As the countdown to June 11 and the start of Euro 2020 gets close, so does our excitement. And it also seems to be the perfect time to get some predictions underway too!
Yes yes, we know that these predictions may seem futile at times. I mean who would have predicted Croatia reaching the World Cup Final! But nevertheless, they are always so much fun and add to the hype of the tournament.
With that, let us look at 5 Teams (+1..) That Will Probably Win Euro 2021. Do come back to this list in a few months to see us being proven right! Here is the video of all euro finals since 2000
Portugal
Can Portugal defend the European Championship? They can and certainly will.
Whether they do win the trophy or not is another thing, but you cannot deny that their squad for Euros 2021 is ten times better than the one they lifted the trophy with 5 years ago.
Cristiano Ronaldo has never had a more talented group of players to play with. Imagine him leading the front line having creators such as Bernardo Silva and Fernandes behind him? He will be licking his lips for sure.
And we haven’t even mentioned players like Diogo Jota, Cancelo and Neto who are set to augment the exceptional attacking talent available to Fernando Santos.
Belgium
Belgium were very unlucky in the World Cup three years ago, losing a close contest against France in the semi-final. However, you cannot deny their attacking talent.
Roberto Martinez will be scratching his head trying to assemble a line-up having players like Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Thorgan Hazard at his disposal.
Youri Tielemans from Leicester City has been one great find for them in midfield.
With experienced heads in defence and Courtois in goal, Belgium are set to be a tough nut to crack.
France
The World Champions will definitely look to go one step further than their last campaign in the European Championship. Now, with a major trophy in the bag, they will definitely be more confident of reversing their runner-up result of the 2016 campaign.
The squad depth and talent is there for everybody to see. Raphael Varane looks destined to be France’s defensive wall for a long time. Kylian Mbappe will be rubbing his hands to get his hands on another trophy.
And it is not like they haven’t done this before. After winning the 1998 World Cup, a Zidane-inspired French side won the 2000 Euro as well. History often does repeat itself!
England
England’s campaign in the 2018 World Cup was nothing short of sensational. They made it to the World Cup semi-final for the first time in over 30 years, something not even their well-acclaimed golden generation was able to do.
As the captain, Harry Kane will be looking to lead the attack once again like he does for Tottenham Hotspur. Harry Maguire and John Stones are likely to be the defensive pairing
However, this time they have numerous youngsters such as Jadon Sancho and Bakayo Saka attempting to get a call from Gareth Southgate.
Add to that players like Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson and they have a squad that most countries would love to have. Don’t be surprised if they go all the way this time!
Netherlands
After missing out on the World Cup in 2018, the Dutch are now finding ways to survive after the retirement of Arjen Robben, Sniejder and van Persie.
Frenkie de Jong will be the calming influence for them in midfield. In attack, they will have Memphis Depay occupying both sides of the wing as he does at Olympique Lyon.
There won’t be a better defensive unit than what Netherlands have at the moment. Virgil Van Dijk, despite being out for the season, is arguably the best center-back in the world. Most importantly, he will have another great defender in Matthias de Ligt alongside him. Will they be back with a bang on the big scene?
While in attack they still seem short but it could be the perfect opportunity for someone like the young Donyell Malen to shine. Keep an eye on this team!
Italy
This name may sound strange to some but just hear us out.
How many times have Italy gone to a tournament looking immensely underprepared and ended up winning it? 2006 is perhaps the most pertinent example.
The fact is that Italy know how to deal with knockout competitions. It’s in their DNA.
And when you combine their excellent form in qualification with the pedigree of Roberto Mancini and the squad at his disposal, you can make a case for Italy going all the way.
Italy have a decent mix of youth and experience with the dependable Bonucci and Chiellini at the back and players like Chiesa and Barella in midfield.
What they do need is for players like Immobile and Insigne to turn up as they do for their club sides and give the Italian defence something to play for.
And if they do, the Italian defenders have enough expertise to negotiate a win.
See, that is exactly what Italy usually do. They negotiate victories. They don’t overpower their opponents or crush them. They just outsmart them or beat them for grit.
Final Word
Whoever wins, Euro 2021 is going to be a healthy break for football fans who want to enjoy International football that matters.
Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below. And we’ll see you next time. Till then, take care. Adios!
