If the bookmakers are to be believed, France, Germany and England are the three main contenders to win Euro 2024 when the competition starts in Munich on 14th June next year.
DAZN Bet has France as their 5/1 favourites. Behind the French are Germany and England, both at 11/2. So with little to choose between the three nations, who really represents the best value?
France
France are the favourites with new betting site DAZN Bet, and when you look at their recent experience in international competitions, it's easy to see why.
In the 2022 World Cup, France made it all the way to the final. They were within the width of a goalkeeper's heel of winning the competition, but Emiliano Martinez saved Randal Kolo Muani's last gasp effort in the dying embers of extra time.
If France had won in 2018, they would have retained the trophy they won spectacularly in 2018, when they defeated Croatia 4-2 in the 2018 World Cup final in Russia.
For good measure, the French reached the final of Euro 2016, losing 1-0 to Portugal in the final on home soil. Then in Euro 2020, Didier Deschamps' team exited the competition at the Round of 16 stage. The French went out to Switzerland on penalties after an exciting 3-3 draw.
Germany
Germany is hosting the competition, and as a result they've already got an advantage. We all know how efficient the Germans are when they prepare, so it goes without saying that they will be ready in the summer of 2024.
But in recent years, the four-times World Cup winners have struggled. Since winning the 2014 World Cup, Germany have failed to get past the group stages in 2018 and 2022. In 2018 they finished bottom of Group F, and in 2022 they finished third, level on points with Spain.
In Euro 2020, the Germans lost 2-0 to England in the Round of 16, in what was effectively a home match for Gareth Southgate's England at Wembley. But we all know that come 14th June next year, the Germans will have a team more than capable.
England
It's probably fair to say that Gareth Southgate's England side are the outsiders of the three nations. France has the experience, Germany the home advantage.
England are a team with potential, but we are still waiting for them to come of age. In the 2022 World Cup, England came up short against France in the last eight. Southgate's team were the equal of the beaten finalists. But in those crucial moments, they were just found wanting, and that's what's the difference at the top level.
Conclusion
Germany don’t look as strong as they previously have, but they don’t rely on one particular player to carry the team. England have potential, but also look less well equipped to cope with the loss of a main player like Harry Kane. The French in particular look the team that are able to best cope. In Qatar, they were without players like Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema, and they still made it to the final.
When it comes to the crunch, all three of these nations have the beating of each other on a given day. But when it comes to seeking out who offers the best value betting odds to win Euro 2024, we have to go with the experience and competition know-how of France. If Germany or England were 10/1, there would be a good reason to back them, but they're not. With the prices as they are, the French have to be regarded as the best value bet between the three nations. Their recent record speaks for itself.