Time for Belgium to deliver
At Euro 2016, Belgium had a ‘Golden generation’ of players, but they failed to deliver upon that promise as they crashed out at the quarter-finals. They came unstuck against a Wales side, but much more will be expected of the Red Devils this time around.
Indeed, some casualties of five years ago will be hoping to do better, and this includes Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. Roberto Martinez’s charges begin their Group B campaign with a rather tricky visit to St Petersburg where they will face Russia.
However, Belgium’s attacking prowess should help them get through this one, and they will not fear Denmark and Finland. Romelu Lukaku will be one of Belgium’s danger men. After a sensational season with Inter Milan where he walked away with the Serie A title, he could add a piece of international silverware to his cabinet.
Belgium was ruthless during qualifying, and they could pick up maximum points from Group B. Belgium are currently trading as third favourites at 6/1 to win Euro 2020.
From Russia with love
While things didn’t quite pan out the way they would have hoped five years ago, Russia will be looking to rectify things at Euro 2020. In qualifying for the tournament, they picked up eight wins from their 10 games and plundered 33 goals.
Artem Dzyuba, who was Russia’s top scorer in qualifying, is a tall centre-forward, and a good target man. He won’t give the defenders a moment’s peace, and they will have to be on their toes.
Russia begins their campaign at home to Belgium, and while there will be a vociferous atmosphere, they could struggle to contain De Bruyne and co. However, they have some eminent fixtures against Finland and Russia, and they may have to be content to settle for a runner-up spot in Group B.
Russia is unlikely to go too deep in the tournament, and they are currently priced at 100/1 to be the last team standing at Euro 2020.
Denmark has previous titles
It seems crazy to think that Denmark won the Euros in 1992, and that team had the amazing Peter Schmeichel between the sticks. Well nowadays, Schmeichel’s son, Kasper, has been included in the squad, and he will be hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Premier League fans will be well acquainted with tough-tackling midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and he will have the bit between his teeth. A Nordic derby awaits against Finland in the opening group game, and Denmark will fancy their chances.
While Belgium is eminently their most challenging game, they could well end up pipping Russia to the second spot, but it may be a tough one to call. At the time of writing, Denmark is at a short 7/20 to reach the last 16.
Finland ready to be party poopers
Finland will be making their debut at Euro 2020, and it is the nation’s first major tournament in its history. They will be happy to play the role of party poopers, but if they are going to reach at least the last 16, they may have to heavily rely on the goals of Teemu Pukki.
The current squad is relatively unheralded. Although Finland kick off their campaign against Denmark, their subsequent matches against Russia and Belgium may yield little returns. Finland is currently 8/1 to reach the last 16, but they could find themselves bundled out of the tournament quite quickly.
