Outsiders Out To Cause A Shock At Euro 2016

Despite the usual suspects of defending champions Spain, world champions Germany and hosts France having received much of the attention in the build up to the European Championships, there is a growing feeling amongst the footballing community that it could well be a year in which a so called outsider causes a potential upset. Having qualified strongly from their respective qualifying groups to make Euro 2016, the likes of England and Belgium make up a group of teams looking to win the tournament for the first in their history. Coupled with apparent weaknesses and injury concerns from the tournament favourites, a potential bet on a new winner could well prove to be fruitful.

Although Roy Hodgson does not have the likes of Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard or David Beckham to call upon, a quiet confidence within the England squad has been developing since they became the only team to come out of the qualification phase with a 100% winning record. An exciting attacking line up featuring the prolific Harry Kane and recent Premier League winner Jamie Vardy mean the Three Lions go into the tournament with a sense of the unknown surrounding their young squad. As a result of such unpredictability, England are the 9/1 fourth favourites with bookmakers Coral in the football betting for the summer.

Should England or any other nation meet Belgium in the latter stages of the competition, they will certainly be well aware of the potential threat posed by the Red Devils. With a Premier League contingent including Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Mousse Dembele among others, Belgium bost a strength in depth of which we have not seen before. The loss of inspirational captain Vincent Kompany due to injury is perhaps one of the reasons why Belgium are offered odds of 10/1 by Coral in the football betting market, however for Belgium enthusiasts, they will know Tottenham duo Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld can provide adequate cover in the back line.

Elsewhere, the likes of Portugal and Croatia will be looking to finally make their mark on the international stage. Fresh off the back of Champions League success with Real Madrid, team mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric will be full of confidence heading to France. The two teams are at 18/1 and 22/1 respectively with Coral, with the goals of Ronaldo potentially firing Portugal to glory. Indeed, the iconic forward is the 8/1 second favourite, behind Germany’s Thomas Muller to claim this year’s golden boot award.