UEFA European Championship
Euros semi-finals predictions: Can the Three Lions roar into back-to-back Euros finals?
As the Euros semi-finals approach, football fans are buzzing with anticipation. The big question on everyone’s mind: Can England make it to back-to-back Euros finals?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the latest predictions, including the odds of potential goalscorers and what to expect from these crucial semi-final matches.
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Spain v France – Tuesday 9th July (8pm)
This is a game which, on paper, should provide thrilling viewing. However, France have been anything but thrilling in the games leading up to this semi-final. Having only scored three goals in the tournament so far, Les Bleus must significantly up their performance if they want to threaten Spain, who have arguably been the best side in this Euros.
Two of France’s goals have been own goals and one has been a penalty, meaning Didier Deschamps’ side have yet to score from open play. This highlights their lacklustre performances and suggests that star man Kylian Mbappe has been struggling, since breaking his nose in the opening contest against Austria. In stark contrast, Spain have scored 11 goals so far, including two against host nation Germany in the quarter-final.
It’s no surprise that France find themselves as slight outsiders at 2/1, with Spain priced at 7/4. Despite their offensive struggles, France have looked very solid defensively, with four clean sheets in Germany. Thus, this will arguably be Spain’s toughest test yet in terms of finding the back of the net. Both wide players Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal will provide obvious threats, but one player who has gone somewhat under the radar for La Roja is central midfielder Fabián Ruiz. He has scored two goals so far and frequently finds himself with the ball at his feet in front of goal.
Considering France’s lack of conviction in front of goal this tournament and Ruiz’s positioning in the games leading up to this, Nicole Holliday’s pick of Ruiz Shot On Target & Spain To Win To Nil (90 Mins), seems a valuable bet at an enhanced price of 7/1.
Netherlands v England – Wednesday 10th July (8pm)
The second semi-final takes place in Dortmund on Wednesday night and is set to be another nail-bitingly close fixture for Gareth Southgate’s men. It’s likely to be an end-to-end game with both teams to score (EVS) being a probable outcome. Three of England’s last four matches have ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, and the Netherlands will pose the biggest threat to Jordan Pickford’s goal, having scored 28 goals in their last 10 international matches.
At the top of the Golden Boot table is Netherlands attacker Cody Gakpo, on three goals, with England’s Harry Kane just behind on two, along with many others who are out of the competition. Both players will have this in the back of their minds and are the most likely to finish on top. Betting on both Cody Gakpo & Harry Kane to each have over 1 shot on target is 12/1, a good bet considering their personal accolades and their roles as their teams’ primary goal scorers.
England are slight favourites at 17/10, with the Netherlands just trailing at 2/1. It’s all to play for, and we expect a very open game. While it might not be high-scoring, it’s sure to feature its fair share of big chances. It may take another player stepping up with a magical moment to send their country into the Euro Final 2024.
That man could very well be Jude Bellingham again, who seems able to perform under any sort of pressure. Bellingham to score anytime is priced at 19/5, which seems like value for such a talented player.
