Euro 2024 is nearly upon us, a fiesta of football guaranteed to produce drama, memorable games and no doubt an upset or two. The match schedule is set and we're ready to go.

Hosted on this occasion by Germany this is a tournament that very rarely disappoints, and with 51 matches awaiting us, featuring 24 of the continent’s elite, naturally our thoughts turn to the betting markets.

More pertinently, with a ball not yet kicked, we turn to the outrights. Who will win the ultimate prize? Which striker will out-score his peers and claim the Golden Boot? Is there value to be found in backing a ‘dark horse’ to win their group?

Naturally, this guide does not have any definitive answers but it will hopefully steer you in the right direction. Bet wisely, and if you can’t bet wisely, be lucky.  

Euro 2024 Outright Winner Odds

In determining which nations have the strongest chance of being the Euro 2024 winner come July 14th a number of factors must be considered.

Do they have tournament-winning pedigree? Are they going into this summer in decent form? Do they possess individuals who can change the course of a game with a moment of magic? 

In Germany’s case, we must also examine how much of an advantage they have in being hosts. 

They certainly have the pedigree, previously winning the Euros on three occasions and reaching the final six times. Their record in World Cups is equally as imperious.

As for their form, well here it gets a little complicated.

By hosting the event it was not necessary for Die Mannshaft to qualify, meaning they have filled their international breaks in recent months with friendlies. These do not give us a clear reading of their current credentials, as formations and personnel have been experimented with. 

What we do know is that since Julian Nagelsmann has come in, following a string of poor results, the Germans have looked more their usual fearsome selves. 

So what about their hosting? Three previous winners have held aloft the trophy on home soil but interestingly this hasn’t happened since 1984, when France conquered in Paris.

All told, Germany are rightfully priced up as third favourites in the Euro 2024 odds, being dangerous but with risk attached. What they do have is those individuals mentioned earlier. Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz are superstars in the making.

Ahead of them in the betting is France, winners in 2000 and losing finalists in 2016. 

Ironically for a country that has previous for imploding during competitions due to in-house bickering Les Bleus’ big selling point is their stability, with Didier Deschamps at the helm since 2012.

The former Juventus ‘water-carrier’ has guided his team to consecutive World Cup finals.

France’s squad is packed with top-shelf talent and arguably they have the best defence of the summer. They also happen to have Kylian Mbappe, more on him very shortly.

Even this formidable collection of players however are not favourites in the outrights. That honour falls on Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.

Counting against England is their manager’s conservative nature, erring on the side of caution when it matters most.

In their favour though – and considerably so – is their possession of three of the most gifted young players in world football, they being Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. 

Notably, all three have enjoyed tremendous seasons with their respective clubs.

England are 3/1 to go one better than last time out and it’s worth acknowledging that their group is fairly routine. Should they top it, they are also blessed with a straightforward pathway to the final four. 

Dark Horses In 2024 Euro Betting Odds

First off, don’t back a ‘dark horse’. They never win. Very possibly, they never will.

It could be argued that Portugal fell into this category when they triumphed in 2016 but a more persuasive take is they were led from the front by Cristiano Ronaldo with some superb players in supporting roles. 

They were too good to be considered a tricky outsider.

Czechoslovakia, Denmark and Greece meanwhile – all prior winners of the Euros against expectation – were long-priced shocks. Should their name have been drawn in a sweepstake in 1976, 1992 or 2004 it would have prompted only a groan of despair.

If you choose to ignore the advice above, however, at least plump for a team who tick many of the boxes necessary to go all the way. And that leads us to Belgium, priced up at a generous 14/1.

The Red Devils are unbeaten since exiting Qatar 2022. In Kevin De Bruyne they have one of the world’s best play-makers. In Romelu Lukaku they have a forward equally as capable of firing a tournament blank or ending up with the Golden Boot. 

A recent draw at Wembley – that had them boss proceedings throughout – reveals they are a better side then their odds suggest.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands entices at 16/1 while perennial dark horses Croatia and Denmark are a distant 40/1. 

Euro 2024 Group Winner Odds

There is plenty of value to be found in the group winner outrights, especially when it concerns groups B and D. Each have a legitimate claim to be considered Euro 2024’s ‘Group of Death’.

