So now we know 20 of the 24 teams who will take part in Euro 2016.
Eight remaining countries enter the play-offs and, by the middle of next month, we will know the full line-up ahead of the group draw in Paris on December 12.
There are some unexpected names among the confirmed finalists and a few notable absentees. None bigger than 1988 European champions The Netherlands, who have failed to qualify for the finals of the European Championships for the first time since 1984. It’s less than 18 months since the Dutch were finishing third in the World Cup in Brazil but Danny Blind’s side have had a disastrous Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with Tuesday’s home defeat by the Czech Republic being the final nail in the coffin.
Other former winners Greece are also out having managed just one in 10 qualifiers while 1992 champions Denmark will have to negotiate the play-offs. The Republic Of Ireland are also in the play-off having just failed to overhaul Germany and Poland in their section. They won’t be seeded, however, which could see them draw the likes of Sweden or Denmark, who are 150/1 (Betfred and BetVictor) and 200/1 (bet365) respectively to win Euro 2016 at present. Martin O’Neill‘s men are 11/10 to qualify for France with Paddy Power and 5/6 with BetVictor to miss out.
Iceland and Albania have qualified to play in their first major finals and Unibet, 888sport and 10Bet have the former at 85/1 to win Euro 2016. The latter are 500/1 with Unibet, 888sport and Titanbet. Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Wales will all be playing in their first European Championship Finals. The Welsh have qualified for their first major tournament since 1958 and are 70/1 with Unibet, 888sport and 10Bet to go all the way. Despite being the fifth seeds, Northern Ireland won their qualifying group but are a general 300/1, which are bigger odds than teams who have yet to qualify. Slovakia are 165/1 with 888sport and Unibet.
World champions Germany are bwin‘s 17/5 favourites to win Euro 2016 but their qualification campaign didn’t go as smoothly as it could have done, which gives other teams hope. They lost away games in Poland and the Republic Of Ireland. Hosts France are a best 4/1 with Betfred and Paddy Power with Spain priced up at 13/2 by several bookmakers to complete a hat-trick of European Championship successes.
Vicente del Bosque‘s team had an impressive qualifying campaign, dropping just three points. But no team had a better qualifying record than England, who won all 10 games. Qualifying has never been a problem for England but turning up at the finals of major tournaments often sees their limitations exposed – Roy Hodgson’s young squad is 23/2 with Unibet and 888sport to be winners in France next year with Belgium priced up at a general 10/1. Italy are 17/1 with Unibet, 888sport and 10Bet.
