France UEFA Euro 2020 Preview
Les Bleus to finish runners-up in Group F?
Bookmaker Paddy Power
Odds: 9/5 odds taken 1802 GMT, Monday 7 June
Group F at UEFA Euro 2020 has been rightly named the “group of death”. From 15th to 23rd June at the Puskas Arena in Budapest and Munich’s Allianz Arena, world champions France, European champions Portugal, giants Germany, and co-host nation Hungary square off in Group F. The French, Germans and Portuguese will all be looking for top spot.
In our in-depth preview, we dissect France’s chances of winning the tournament this summer. After finishing runners-up on home soil five years ago, will the current world champions conquer Europe in 2021?
Table of Contents
Latest Group F Odds – Can anyone stop Low’s Germany?
At the time of writing, Germany are the bookies’ favourites to win Group F, with Paddy Power offering just 5/4. Joachim Low’s incredible tenure will come to an end after the tournament, and winning the competition would be a fitting end to a remarkable partnership.
France are currently second favourites at 13/8, though Didier Deschamps’ men are actually shorter odds than Germany to win Euro 2020 outright. Before a ball has been kicked in Group F, Les Bleus are available at 13/8 to top the group.
Portugal drew all three group games at UEFA Euro 2016 on their way to lifting the trophy in France. Fernando Santos’ side went through to the knockout stages as one of the best third-place teams. The Portuguese would happily draw all three games and finish third again if they go on to retain the European Championship trophy at the end.
Hungary are the big outsiders at 25/1, but Marco Rossi’s men will be cheered on by a raucous Budapest crowd in two of their three group games. Can the Hungarians cause a couple of upsets along the way?
Les Bleus’ Current Form: French in fine fettle
France head into the championships in superb form. Ahead of the midweek clash with Bulgaria, Les Bleus have won their last three. A shock 2-0 loss to Finland in a friendly back in November last year remains their only defeat since losing to Turkey in a Euro qualifier in June ’19.
Last time out, France eased past Rob Page’s Wales in Nice. Helped by Neco Williams’ red card, the French ran out 3-0 winners on home soil, with Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele getting the goals.
France Key Facts
- France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Les Bleus were losing finalists at Euro 2016
- They are two-time European champions, winning in 1984 and 2000
- France have lost just once in two years
Euro 2021 France Prediction: Will Deschamps’ men ease into the last 16?
One win from three group games will likely be enough to progress through to the last 16 of this summer’s tournament. However, along with Portugal and Germany, France will be hoping to make it nine points from a possible nine.
Deschamps’ boys begin their tournament with a huge matchup with Germany at the Allianz Arena in Munich. They then face Hungary at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. By the time France lineup against Portugal in the Hungarian capital on 23rd June, the 2018 World Cup winners could already be in the knockout rounds.
In truth, this group is wide open, and you can make a case for France, Germany and Portugal to win it. However, we fancy the efficient Germans to finish first, with the French following them into the last 16 as Group F runners-up. You can get 9/5 for France to finish second.
Players to watch out for at Euro 2021: Will Mbappe be France’s top scorer?
The battle for the Golden Boot at Euro 2020 promises to be a fascinating one. England skipper Harry Kane, who was the Premier League’s top scorer this term, is the pre-tournament favourite to finish top of the scorers’ chart.
France’s Kylian Mbappe is also among the favourites. The 22-year-old has had a stunning season, netting 41 goals combined for Paris Saint-Germain and France. Antoine Griezmann won the Euro 2016 Golden Boot, but Mbappe has been tipped to outscore his teammate this summer. The PSG ace is available at 17/10 to be France’s top scorer.
Other Euro Bets: Can England go all the way?
At the time of writing, England are the bookies’ favourites to win Euro 2020. The Three Lions have never been European champions, but the class of 2021 will be hoping to change that. Gareth Southgate’s men are currently priced at 9/2.
As we touched on, this will be Joachim Low’s final tournament as Germany boss. The 61-year-old took the nation to 2014 FIFA World Cup success as well as guiding them into the final of UEFA Euro 2008 and the semi-finals in 2012 and 2016. Die Mannschaft are priced at 10/3 to reach the final of Euro 2020.