In Group B, Spain are unsurprisingly the short-priced favourites to finish top, but with Italy and Croatia also in the mix there are enough unpredictable outcomes to warrant your money going elsewhere.

The Azzurri are 5/2 to top this exceedingly tough grouping and that appeals given their inherent mastery of navigating a tournament field and finding a way. Let’s not forget they beat La Roja on pens at Euro 2020 at the semi-final stage.

In group D, the Netherlands are the same price to finish ahead of France, Austria and Poland, a feat they’re more than capable of, particularly with France being traditional slow starters.

Mention of Austria brings us to another category in the outrights, that of backing teams to qualfy from their group.

Understandably, here the odds tighten as the likelihood increases of a side finishing in the top two but one big win might be enough, coupled with a hard-fought draw. 

And Austria – coached by ex-Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick and captained by the brilliant David Alaba – have more than enough about them to do precisely this.

Das Team lost only once in their qualifying campaign.

Euro 2024 Top Scorer Outright Odds

Since 1996, when the tournament expanded to more than a handful of nations, the average number of goals needed to secure a Golden Boot has been 4.7. In 2012 Fernando Torres, Mario Gomez and Alan Dzagoev shared the honour with just three apiece.

Both Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are capable of reaching that number in a single productive game, which is why this pair of prolific hit-men are priced at 5/1 and 11/2 respectively. 

Neither are bad bets. Both make sense.

But the beauty of the goal-scorer outright market is there is value to be found in abundance, simply by picking a team you fancy to go far, who happen to be long-priced, then backing that team’s principle goal-snatcher.

Romelu Lukaku is the perfect example of this, spear-heading a team not overly anticipated to go the distance but with the credentials to do so. 

The Roma forward is 20/1 to be the sharpest shooter of the summer.  

Euro 2024 To Reach The Final Odds

The last four Euros have all had finals featured well-backed sides but go back a little further and a terrific Nedved-inspired Czech Republic outfit reached the final in 1996. The Soviet Union did likewise in 1988.

Dangerous outsiders may typically fall at the final hurdle but they have form for going deep. 

So, in addition to backing a strong candidate to win the tournament in your Euro 2024 predictions, why not have some fun with a lesser-fancied team to join them?

Belgium are 6/1 to top a distinctly ordinary Group E. Should they do so, their passage to the semis avoids all of the big guns.

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*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*

Join @TonyIncenzo each week for his Championship review, with a look at the biggest moments in the latest round of games in England's second tier...

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THE regular fixtures in our 2023/24 EFL Championship saga have come to an end capping 10 months of brilliant entertainment.

Leicester City were worthy champions, Ipswich Town secured that second automatic promotion ranking and a lexicon of newsworthy stories enriched proceedings. Here is my 2023/24 review…

LAUDABLE LEICESTER 

Leicester City cemented an immediate return to Premier League status after one year’s absence thereby satisfying Championship betting patterns.

They triumphed in 31 League engagements amassing 97 points overall. The Foxes actually clinched promotion without playing on Friday 26th April because fellow top two hopefuls Leeds United lost 4-0 away to Queens Park Rangers.

Three nights later, Enzo Maresca’s men sealed the Championship crown courtesy of cruising 3-0 at Preston North End. It has been an outstanding success story for ex-Manchester City assistant coach Maresca following his unveiling on 16th June 2023 succeeding interim boss Dean Smith on a three year contract.

The Italian said at the time: “Leicester have a huge season approaching and we need to play as well as we can from the very start to win games. Our philosophy will build on a daily basis. The fans deserve everyone giving 100%.”

His leading marksman turned out to be 37 year old former England international striker Jamie Vardy with 20 League and Cup goals. Vardy is currently discussing a new contract. 

IPSWICH GOING UP

Back to back promotions for Ipswich Town defied betting odds. Second spot was gloriously captured on the season’s final day beating visitors Huddersfield Town 2-0.

The Suffolk club haven’t graced Premier League action since 2001/02. They delivered tremendous entertainment all campaign hitting the net 92 times to become divisional foremost scorers.

Indeed, the 23 EFL encounters staged at Portman Road dished up 91 goals (59 for, 32 against). Their only home defeat was 4-3 at the hands of Leeds United on Saturday 26th August 2023

Thousands of delighted fans lined local streets for Monday’s open top bus parade celebration. Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “Everyone deserves this promotion. The supporters kept so loyal for years and my players worked really hard.

