With Euro 2020 delayed by a year it could potentially change the complexion of the competition, with players getting that extra season of experience, or potentially age. Will older players even make it, and will younger players be squeezing them out?
Either way, it’s all set to be an enthralling competition and one that could go in a number of directions.
So, who are the nations being tipped to win Euro 2020 come summer 2021?
Related: Euro 2020 Postponed Until Next Summer
England
It’s been an excellent start to the Premier League season and with all games available to watch on television and via live stream, you can really see just how far some players are coming on. Fans are using 101 Great Goals, which is not only a sports news site but its a live online sports streaming guide too, in order to watch all games in England and across Europe live, and what’s becoming clear is the wealth of young talent the Three Lions have to offer.
Players such as Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood and Bukayo Saka would perhaps not have made the England squad if the tournament was played in 2020, but could end up being instrumental for them come June 2021.
The team are 9/2 favourites with bookmakers currently, ahead of some big names, and it would be a huge achievement if Gareth Southgate’s men did manage to conquer Europe next year.
France
The French will be the team to beat after winning the World Cup back in 2018 and like England have a number of young players that are unplayable on their day. Kylian Mbappe will be the side’s key man and he is a real threat to any defence on the planet.
Didier Deschamps’ men are priced at 5/1 and it’s a bet many will be taking on, with the squad also having the likes of Raphael Varane, Benjamin Pavard, Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Antoine Griezmann in the squad, to name only a few!
Belgium
Belgium were perhaps the second best side at the World Cup in Russia and with many of their stars getting that little bit older, they will be keen to win a competition very soon.
In Kevin De Bruyne they have one of the world’s best, while on his day Eden Hazard is also unplayable. Romelu Lukaku’s move to Inter Milan has also proved a beneficial one and domestically many of the squad are firing on all cylinders.
At 5/1 they are another well worth a bet on, although they were beaten 2-1 by England just over a month ago. That isn’t too telling, but could be a sign that perhaps they aren’t as strong as they were in 2018.
Netherlands
The Dutch have been getting stronger and stronger over recent years following a real lull for the national team. They have some excellent young players coming through though in the likes of Nathan Ake, Donny van de Beek, Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, while Memphis Depay is also enjoying life at Lyon.
In Virgil van Dijk they also have arguably the best centre back in the world and an experienced man in the dugout in Frank de Boer. They are priced at 7/1 to win the tournament and are certainly dark horses to keep your eyes on.
