The group stage of qualifying for Euro 2024 ended yesterday, and the list of participating nations is almost complete. Ten days before the draw which will determine the opponents of the Blues in Germany, who are the favorites for the final victory?
The Blues, but not only that. Seven months before the opening of Euro 2024 which will be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14, bookmakers already have a fairly precise idea of the nations they consider favorites to succeed Italy. And if we only know to date 21 of the 24 qualified for the competition, two names stand out quite clearly among all the operators: France and England.
Towards a “football crunch”?
The bookmakers even have a hard time deciding between these two favorites, both undefeated during qualifying (6 wins and 2 draws for the English, 7 wins and one draw for the French). According to the British site OddsChecker, the two rivals are thus rated between 3.5/1 and 4.5/1 depending on the operators. Same observation with Winamaxpartner of RMC Sport, which puts the Blues and the Three Lions on an equal footing (4.75/1).
Are we heading towards an inevitable “football crunch”? Not so sure, if we are to believe the good odds of the organizing country, Germany. While the Mannschaft continues its disappointments, again beaten in recent days by Turkey (2-3) and Austria (2-0), and only occupies a modest 16th place in the Fifa rankings, hope remains bet with the bookmakers, who quote a German victory between 6/1 and 7.5/1 (8/1 at Winamax).
Portugal and Spain behind…Germany
Then come two regulars on the lists of favorites for the European Championships, Portugal and Spain (9/1 at Winamax). With 10 wins in 10 matches and 36 goals scored for only 2 goals conceded, Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates made a strong impression during qualifying. Less impressive in its last matches and weighed down by the injury of young Gavi, who should miss the Euro, La Roja still relies on a solid reservoir which allows it to keep the favors of the bookmakers.
Far behind these five names, three nations will be able to tempt bettors looking for good odds: Belgium, the Netherlands and the Italian title holder, qualified in pain against Ukraine. And those who believe in their lucky star will keep an eye on the course of Albania, the highest odds on the board (400/1) while waiting to know the names of the last three qualifiers who will have escaped the trap of the play-offs.