“We just set out to be as good as we possibly could on the pitch. We were so glad to round it off well with an amazing achievement. What a journey for us!”

RELEGATION DENOUEMENT

Rock bottom Rotherham United finished 24 points adrift mustering merely five victories during 2023/24. Relegation was confirmed early on 5th April when they lost 1-0 at home to Plymouth Argyle.

However, the remaining two drop zone places weren’t settled until the last day where five teams were still in the frame. Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle all consequently stayed above the dreaded dotted line by winning their concluding matches.

Alas the Championship says goodbye to Huddersfield Town - who lost 2-0 at Ipswich Town - and Birmingham City, in spite of the 1-0 home conquest of Norwich City. For Blues, sacking head coach John Eustace in October was a total disaster.

Eustace had just reached sixth in the table after a convincing 3-1 derby win past West Bromwich Albion. An official statement explaining the strange decision mentioned “the importance of implementing a winning mentality and a culture of ambition across the entire football club.”

Wayne Rooney duly came in but was fired on 2nd January reflecting nine defeats in his 15 game tenure. Tony Mowbray became the next appointment before being forced to step away on 19th February due to ill health so Gary Rowett then fulfilled an interim role.

Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner has subsequently issued an open letter to supporters stating: “Despite the disappointment of relegation, our steadfast commitment to the Blues and our loyal fans and community stands unwavering.

“This season has illuminated numerous challenges and opportunities for improvement. Embracing these realities, we remain resolute in our pursuit of positive change, both on and off the pitch.”

CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF SCHEDULE

First Legs

Sunday 12th May 2024, 12 noon kick-off

Norwich City v Leeds United

Sunday 12th May 2024, 2.15pm kick-off

West Bromwich Albion v Southampton

Second Legs

Thursday 16th May 2024, 8pm kick-off

Leeds United v Norwich City

Friday 17th May 2024, 8pm kick-off

Southampton v West Bromwich Albion

The EFL Championship Play-Off Final will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 26th May 2024… Norwich City or Leeds United versus West Bromwich Albion or Southampton.

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*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

Novak Djokovic and Iga Świątek are looking to defend their singles titles at the 2024 French Open.

Carlos Alcaraz and Świątek are the tennis betting favourites in the men’s and women’s singles draws – Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are bound to be the focus of numerous Roland Garros predictions, however, while plenty of players will be gunning for Świątek’s crown.

The second Grand Slam of the year – and the only one on clay – attracts millions of viewers from all over the world.

Tennis experts will be making their French Open betting predictions in the build up to the first round of matches. Fans will be keeping a close eye on the form book before the draws are made. 

When Does the 2024 French Open Take Place?

The 2024 French Open gets underway on 20th May and wraps up on 9th June. Qualifying takes place between 20th and 24th May, with the main draw beginning on Sunday 26th May.

Along with the Australian Open, the French Open is one of two Slams to be scheduled across 15 days rather than 14 days.

The singles’ finals are scheduled for 8th and 9th June. There can be tweaks made to the schedule if matches overrun or there are substantial weather delays.

2024 French Open Schedule

• 20th May – 24th May: Qualifying

• 25th May: Men’s and women’s singles first round

• 26th May: Men’s and women’s singles first round

• 27th May: Men’s and women’s singles first round

• 28th May: Men’s and women’s singles second round

• 29th May: Men’s and women’s singles second round

• 30th May: Men’s and women’s singles third round

• 1st June: Men’s and women’s singles third round

• 2nd June: Men’s and women’s singles fourth round

• 3rd June: Men’s and women’s singles fourth round

• 4th June: Men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals

• 5th June: Men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals

•  6th June: Women’s singles semi-finals

• 7th June: Men’s singles semi-finals

• 8th June: Women’s singles final, men’s doubles final

• 9th June: Men’s singles final, women’s doubles final

How to Watch the 2024 French Open

Eurosport and Discovery+ have broadcasting rights to the French Open. Coverage will be available throughout the day on the Eurosport TV channels and Discovery+ app.

Subscribers to Virgin Media and Sky Sports may already have access to Eurosport. There are offers available if you want to subscribe to Eurosport specifically for the French Open fortnight.

