely. They were unlucky losers in the recent 2022 FIFA World Cup final, as they were beaten on penalties by Argentina, and it is likely Les Bleus will be seeking revenge.

Could we see another country be winners?

The beauty of football is that it is not played on paper and almost anything can happen. Football fans have seen it happen time and time again, with the highs and lows of the sport just part of the experience and passion that comes with it.

Some of the groups arguably look rather favorable to some countries in the upcoming Euro 2024 competition, which could lead to some coasting through to the knockout stages. That stage can then provide some interesting matches that may also be favorable because of what happens in other groups.

Belgium, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Portugal will all be fancying their chances this summer. Other nations may feel that it is their time to shine after being out of the spotlight for so long.

Whether we get another occasion like the one experienced two decades ago and see a country with as little expectations as Greece were given win remains to be seen, it would appear unlikely. Then again, with anything possible in football, perhaps we will see a so-called minnow triumph over some of the biggest nations in world football.