![]() |
Our SBN analysts have given their predictions for the Euro 2016. Who will reign supreme? |
Euro 2016 starts at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday and ends at the same venue with the final on the 10th of July. Twenty-four teams will contest the tournament, including hosts France, holders Spain and world champions Germany.
But who will get their hands on the Henri Delaunay Trophy this time? Here’s what our writers say:
Rick John Henry says:
Belgium – 10/1
In a season characterised by the unexpected, perhaps foregoing the usual suspects is the way to proceed for what promises to be an engrossing Euro 2016. Although not offering the stratospheric odds of Leicester City to win the Premier League, nor the kind of surprise package status as a Hibernian side who won their first Scottish Cup in 104 years, Belgium have struggled to make the kind of impact at international tournaments that their position of second in the FIFA rankings warrants. It will be extremely difficult to match the tournament pedigree of the likes of Germany and Spain, or the home advantage that France love to capitalise on, but Belgium certainly have a squad worthy of being crowned kings of Europe. At 10/1 it’s certainly worth a nibble.
Jesse Nagel says:
Germany – 9/2
Usually I’m not one for backing the favourite. However, looking at squad selection going into the tournament, I can only pick one winner. Joachim Low is amongst the top managers in world football, and has picked the best squad possible. The fact that he has chosen to stick with Bastian Schweinsteiger in particular, has proven his quality in picking his team, despite the German powerhouse suffering from an ongoing injury. A few up and coming youngsters thrown in with a bunch of World Cup winners, makes Germany a great bet to win the Euro 2016 at 9/2. With the likes of Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller, they are covered in every position.
Chadley Nagel says:
Spain – 5/1
I’m going with Spain to make history and become the first team to win the tournament three times in a row. Even though they had an awful performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, their current form and incredible squad depth will most likely lead them to a successful Euro 2016. The holders come into the tournament on the back of a nine-match unbeaten streak that dates back to June 2015. Vicente Del Bosque has an enviable wealth of talent at his disposal. Ramos, Iniesta, Silva, Fabregas, Pedro… the names just roll off the tongue. Spain can put an XI out which can beat any team. They have a squad packed full of quality who are used to winning on the big stage.
Aaron Crowie says:
France – 3/1
With home ground advantage and a host of talented players, France have one of
their best chances to date to leave the competition as champions of Europe.
They have a solid backline and an experienced goalkeeper in Hugo Lloris. Their
midfield is blessed with some of the finest box-to-box players in the world;
able to attack the game and still find the energy to help out defensively.
Karim Benzema failed to make the squad due to his ongoing issues with teammate
Mathieu Valbuena. But with the likes of Antoine
Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Anthony Martial to name a few, Les Bleus have
enough quality among their ranks to step up and take his place. France are
priced up as favourites to win the tournament. Have a punt on the men in blue,
you certainly won’t regret it.
Jason Dewey says:
France – 3/1
While it’s tempting to back either Germany or Spain for this
tournament, I simply can’t ignore the threat that this young, hungry French
squad poses. In Hugo Lloris they have a goalkeeper who’s perhaps a season away
from reaching the same level as the likes of David de Gea and Manuel Neuer.
N’Golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba form easily the most dynamic and
powerful midfield trio in world football at the moment. If that’s not enough to
convince you, Didier Deschamps is likely to play Anthony Martial, Antoine
Griezmann and Dimitri Payet as a front three. Opposition teams will almost be
forced to go the aerial route against them in order to bypass the midfield
three where Kante and co will demolish any side in this competition. The only
perceived weakness in this side is the back four. Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra
are solid enough full-backs, however the loss of Raphael Varane in the heart of
their defence in a major loss. That said, let’s not forget France’s penchant
for turning it on in front of their home fans in major tournaments – just think
France ’98! Back Les Bleus at 3/1!
Commodore Vegas says:
Poland – 45/1
Unlike the World Cup, the European Championships have a tendency to throw up unusual winners. Think Peter Schmeichel’s unfancied Danish side in 1992, or Greece’s dreadfully boring run in 2006. Why not Poland in 2016? This is a side that managed to beat Germany 2-0 during qualifying and rattled in 33 goals to finish just a point behind the World Champions. In Robert Lewandowski, they have perhaps the finest striker in the world and he is ably backed up by Arek Milik, a talented young striker from Ajax. They’re a hard-working unit, whose sole aim is to supply Lewandowski. If they can make it out of a tricky group, there’s no reason why they can’t go the whole way.