In the UEFA European Championship group stage, the tournament’s betting favorites managed to get through with relatively minimal damage. One of the leading teams, France, has been a popular choice among bettors, with 23% of the tickets at ESPN BET, 24% at DraftKings, and 15% at FanDuel. Despite this strong backing, their odds have shifted from +400 to +550 after a spirited performance from Austria in Group D. Austria, who was considered as +800 underdogs at the beginning, managed to rise to 20-1 to win Euro 2024. France, along with other top teams like England, have maintained their position as frontrunners in the tournament.
England, the pre-tournament favorites, have seen their odds slightly shorten from +350 to +325. They have generated the most money at ESPN BET and FanDuel, indicating strong support from fans and bettors alike. Despite their status as favorites, England has been relatively quiet in the futures market, possibly due to the high expectations placed upon them. However, they have consistently drawn significant betting activity, with their games attracting a large number of bets. The allure of England in major tournaments continues to bring in money year after year, with bettors showing confidence in the team’s capabilities.
Spain’s Stealthy Rise
While France and England dominate the betting landscape, Spain has quietly made their mark in Euro 2024. The Spanish team is the only one in the tournament with a perfect record of three wins in the group stage. This impressive performance has seen their odds improve from +700 to +450, making them the second-favorite behind England. Despite not being among the most popular choices for bettors, Spain’s strong showing on the field has reflected positively in their odds. La Roja’s consistency and determination have made them a formidable force to watch out for as the tournament progresses.
In the race for the Golden Boot, the competition is fierce among top goal scorers. Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane remain the favorites to clinch the award, although their odds have slightly lengthened due to their limited goal-scoring output. Ronaldo, who initially had favorable odds, has seen a significant drop in his chances after a goalless group stage. The emergence of players like Cody Gakpo, Niclas Füllkrug, and Jamal Musiala has added an interesting dynamic to the Golden Boot race. Musiala, in particular, has caught the attention of bettors with his impressive performances, making him a significant liability for bookmakers. Georges Mikautadze’s unexpected rise to the top of the goal-scoring charts has also surprised many, with the Georgian striker now considered as a dark horse contender for the Golden Boot.
Overall, the dynamics of betting favorites in Euro 2024 have showcased the unpredictability and excitement of the tournament. While traditional powerhouses like France and England continue to attract attention, underdogs like Austria and Spain have proven their worth on the field. The race for the Golden Boot is heating up, with multiple players vying for the prestigious award. As the tournament progresses into the knockout stages, the betting landscape is expected to evolve further, presenting new opportunities and challenges for both bettors and bookmakers.