UEFA Euro 2024: Examining Opta's Supercomputer Top 5 Tournament Favourites

• The 17th European Championships kick off in seven days in Germany, and England have been tipped to win it by Opta Supercomputer
• The Three Lions have a slightly better chance of winning Euro 2024 ahead of two-time winners France, who last won it in 2000
• Hosts Germany 2008 and 2010 champions Spain, and 2016 champions Portugal are also favourites to win the title

The UEFA Euro 2024 is finally here.

From June 14 to July 14th, 24 teams will battle for the coveted trophy in the 17th edition of the tournament in Germany.

Several teams, such as England, France, Germany, Portugal, and the host country, Germany, are regarded as favourites to win the tournament.

France, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy have won the tournament since the turn of the millennium.

FIFA World Cup 2022: 10 surprising teams to watch out for

Football

The Italians won the last edition but failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, so they are unlikely to defend the title they lifted at Wembley.

The Opta Supercomputer has ranked England, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal as favourites to win the title. The Three Lions have a 19.9% chance of winning it, while France have been given a 19.1% chance. Germany have a 12.4% chance. No other team has more than a 10% chance.

Examining Opta Predictions

5. Portugal

The Portuguese have won two titles with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Al-Nassr star is past his prime, but they have a superb team full of world-class talent in almost every position. 39-year-old Ronaldo ended the qualifying stage with 10 goals. He dragged them to the title in 2016 but what role will he play in Germany?

Portugal is in Groupo F alongside Turkey, the Czech Republic, and debutants Georgia. Roberto Martinez's side looked great in the qualifiers, with 10 wins out of 10. They have a balanced squad and can go toe-to-toe with any team on this list. A blend of youth and experience puts Portugal in an excellent position to go all the way. Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Ruben Dias, and Joao Neves are some of their key players.

Best American Football team: Which is the best American Squad for the upcoming World Cup

Football

4. Spain

Surprisingly, Spain have a better chance of winning the Euros than Portugal. Luis de la Fuente's side swept Europe and the world between 2008 and 2012 by winning two straight European titles and the 2010 World Cup. That squad is considered the best in the history of football. This time, though, they are high on many fans' and pundits' lists.

Still, their style gives them a chance to compete against the best teams. In the 2020 edition, they reached the semi-final but lost to eventual champions Italy. They're in a tough group alongside Italy, Croatia and Albania. Youngsters Pedri and Lamine Yamal are the standout names in their squad. They will have to rely on their expansive style to win the competition.

3. Germany

The three-time champions have struggled since their epic 2014 World Cup triumph. They will be under extreme pressure to win the tournament on home soil. Since their dismal World Cup campaign in Qatar, they suffered six friendly defeats.

Best European Football team: Which is the best European Squad for the upcoming World Cup and why?

Football

History will be against the Germans at Euro 2024. No host nation has won the tournament since France did so in 1984. The experienced core of Manuel Neuer, the retiring Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gündogan and Thomas Müller will be tasked with leading the team. Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, and Florian Wirtz are their key players.

2. France

Les Bleus have had a world-class squad since winning the 2018 World Cup. Their last Euro glory was in 2000, and have been looking for their first title since. With Kylian Mbappe at the peak of his powers, they are easily favourites to emerge victorious in Germany.

France have lost twice since their 1-0 loss to Tunisia at the 2022 World Cup. Both defeats were against Germany. They head to the tournament on top of their game. Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Aurlien Tchouameni, William Saliba, and Ibrahima Konate give Didier Deschamps' side a great chance to win their third European crown.

Best African Football team: Which is the best African squad for the upcoming World Cup and why?

Football

1. England

The Three Lions have suffered for 58 years since winning the 1966 World Cup. From heartbreaking shootouts and surprising defeats, England fans have experienced pain like no other side. They reached the 2020 final only to lose to Italy on penalties, per BBC.

Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden headline their star-studded squad. They're in Group C alongside Denmark, Serbia, and Slovenia and finishing top of the group will be a priority to avoid an early clash with other favourites. Will it finally happen for England?

Teams with most to prove

Sports Brief earlier reported on three teams with the most to prove at the UEFA Euro 2024.

England, Portugal, and hosts Germany will be under pressure to produce outstanding performances at the tournament.