Euro 2020: France, Germany, Spain The Early Favorites?

After four UEFA countries reached the World Cup semifinals in Russia, there might be added interest in the upcoming Euro 2020. Some of the participants will be looking to build on their success, while others are hoping to rebound from either not qualifying or an early elimination. 

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the tournament, the format has changed. Instead of one or two host nations, the tournament will be held across 12 cities from June 12 to July 12, 2020. London's Wembley Stadium will be the venue of a semifinal game, as well as the final.

Defending World Cup champion France, who followed up the 1998 World Cup title by winning Euro 2000, are the early favorite to win the 2020 tournament at 4/1 odds. France took a squad to Russia that includes players that are expected to feature prominently in 2020, such as Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe, Benjamin Pavard and Raphael Varane.

But France are followed closely behind by Germany (5/1) and Spain (11/2). Both European powerhouses suffered an early exit in Russia, and will likely look to put their poor results behind them with a combination of young players and some important returnees. Germany, who may still have plenty of experienced players on their roster, will likely bring back up-and-coming players Timo Werner, Julian Brandt, Leon Goretzka and Niklas Sule. Figuring into Spain's plans will most likely be Marco Asensio, Alvaro Odriozola and Saul.

The rest of the pack separates a bit with two World Cup semifinalists following behind France, Germany and Spain. Belgium are coming off an impressive run with a highly talented group and England boasted a young and inspired squad in Russia. Both Belgium and England have 8/1 odds.

Perhaps the most intriguing country will be defending champions Portugal, who are listed at 11/1 odds. Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Juventus this summer, will be 35 years old but could still be on the roster. There are some quality players that could help ease the burden on Ronaldo, such as Gelson Martins and Bernardo Silva, but Portugal currently appears to be a national team in transition with aging players like Pepe, Bruno Alves and Joao Moutinho. 

Italy, winners of four World Cups and one European Championship, failed to reach the World Cup and have 14/1 odds. They are followed by another country that didn't qualify for Russia, the Netherlands, who are listed at 20/1.

World Cup finalist Croatia, who have 25/1 odds, can expect some new faces despite overachieving in Russia. While many of the stars will be in their early 30s at the start of Euro 2020, Croatia still boast some solid young players like Ante Rebic, Marko Pjaca, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic. 

Euro 2020 Betting Odds

• France, 4/1
• Germany, 5/1
• Spain, 11/2
• Belgium, 8/1
• England, 8/1
• Portugal, 11/1
• Italy, 14/1
• Netherlands, 20/1
• Croatia, 25/1
• Poland, 66/1
• Russia, 66/1
• Switzerland, 66/1
• Wales, 66/1
• Austria, 80/1
• Sweden, 80/1