For avid football fans, the biggest event of this year will undoubtedly be the European Championship, hosted by the Union of European Football Associations. The championship will run from the 10th of June to the 10th of July, with 24 national teams playing in 10 stadiums in 10 cities in France. Whether you're rooting for Austria or the Ukraine, and whether you'll be watching from the stands or from the comfort of your own home, it'll be a gripping and exciting contest between the best teams in the world.
While you'll definitely be hooked watching the action, you might be tempted to place a wager, on one of your favourite teams or on one which you have a good feeling, or some inside information, about. But you'll also want to know what the bookies are saying, who's found favour with them, and what special insights they can bring to the chances of the various national teams. This article will give you the lowdown on who the bookies are backing and why. So you might want to keep this to yourself, and you may just win it big.
Who will win? The 12 hottest contenders from most to least likely
Germany (Odds 10/3) (FIFA ranking 4)
The German national team almost always finish high, and have ended up as the winner or runner up in a handful of championships. Despite having lost a few of their best players recently, and having to wait until the last matches to confirm their place as qualifiers, they still have the best chance of getting to the top.
Spain (Odds 6/1) (FIFA ranking 3)
Spain took a big hit in 2014, piercing their dominance of previous championships. However, Spain's past history still speaks for itself, and the team easily cruised through the qualifying games with barely a wobble. They have the two best midfielders in the world, as well as some genuine talent in forward.
France (Odds 7/2) (FIFA ranking 25)
The France coach Didier Deschamps has a very talented team at his disposal. They have a home advantage and a strong base of experienced players including Lloris, Koscielny, Pogba and Griezman. There are also some big new names which bring potential to the experience.
Belgium (Odds 10/1) (FIFA ranking 1)
They're number one in the FIFA rankings. There are some exciting, talented new players such as Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois on the team. However, the line-up have a distinct lack of experience in the big stages, so they're an unknown as of now. But watch this space.
England (Odds 10/1) (FIFA ranking 9)
England were the only team to enjoy 100% success in the qualifying competitions. However, they were recently trounced in a friendly match with Spain shortly afterwards. There are many talented individuals in the line-up, including Dele Alli and Harry Kane. But there are also questions about Hodgson's consideration of Wayne Rooney, an all-time top scorer with a somewhat patchy record: good at his best, bad at his worst.
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Italy (Odds 16/1) (FIFA ranking 15)
Italy qualified with 7 wins and 3 draws in the qualifiers. They have a really good defence force and a hugely talented midfield. However, they lack a really outstanding striker, with Graziano Pelle qualifying with a meager three goals. They can defend themselves, but will this enough to get to victory?
Poland (Odds 66/1) (FIFA ranking 34)
However unpopular with the bookies they may be, the Polish team were nonetheless the top scorers in the qualification with 33 goals. Centre-forward of the team Robert Lewandowski alone scored 13 goals. But the team should try not to lean on the star striker and become what some have dubbed a 'one man team'.
Portugal (Odds 22/1) (FIFA ranking 7)
Another team in danger of being known as a 'one man team' is Portugal, with Ronaldo who, whilst proving himself to be invaluable, tends to overshadow other talent. In 2014 Portugal came a cropper when Ronaldo sustained an injury. If that happens again, then Portugal's chances of coming out with a good result will be significantly dampened.
Wales (Odds 50/1) (FIFA ranking 17)
Under the adept management of Chris Coleman, the Welsh team has risen to eighth in the FIFA rankings in October of last year. However, since then they've slipped down to 17. Wales are experiencing a run in form right now, but there's some doubt about whether they can keep it up for the tournament.
Croatia (Odds 25/1) (FIFA ranking 18)
Croatia seemed to have slim chances of being placed when they sacked Niko Kovac in September. However, with the introduction of Ante Cacic, Croatia are, correctly, optimistic about getting a good result. The team has one of the best midfields in Europe.
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Switzerland (Odds 66/1) (FIFA ranking 12)
Switzerland was second place overall in the qualifiers, roundly thrashed as they were by England. The team has a lot of talent behind them, for example, the star player who landed 4 goals in the qualification.
Sweden (Odds 66/1) (FIFA ranking 35)
Sweden's trump card is undoubtedly Zlatan Ibrahimovic, scoring 11 goals in the qualifiers. Sweden won 5 out of 10 qualifying rounds, and will most likely not get very deep into the contest.
That's a rundown of the twelve most likely winners of the championship. Here's a list of the other twelve contenders, in order again from most to least likely.
Austria (Odds 40/1) (FIFA ranking 10)
Turkey (Odds 66/1) (FIFA ranking 21)
Russia (Odds 66/1) (FIFA ranking 24)
Ukraine (Odds 66/1) (FIFA ranking 29)
Czech Republic (Odds 80/1) (FIFA ranking 26)
Iceland (Odds 80/1) (FIFA ranking 36)
Slovakia (Odds 100/1) (FIFA ranking 26)
Republic of Ireland (Odds 80/1) (FIFA ranking 31)
Northern Ireland (Odds 300/1) (FIFA ranking 30)
Romania (Odds 80/1) (FIFA ranking 16)
Hungary (Odds 150/1) (FIFA ranking 20)
Albania (Odds 300/1) (FIFA ranking 38)