2024 French Open Singles Prize Money

• Winner - €2.4 million

• Runner-up - €1.2 million

• Semi-finalist - €650,000

• Quarter-finalist - €415,000

• Round of 16 - €250,000

• Round of 32 - €158,000

• Round of 64 - €111,000

• Round of 128 - €73,000

• Qualifying Three - €41,000

• Qualifying Two - €28,000

• Qualifying One - €20,000

Roland Garros Tips 2024

There is a lot to consider with French Open predictions. Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek top their respective world rankings.

Betting markets favour Carlos Alcaraz over Djokovic in the men’s draw, however, while Świątek slipped up in Stuttgart to start off the clay-court season. She was also upset by Linda Noskova in the round of 32 at the Australian Open earlier this year.

Casper Ruud, who beat Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas before losing to Djokovic in the 2023 final, is out at 11/1 with 888Sport at the time of writing.

Despite falling to Cameron Norrie in the last 32 in Melbourne earlier this year, Ruud is one of the form players as the tour heads to Paris. Impressive showings in Monte Carlo and Barcelona are a reminder of his talent on clay.

Rafael Nadal is in at 6/1. The Spaniard is the most successful player in French Open history, but he’s not getting the backing in our Roland Garros tips.

Nadal has admitted he’s still facing ‘limitations’ from his various injuries. He’s not even sure he will compete in the French Open. At this price, there’s no value – it’s more likely he retires in 2024 than wins a Grand Slam.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are the only women shorter than 10/1. Świątek, who has won three of the last four French Opens, has an almost 3,000-point lead atop the WTA rankings. 

Elena Rybakina won in Stuttgart and reached the final in Miami. While her record at Roland Garros means she’s going to be an afterthought in some French Open predictions, Rybakina has been playing excellent tennis of late. 

After a career-best semi-final appearance at Roland Garros in 2023, we would keep an eye on Sabalenka. She won the 2024 Australian Open, and had the best year of her career in 2023. Clay isn’t her favourite surface, but she will be full of confidence coming into this tournament. 

If you want to steer clear of Alcaraz and Świątek in the outright betting markets, Ruud and Sabalenka are two players we would consider backing. We would also think about Jannik Sinner, particularly if his price lengthens in the lead up to the opening round. 

Recent Roland Garros Winners

Men’s Singles 

• 2023 – Novak Djokovic

• 2022 – Rafael Nadal 

• 2021 – Novak Djokovic 

• 2020 – Rafael Nadal

• 2019 – Rafael Nadal

• 2018 – Rafael Nadal

• 2017 – Rafael Nadal

• 2016 – Novak Djokovic

• 2015 – Stanislas Wawrinka

• 2014 – Rafael Nadal

Women’s Singles

• 2023 – Iga Świątek

• 2022 – Iga Świątek

• 2021 - Barbora Krejčíková 

• 2020 – Iga Świątek

• 2019 – Ashleigh Barty

• 2018 – Simona Halep

• 2017 – Jelena Ostapenko

• 2016 - Garbiñe Muguruza 

• 2015 – Serena Williams

• 2014 – Maria Sharapova

Most Successful French Open Singles Players

Men

• Rafael Nadal – 14 titles

• Max Decugis – 8 titles

• Bjorn Borg – 6 titles

• Henri Cochet – 5 titles

• Andre Vacherot – 4 titles

• Paul Ayme – 4 titles

• Maurice Germot – 3 titles

• Rene Lacoste – 3 titles

• Mats Wilander – 3 titles

• Ivan Lendl – 3 titles

• Gustavo Kuerten – 3 titles

• Novak Djokovic – 3 titles

Women

• Chris Evert – 7 titles

• Suzanne Lenglen – 6 titles

• Steffi Graf – 6 titles

• Adine Masson – 5 titles

• Margaret Court – 5 titles

• Kate Gillou – 4 titles

• Jeanne Matthey – 4 titles

• Helen Wills – 4 titles

• Justine Henin – 4 titles

• Hildegard Krahwinkel Sperling – 3 titles

• Arantxa Sánchez Vicario - 3 titles

• Monica Seles – 3 titles

• Serena Williams – 3 titles

• Iga Swiatek – 3 titles

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*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*