UEFA Euro 2020 Preview: Schedule, Prediction, Odds (Jun 11)
- Delayed European Championships take place this summer after being pushed back a year
- Eleven host cities across Europe will stage fixtures
- Portugal are the defending champions after winning EURO 2016 in France
It has been an extremely long wait for soccer fans, but the international festival of the sport finally takes place this summer, as the 2020 European Champions will be crowned. But, which nations stand the best chance of winning the prestigious honor?
UEFA Euro 2020 Schedule
- When: Friday, 11th June 2021- Sunday, 11th July 2021
- Where: Various
- How To Watch: ABC/ESPN/Univision
Vegas Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| France | +450 |
| England | +500 |
| Belgium | +600 |
| Spain | +750 |
| Portugal | +800 |
| Germany | +800 |
| Italy | +1100 |
| Netherlands | +1200 |
European Championships Preview
Group Stage Draw
The groups for the European Championships were drawn well over a year ago. Two sides will automatically progress through, with the top two advancing to the knockout stages. Meanwhile, the four best-placed teams to finish in third will also advance to the round of 16. The groups for the European Championships this summer can be found below.
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Denmark | Netherlands | England | Spain | Hungary |
| Italy | Finland | Ukraine | Croatia | Sweden | Portugal |
| Wales | Belgium | Austria | Scotland | Poland | France |
| Switzerland | Russia | North Macedonia | Czech Republic | Slovakia | Germany |
Which Sides Will Make It Out Of The Group Stages?
A few of the groups look very straightforward to call, with Groups A and B likely to be won by Italy and Belgium. Both nations have been in exceptional form over the past couple of years, and both were perfect during qualification. Turkey and Switzerland look likely to fight it out for second in Group A, while Denmark should have the quality to get through as runners-up behind Belgium.
Group C will be dominated by the Netherlands, who will be making their long awaited return to major competition this summer. It is tight between Austria and Ukraine for the runners-up spot. England vs Scotland is the game that many are looking forward to, as England have the quality to go deep in this year’s tournament. The Three Lions should be joined by Croatia in the next round, while Scotland may sneak a best-placed third spot.
Spain and Sweden are familiar foes, but the Spanish should have no issues getting through this group. Poland and Sweden will be the real battle, as both nations have quality in the forward areas. Group F is the most attractive on paper, with the reigning European champions drawn alongside the past two World Cup winners. Portugal have no shortage of quality, and could be a wise selection to win the tournament. Germany are back on the comeback trail, and should have a good chance of going far. However, as far as group runners go, it would be hard to beat against the French.
Pick & Prediction
Who will win the European Championships:
Both France and England are at the top of the betting, but could clash as early as the round of 16 depending on how the group stages go. There is no doubt that the Three Lions have a major opportunity this summer, and with quality young players such as Phil Foden, and a talisman in Harry Kane, Gareth Southgate’s side have all the tools to go far.
However, tournament experience is a negative, which means we fancy the chances of Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the Portuguese this summer, and confidence will be high within the camp with players such as Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva all having excellent 2020-21 campaigns. We wouldn’t be surprised to see history repeat itself.
Free Pick:
- Portugal
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