UEFA Euro 2020 Outright Preview

With the year-long wait almost over, Euro 2020 is finally set to commence. Yes, in 2021. It could work in many European nations’ favour as the world slowly returns to its normal state, with fans gradually eased back into stadiums.

With Europe’s biggest international tournament set to make its return in June, we take a look at some of the bets outright markets to dig your teeth into, which could prove to be a decent investment come end of the competition.

To win Group A – Italy

Looking at the four teams in Group A, it just makes sense to back Italy to come out on top. With Roberto Mancini at the helm, the Italians have managed to build a completely new identity, nurturing the young talent at their disposal, while also blending it in with some experience. Italy’s last defeat was way back in 2018, and during that time, Mancini’s charges went on an 11-game winning streak. Against Switzerland, Turkey and Wales, Italy should flex their muscles hard enough to win Group A.

To win Group B – Belgium

In a group that consists of Belgium, Denmark, Russia and Finland, the clear favourites will undoubtedly be the Red Devils, coached by Roberto Martinez. Belgium have some of the biggest names in world football in their ranks, and considering the campaign that Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku just had in their respective domestic seasons, they could prove a bit too tough to beat.

To win Group C – Ukraine

It may come as a surprise to many, but there is certainly some decent value in Ukraine to top Group C. The public’s favourite will undoubtedly be the Netherlands, but looking at the absence of Virgil Van Dijk, while the likes of Frenkie De Jong and Donny Van De Beek have had a season to forget at Barcelona and Manchester United respectively. Gini Wijnaldum seems to have played his last game for Liverpool as well, so it remains to be seen where his head is ahead of an important Euro tournament for Holland. Taking all that into consideration, I like the look of Ukraine under Andriy Shevchenko, who has made them extremely tough to beat, while Ukraine also look easy on the eye.

To win Group D – England

The team everybody loves to hate is backed to top their group when England rub shoulders with Croatia, Czech Republic and arch-rivals, Scotland. The Three Lions have built a reputation of choking on the big stage, but not this early in the competition. During qualifiers and group stages, we get to see England at their very best. Harry Kane has had a blissful season, while Phil Foden also looks to be pushing for a starting berth with the performances he’s pulled off with Manchester City this term. Perhaps not the greatest value, but possibly one for the outright multiples.

To win Group E – Spain

Spain have grabbed the spotlight ahead of the upcoming Euros with head coach Luis Enrique not naming a single Real Madrid player in his Spanish squad. That decision raised plenty of eyebrows as Sergio Ramos was the most notable absentee from the list, while Marco Asensio, who used to be held in high regard, also received the chop. Despite that, Spain have an abundance of talent in the country, which was proven once again as Villarreal claimed bragging rights over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final. Poland will be their biggest hurdle in Group E, but with Aymeric Laporte switching nationalities, Spain could have the edge in that battle.

To win Group F – Portugal

In what looks to be the group of death, for punters as well, Germany, France and Portugal will be gunning for top spot in Group F, while Hungary will be no pushovers as well. The pick of the bunch, personally, has got to be Portugal. The 2016 Euro winners are in their golden generation and have most of their star players peaking at the right moment. The same cannot be said for Germany and France, who look past their best and are now in the rebuilding phase of their transition. In saying that, Portugal also shouldn’t be the third-most favoured team with regards to the betting, so this would be the perfect opportunity for punters to get one of the bookmakers.

To win the tournament – Portugal

As previously mentioned, Portugal are looking like a well-oiled machine that ticks all the right boxes. The squad is maturing together, peaking together, while many have also won together – be it Euros or UEFA Nations League. Defensively, Portugal are sorted with Rui Patricio in goal and one of the best defenders on the planet screening his goalposts in Ruben Dias. The Manchester City defender will also have the luxury of having experienced Pepe alongside him, who recently reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with FC Porto.

In midfield, Fernando Santos can call upon Bruno Fernandes, who has had another exceptional season with Manchester United, guiding the Red Devils to second spot in the Premier League and finishing runners-up in the UEFA Europa League to Villarreal. If Fernandes shows half the class he has shown since his move to Manchester United, then Portugal have a chance against any opposition.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a Portugal prediction without mention of the greatest footballer of all time in Cristiano Ronaldo. The never-ageing 36-year-old has broken more records this season in Italy, where he also snatched the Golden Boot award. Ronaldo knows all about winning, even at national level, so guiding his country to glory certainly can’t be ruled out.

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