France's forward Kylian Mbappe (L) speaks with Belgium's forward Eden Hazard during the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between France and Belgium at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on July 10, 2018. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)
Even though we’re not sure what to call it and it’s one year later than planned, the highly anticipated Euro 2021 is finally getting underway.
We take a look at our favourite picks to win this year’s tournament, who has an outside chance, and where you can find the best Euro 2021 offers and promotions right now.
Hosts and finalists France came undone in the final five years ago at the hands of a Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal. They came up one short on home turf but right now the reigning world champions have a trophy under their belt and have amassed invaluable experience from Russia 2018 and beyond.
No wonder then that bookmakers and pundits alike are backing Les Bleus to do what the generation before them did in 1998 and 2000 – back to back World Cup and Euros wins!
Given a huge boost up front, Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema has been brought back into the fold after a 71 match spell in the international wilderness. He joins forces with a star-studded cast containing the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and many more. The aforementioned are all World Cup winners.
The question is, will experience make the difference?
The last and only trophy to England’s name was won on Wembley’s hallowed turf way back when. England will be hoping for a repeat performance with the finals being played in front of a home crowd in London.
Ultimately two years ago in Russia, England missed out on a final spot against the French at the last gasp and will be hoping a much matured side can make it count this time round.
Family faces of Harry Kane et al. will provide the bedrock of an England side that is almost spoilt for choice in attacking talent. Gareth Southgate has bemoaned the decision to allow for an expanded 26-man squad but it should give him a chance to make some important, added inclusions – think Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jack Grealish etc.
Alongside their neighbours across the Channel, England have perhaps the best chance on paper man for man. No wonder then they’re being touted as joint favourites with the French.
This generation of Belgian players are much lauded and might be the country’s best yet, but so far they certainly haven’t had the Midas Touch that’s for sure.
Many have been lauding Belgian’s “golden generation” for some time now. With the likes of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibault Courtois amongst their ranks. Belgium’s squad would certainly be the envy of many.
Packed with familiar Premier League names their line up has garnered experience across the top leagues of Europe which will come in handy when the pressure gets turned up. Belgium are a tight-knit bunch with six of the current squad occupying the spots in the top ten most capped players list. Lukaku is their highest scorer in history to date.
They finished a fair third at the World Cup in Russia and are more than likely to make it out of Group D alongside Denmark, Finland and Russia. The latter stages is where it counts and manager Roberto Martinez will have to come up with the right tactics on the day if he is to get their talent singing from the same hymn sheet.
The Germans have had a hangover of Oktoberfest proportions since their victory that crowned them world champions at the Maracanã back in 2014. Fast forward four years later and Joachim Löw’s side dropped out at the group stage in Russia. It’s been a bit touch and go since then too.
Löw however will be hoping for one last hurrah after agreeing to step down after the tournament is over, but the Germans face a tough test from the off. Drawn in Group F, largely held to be this year’s group of death, they must navigate France and Portugal. Add to that a potential round of 16 tie against England and you can see why the odds are high.
Often overlooked, the Euros is traditionally a much harder tournament to win on paper than the World Cup. Europe boasts more top ranking teams than any other continent, so it’s no surprise that there is quality throughout a strong list of countries participating in an expanded tournament.
World Cup finalists Croatia have to be considered in the mix. Although they are often written off, the Balkan minnows seem to always have a knack of punching above their weight.
Italy, the Netherlands and Spain have all endured bumpy rides the last few years but you can usually count on them coming into the tournament in top form. Packed with talent and a strong history performing on this stage, though not outright favourites they should never be written off.
