There have been 10 different winners of the European Championships but England, Belgium and Croatia could add their name to that list this summer.
By Bobbie Jackson.
Germany and Spain have each lifted the trophy on three occasions, while 2018 World Cup winners France have gone all the way twice.
Meanwhile, the Soviet Union, Italy, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark and Greece have won the competition once.
England Eyeing Maiden Title
England are 5/1 joint favourites to win the European Championships this summer after an impressive run at the 2018 World Cup.
Gareth Southgate has restored faith in the national side and he has done a fine job of cultivating some bright young talents, blending them into the squad alongside some more experienced heads.
A run to the last four of the World Cup offered the belief that success in the Euros could potentially be on the cards too.
England have never gone beyond the semi-finals of the continental competition, reaching that stage in 1968 and 1996.
The Three Lions won seven and drew one of their eight qualifying matches to further suggest they can be a force this summer.
They have been drawn in Group D alongside Croatia, Scotland and the Czech Republic and shouldn’t encounter too many issues in reaching the knockout phase.
Wembley will be the venue for England’s fixtures with Croatia and Scotland, while it’s a short trip north to Hampden Park for the final group match against the Czech Republic.
The national stadium has also been confirmed to host both semi-finals and the final, further boosting England’s chances of going all the way with fans expected to be in attendance if they make it to that stage.
Belgium Hoping to Build On World Cup Run
Belgium, who offer value at 6/1 to win the Euros outright, also enjoyed a fine run at the 2018 World and they reached the semi-finals before going down to eventual winners France.
With a plethora of stars, including Manchester City ace Kevin de Bruyne and Inter Milan hitman Romelu Lukaku, Roberto Martinez is being trusted to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
The Red Devils haven’t been regulars at the Euros, making five previous appearances and their best run came when finishing runners-up in 1980.
Martinez’s men eased through qualifying, winning all 10 of their matches while they scored 40 and conceded just three.
They will compete with Russia, Denmark and Finland in the group stage with their matches split across St Petersburg and Copenhagen.
Time is starting to run out for Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ and this could be the year that they finally achieve honours on the international stage.
Croatia Are Best Of the Rest
If you’re looking for an outsider to claim a maiden Euros crown then look no further than Croatia
Croatia reached the quarter-finals when making their debut in 1996 and they have often overachieved when stepping out at international tournaments.
They lost to France in the final of the 2018 World Cup after beating England in the semi-finals and the majority of that squad is still available to boss Zlatko Dalic.
Vatreni topped their group in qualifying and are priced at 33/1 to win the Euros.
*All odds correct at time of writing
