The 2021 UEFA European Championship kicks off on Friday, June 11th with Turkey taking on Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. As the hype of the tournament continues to swell, betting sites around the world have set their tournament odds for the month-long competition.
But who are the bookies backing and which teams are priced in as underdogs?
The odds displayed in this article are from Bet365 and are provided courtesy of the online betting sites comparison service My Betting Sites NZ.
France, 5.50
2018 FIFA World Cup-winning France is bringing most of their squad, along with veteran forward Karim Benzema, to this year’s Euro tournament. Although they have arguably one of the toughest groups in the competition, facing Portugal, Germany, and Hungary in their first three matches, the strike power of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe and a defensive line headed by Raphael Varane and Clement Lenglet makes France a force to be reckoned with.
England, 6.00
Although they haven’t lifted a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup, Gareth Southgate’s men have plenty of hype heading into this year’s Euros. The Three Lions are another team that is stacked up top with Harry Kane this year’s favorite to win the Golden Boot at 6.50.
Belgium, 7.00
FIFA’s number one international side may have never made a World Cup final nor have they lifted a European Championship trophy but they are set to be a strong contender at this month’s Euros. Although star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s injury status remains unknown, with relatively easy group matches and Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku up front, the Belgians have a good shot at making history.
Germany, 8.00
Before Germany even dreams of a fourth Euro title they will need to make it past France and Portugal. Although given a good shot by most bookmakers, Germany will be relying heavily on 8 Bayern Munch players including long-time goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, defender Niklas Sule, and Midfielders Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Muller, Jamal Musiala, Serge Ganbry, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane. Germany’s last match was a 2-1 loss to North Macedonia and for that reason, many are hesitant to back them.
Spain, 8.50
Facing Sweden, Poland, and Slovakia in the group stages, Spain should have a relatively easy road to the quarterfinals, even despite dropping world cup qualification points to both Greece and Georgia. However, whether the Spaniards can make it further is still in doubt, especially given the news that Sergio Ramos has been dropped from the squad and the team will be without any Real Madrid players.
Portugal, 9.00
If Portugal can manage a win over either France or Germany then it’s really anybody’s guess for the defending European champions and winners of the 2019 Nations League. Since 1996 Portugal has never failed to make the Euro quarterfinals and will be looking to stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruben Dias, Rui Patricio, and Bruno Fernandes as they chase a back-to-back title.
Italy, 12.00
Counted out by many, the Azzurri are the Group A favorites with home-field advantage in all of their group stage games. Italy has also had the most impressive pre-tournament run-up and are unbeaten in their last 26 matches, conceding just two goals in the last ten matches.
Netherlands, 13.00
There is some doubt about the Dutch’s chances of winning the 2021 Euros given their star defender Virgil van Dijk is out but they will be playing all of their group games in the Netherlands. Against Ukraine, Austria, and North Macedonia their chances of getting to the elimination stages are strong. Lyon forward Memphis Depay and Barcelona’s Frankie de Jong will surely be players to watch.
Demark, 29.00
Denmark has one of the easiest paths to Euro 2021 glory with Belgium, Finland, and Russia in their group. If they finish second behind Belgium they will likely play Group A’s second-place team – Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, or Wales who the experienced Danish side are capable of beating especially given recent wins over Australia (4-0), England (1-0) and their 1992 Euro Championship glory.
Croatia, 34.00
Despite their 2018 World Cup success as runner’s ups, Croatia has suffered a number of disappointing pre-tournament results including a loss to Hungary and a draw to Azerbaijan. There are some questions surrounding Croatia’s strike power given Luka Modric’s lull in form and the loss of Ivan Rakitic.
The Rest:
- Turkey, 51.00 – Finished 3rd at the 2002 World Cup with Şenol Güneş as manager
- Ukraine, 51.00 – Won their Euros qualifying group and beat Portugal
- Russia, 67.00 – Fell to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup quarterfinals in penalties
- Switzerland, 67.00 – If they beat Turkey in the group stages a dream run is possible
- Austria, 81.00 – An experienced side with 1 loss from their last 9 matches
- Poland, 81.00 – With Robert Lewandoski upfront, anything is possible.
- Sweden, 101.00 – Reached the 2018 World Cup quarterfinals without Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Czech Republic, 151.00 – Recently drew with Belgium and beat England
- Wales, 201.00 – Favourable draw and a possible dream run with Bale and Ramsey
- Scotland, 251.00 – A tough group and slim chances of glory
- Slovakia, 251.00 – Scraped through qualification, will likely have a tough time
- Hungary, 401.00 – A talented squad but one of the most competitive groups
- Finland, 501.00 – Beat France earlier this year but will have to upset a lot more
- North Macedonia, 501.00 – Beat Germany in March but perhaps the top underdog
