It's time to pick a new Euro 2024 favorite after France's and England's weak group stage showings.
France and England entered Euro 2024 with positively stacked squads and arguably the two best players in the tournament, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, respectively. However, instead of making early statements like true heavyweights, both powerhouse nations leave the group stage with many more questions than answers.
Tuesday’s Group C and Group D finales say as much.
In Dortmund, Robert Lewandowski’s underdog Poland gave the French all they could handle in a 1-1 draw. The Polish, who were just playing for pride, surprisingly had France on its heels for much of the game. Because of their failures to properly close Poland out, the French finished as the Group D runner-up after scoring a meager two goals (one an own-goal) in the group stage.
Yikes.
THE SECOND CHANCE IS GOOD FOR LEWANDOWSKI
pic.twitter.com/95plCNPMel
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2024
In Cologne, England hardly looked the part of a potential major tournament winner.
For a team with a constellation of attacking stars like Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane, the English looked like they were once again playing in the mud, lacking any creative spark in a dull 0-0 tie with a Slovenian side that should’ve been overmatched. England still won Group C, but none of its drab performances so far should inspire much confidence.
It is perhaps no coincidence that England also only has two goals to this point. Gareth Southgate’s overly cautious strategy strikes again.
ALMOST PALMER
England still looking for the back of the net in stoppage time pic.twitter.com/eju48THqQZ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2024
So, with France and England looking so uninspired in Germany thus far, who should be the new favorite?
I’ll rock with Germany, the host nation that’s looked characteristically fantastic and cohesive in a manner that usually manifests with a deep run. The current Euro 2024 winner odds from DraftKings have Germany slotted with the fourth-best chances. Expect that to change dramatically once the group stage officially concludes.
Germany didn’t have the most demanding Group A schedule, with Switzerland presenting the only real challenge, but the Germans also never looked like they were lacking for anything in two wins and a draw. I think Toni Kroos and Jamal Musiala comprise the best midfield in the tournament. Meanwhile, underrated names like forward Kai Havertz, defenseman Joshua Kimmich, and midfielder Florian Wirtz have rounded out a solid nucleus around long-time goaltender Manuel Neuer.
Needless to say, that all-important hosting advantage may swing a knockout game or two. There’s nothing quite like home cooking in international soccer.
If you’re looking for even more Euro 2024 value, another smart bet is to roll with Spain, which dominated a tough group slate featuring Italy and Croatia.
The way this Euro tournament is unfolding, we might even see Germany vs. Spain in the quarterfinals. Watch for the winner of that game to win it all in Berlin on July 14.
