Main Competition for England at Euro 2020

Heading into the delayed Euro 2020 tournament this summer, many football fans are optimistic that this could finally be England’s year. The Three Lions certainly have a squad capable of going all the way, but will Gareth Southgate’s men be able to get the job done? Much will depend on their opponents, with a number of other nations also being quietly confident of mounting a title challenge. So, just who poses the most significant competition to England?

England come up against 2018 World Cup nemesis Croatia, with the two teams having met a number of times over recent years. Harry Kane & Co will be hoping to get off to a winning start, however with the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic in their ranks, Croatia will be no pushovers. Taking place at Wembley Stadium, the event is set to be a special one, with England being the favourites to top Group D.

How Far Can England Go at Euro 2020?

Should England finish top of the standings, they would come up against the runner-up from Group F in the Round of 16. This would most likely mean a tie against one of France, Germany or reigning champions Portugal. This would provide an early test of England’s resolve, with the Three Lions having been relatively lucky with their draw during their run to the 2018 World Cup last four.

France, Germany and Portugal are among the main teams set to compete for the Euro title according to household brand Ladbrokes. England are priced at 9/2 by the bookie, the same price as joint-favourites France. Elsewhere, former winners Spain, Italy and Holland are ranked as outsiders ahead of the tournament getting underway, however it would come as no surprise should the trio mount a serious title challenge.

Can France Avenge Their Euro 2016 Final Loss?

Having recalled Karim Benzema after a five year absence, France have the firepower to give any defence nightmares. Les Bleus can also call upon Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud. Meanwhile, recent Champions League winner N’Golo Kante is believed to be closing on the Ballon d’Or award.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the star of the show for defending champions Portugal, however they have a host of other world class talents to call upon. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota will be more than familiar to English football fans. Could Portugal become only the second nation to win back to back European Championships?

Meanwhile, Belgium once again go into a major tournament as one of the favourites. The Red Devils finished in third place at the 2018 World Cup, having been surprisingly knocked out of Euro 2016 at the quarter final stage by Wales. Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku won domestic titles in England and Italy this season, with the duo hoping for success on the international stage to follow it up. Roberto Martinez’s side are 11/2 with Ladbrokes to win Euro 2020.

One team who are worth keeping a close eye on is Denmark. The 1992 champions go into Euro 2020 in red hot form, with the likes of Christian Eriksen and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel making them difficult to beat. While they may not have the quality to go all the way this summer, it should come as no surprise if they go deep into the tournament. Denmark are priced at 25/1 to win the European Championships for the second time in their history. Turkey, Poland and Sweden are other teams that could cause a shock at Euro 2020.