When the draw for Euro 2020 was made in November 2019, there were groups which were perceived to be foregone conclusions. However, 18 months later and with another 11 international fixtures having been played, there is every reason to believe that the upcoming competition could be one of the most open major tournaments in decades. At least eight nations will feel that they have an opportunity to add this trophy to their respective collection, but a number of dark horses with togetherness and form have also emerged during the UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifying fixtures. With that in mind, which upsets should punters back during the group stages?
Just like punters can benefit from William Hill betting odds, they will also be looking to hit the ground running with bets on the opening fixture of the tournament. Italy play host to Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico, and the general feeling is that Roberto Mancini's side should prevail by a narrow scoreline and with a clean sheet. However, while the Azzurri have put together a remarkable 25-man unbeaten streak in all competitions, their free-scoring opponents have made a habit of upsetting some of the so-called bigger teams.
As well as twice avoiding defeat against France in 2019, Turkey have wins over Russia, Netherlands and Norway since November, scoring as many as 10 goals in the process. Providing that their first-choice backline is available, there is little reason why Senol Gunes's team cannot upset the betting odds, and 13/2 should prove too attractive for some punters. There is also plenty of value in the 6/4 for Turkey to win or draw with skipper Burak Yilmaz experiencing one of his best-ever campaigns with Lille and his country.
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Netherlands have been handed the bonus of playing each of their three group fixtures in Amsterdam, but home territory is only going to increase the pressure on Frank de Boer and his misfiring squad. Although Oranje have lost just one of their last eight fixtures, their only notable win during that period came away in Poland. In Ukraine, Austria and North Macedonia, there is little doubting that Netherlands have been provided with the best draw possible, but we do not expect them to have it their own way, especially against Austria.
Franco Foda will have concerns about how his side folded versus Denmark in their last fixture, but six wins and two draws came from their previous eight contests. While Burschen are without a standout win since they defeated Sweden in a friendly back in 2018, this remains an improving group of players whose best results have come away from home. Punters will not be able to ignore the 11/2 which is on offer for an upset win, although there may be more value in the betting odds of at least 3/1 for the draw.
Having lost out to Wales in their last fixture, Czech Republic are now available at odds of around 3/1 to defeat Croatia. Despite their recent setback, punters should not be forgetting that they earned a surprise share of the spoils against Belgium three days earlier, meaning that tiredness could have played its part in Cardiff. With Croatia having struggled during the latest batch of World Cup qualifiers, we feel inclined to back the draw at 2/1 or take a smaller risk on a Czech Republic triumph.
