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With the European Championship qualifiers finishing across the continent this week, we now have the final lineup for next summer’s soccer extravaganza. The FIFA World Cup is the best-followed and most popular international soccer tournament, while the Euros rank as the best of the rest for many fans. The strongest teams in Europe have battled through an unforgiving and punishing qualifying schedule to book their place in the competition staged in Germany during June and July. Now, the real work begins.
The usual suspects will be in Germany in plenty of time for the big kick-off, backed by thousands of fans who will create a sea of color and a memorable atmosphere. It’s a summer soccer party, and all eyes will be on the opening ceremony and the competition’s first game when things finally get moving on 14th June. We now know the identity of the 24 qualifying teams, but which one will blaze a trail of glory to the final and be crowned champions of Europe in July? Only time will tell.
The world’s leading online sportsbooks offer odds on Euro 2024, allowing fans to get in early and secure their share of the value. England is the pre-competition favorites, but the Three Lions finished runners-up behind Italy on penalties four years ago, despite Wembley hoisting the deciding game. Will Gareth Southgate’s team go one better in next summer’s renewal? You can pick a team and predict the winner using your desktop computer or smartphone.
Preparation is key
Are you ready for Euro 2024? Don’t worry if you’re not fully up to speed on the tournament and still need to pick a team to support during the play. Our team of expert content writers and sports fans brings you the most important information on Euro 2024, including the schedule, most respected teams, dates for your diary, and more. In short, we have everything you need to enjoy the show in Germany.
Euro 2024 is the 17th edition of the globally popular European Championship and the first one since 2020 when Italy beat England at Wembley. This event happens every four years, but the previous installment was hampered and delayed by the COVID-19 emergency and resulting lockdowns. With restrictions placed on mass public gatherings across Britain and much of Europe, games moved to the summer of 2021.
That quick turnaround only heightens the excitement and gives England a chance to snatch revenge. The 24 teams involved will play through four group games and several knockout stages between the opener and the final played on Sunday, 14th July. Games come from ten stadiums across ten host cities, including Berlin, Munich, Dortmund, and Stuttgart. Host nation Germany will be in pot one alongside other major players like France and Spain.
The draw for the groups will be on Saturday 2nd December. That’s when most soccer fans will predict the team they expect to lift the trophy. But you can act now to jump the queue and get the value available at the leading prediction apps.
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Leading contenders
International soccer specialists, including pundits, ex-players, and TV panel members, have made predictions on the winner of Euro 2024. Soccer fans have also been having their say on who will end on the top step next summer, and many agree on the team to beat. Most predictions are for England to win Euro 2024, and you’ll also find the Three Lions as the shortest price with sportsbooks.
England boasts a supremely talented squad, showcasing some of the best players in the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, and others. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Southgate’s men live up to expectations and win the trophy, but question marks remain. They lost in the previous final despite enjoying a home advantage. England has never won the European Championship and has won just one World Cup, with the spare coming in 1966. A lot has changed since then.
If you decide to go against the grain and oppose England, which team is worth your attention? It’s a surprise to see Germany isn’t more popular. They enjoy a year free of qualifying due to being the host nation, having a talented squad, and having won major tournaments. The backing of the home support while playing at familiar stadiums in front of their fans will help Germany, and they’re a great shout to win Euro 2024.
Other popular teams to consider when making your predictions include France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. It’s a surprise to see the reigning champions have yet to attract more attention, as the Italians are always a danger in this tournament. That may change during the approach to the opening ceremony and game one of the group stage.
Dark horses
Is there a dark horse at Euro 2024? When making predictions, many soccer fans like to stick to the major names, but with Greece winning this trophy in the past, you can never be sure which nation will challenge. Which team will be the dark horse in this competition?
Could Scotland spring a surprise? They won their first five qualifying games of the campaign, including wins over Spain and Norway. Steve Clarke’s side was also the first nation to book their slot in Germany officially, and the Tartan Army will bring a party. The current Scotland squad has talent from the English Premier League, including Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, Man Utd’s Scott McTominay and Aston Villa’s John McGinn. They’ll certainly be in the running.
Watch the action
Euro 2024 will be live on many major television broadcasters throughout the world as soccer fans unite to enjoy the show. You can watch from the comfort of home next summer or create a watch party, inviting friends and family around to follow the big game live.
If you won’t be home during the play, you can follow on one of the many new live-streaming apps. Download a soccer live stream to your smartphone and watch from anywhere. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection or available data.
