Betting on EURO 2024: Which Team Will Lift the Trophy?

The energy is in the air as the UEFA European Championship unfolds across the storied stadiums of Germany. With football titans like England, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal leading the charge, the race for the prestigious EURO trophy is heating up.

Let’s take a closer look at the odds and what they say about the outcome of this clash of football powerhouses. Whether you're a seasoned fan gearing up for every match or a newcomer eager to catch the fever of European football, this guide will offer valuable insights into what to expect as these top teams vie for supremacy on Germany's grand stage.

England's performance in the EUROs has been a mixed bag of modest success and notable heartbreaks. Historically, England's best performance came in 1996 when they reached the semi-finals on home soil, only to be eliminated by Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout. Since then, the team has had varying levels of success in the tournament. Their journey often reflects a pattern of high expectations followed by either early exits or knockout stage disappointments, such as their 2012 quarter-final loss to Italy, again in a penalty shootout. 

Despite their historical heartaches, England enters EURO 2024 as the top favourites to win, bolstered by a combination of recent strong performances and a talented roster. Players like Harry Kane, who is among the tournament's favourites for top scorer, along with young talents such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, bring both skill and top-level experience. ​

The selection of England's squad stirred quite a bit of drama, particularly around the exclusion of several notable players. Gareth Southgate, the England manager, made some unexpected and tough decisions by leaving out players such as Jack Grealish, James Maddison, and Harry Maguire. Grealish and Maddison, who have been key figures in England's setup, were dropped due to their poor form towards the end of the domestic season. Maguire, on the other hand, was not included due to his inability to recover from a calf injury in time for the tournament.

The question boils down to this: Can England fight history and win despite some missing key players? 2024 could be their time to finally bag a win and lift the trophy, and the odds are in their favour.

France's journey in the EUROs has been marked by significant highs and notable performances. The pinnacle of their success came in 1984 and 2000 when they won the tournament. The 1984 victory was particularly memorable, with the tournament held on home soil and French football legend Michel Platini playing a pivotal role. In 2000, France continued their dominance in Europe by capturing the title with a golden goal in the final against Italy.

France's recent performances on the international stage have been impressive. They were finalists at EURO 2016 and winners of the 2018 World Cup. Although they experienced a setback at EURO 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, their ability to consistently reach the latter stages of major tournaments is proof that they’re top contenders.

The selection of the French team stirred some intrigue, particularly with Didier Deschamps deciding to bring a slightly smaller squad of 25 players. Notably, the squad saw the return of N'Golo Kanté, who hadn't played for the national team since June 2022, and the inclusion of newcomer Bradley Barcola, who earned his place after a strong season at the club level. This decision reflects Deschamps' confidence in his chosen lineup and his readiness to inject both experienced and fresh talent into the team dynamics for the EUROs. The selections aim to balance the squad with both proven capabilities and new energy as France looks to navigate a challenging group stage against the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland.

Despite what the odds have to say, France has an edge over England, their two EUROs trophies says it all. Winning will be no easy task, but France looks set to go the distance.

Germany's historic performance in the EUROs was exceptional, marked by consistent success and a reputation as one of Europe's football powerhouses. Germany has won the tournament three times: in 1972, 1980, and 1996.

Apart from their championship wins, Germany has been a consistent performer in the EUROs, reaching the finals a total of six times and making numerous semi-final appearances. This track record reflects their strong footballing infrastructure and a culture that consistently produces high-quality players capable of competing at the highest levels.

Because of this, Germany enters the EUROs as one of the favourites, bolstered by several key factors. Hosting the tournament offers a significant home advantage, which historically has played a crucial role in boosting team performance due to familiar venues and strong home support. 

Another factor is their lineup. The selection of Germany's squad for EURO 2024 by manager Julian Nagelsmann has sparked some controversy, primarily due to the exclusion of well-known players such as Mats Hummels and Leon Goretzka. Furthermore, the inclusion of Toni Kroos, who came out of international retirement to join the squad raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Will his inclusion lead German to another win?

With the home soil on their side, an incredible history behind them, and a star studded squad to lead their way, this could easily be a fourth EURO trophy for Germany. 

Portugal has had a notable history in the EUROs, highlighted by a mix of strong performances and growing consistency over the years. Their most significant achievement came in 2016 when they won the tournament for the first time. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal triumphed despite not winning a single match in the group stage, showcasing resilience in knockout games and ultimately defeating France 1-0 in the final through an extra-time goal by Éder.

Prior to their victory, Portugal had been runners-up in 2004 when they hosted the tournament. That year, they were shockingly defeated in the final by Greece in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the competition. Portugal also reached the semi-finals on several occasions, including in 1984, 2000, and 2012, showing their capability to compete among Europe's elite. 

Portugal's strength heading into EURO 2024 is attributed to several factors that make them a formidable team. Their squad blends seasoned professionals like Cristiano Ronaldo with emerging talents such as Joao Felix and Rafael Leao. They have a rich depth of talent across all positions, including a solid defense, anchored by veterans like Pepe and promising talents such as Ruben Dias, complemented by creative midfield maestros like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva. 

Will Portugal be able to make a repeat of 2016? Their blended squad of veterans and new blood might just be the recipe for success, but they’ve got a lot to prove on the field as they face the group stage.

Spain has a distinguished history in the EUROs, marked by significant successes and establishing itself as one of the dominant forces in European football. Spain's most notable achievements in the EUROs include winning the tournament three times. Their first victory came in 1964 when they hosted the tournament and defeated the Soviet Union in the final. However, Spain's most impressive performances came much later, during a golden era when they won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2012 under the guidance of coaches Luis Aragonés and Vicente del Bosque, respectively.

Spain is considered one of the favourites to win the 2024 EUROs due to a combination of factors that underscore their strong potential. They have a wealth of talent across all areas of the pitch, with a good mix of experienced internationals and exciting young players emerging from La Liga’s top clubs. Players like Pedri, Ansu Fati, and Ferran Torres provide fresh energy and creativity, complementing the seasoned leadership of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

But the selection of Spain's squad for EURO 2024 has not been without its share of drama, particularly due to injuries impacting key players. Notably, Alejandro Balde and Gavi, both from Barcelona, are unable to participate due to injuries. Additionally, other significant players like Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marco Asensio are also missing from the lineup, which certainly adds pressure on the team's composition and strategic planning for the tournament​.

With three trophies already in the bag, it’s not hard to believe that Spain could do it again. The competition might be intense, but with the most generous odds amongst the favourites, they may just be the best team to bet on.

There’s plenty of fun to be had betting on EURO 2024 with Sportingbet. You can go ahead and bet on the outright winner now, but don’t miss out on some seriously epic Price Boosts that give you the ultimate edge on bets you’d never think to take! Use this guide, and of course, your gut, to find the right Price Boost, or pick the team you think will be lifting the trophy, and have fun betting!