England Now a Top 3 Contender in Euro 2020 Odds After Hot Start in Qualifiers

• England’s average Euro 2020 odds have improved from +700 on March 20th to +570 on March 27th
• Gareth Southgate’s young guns have been delivering the goods
• France still remains the betting favorite

England’s flying start to Euro 2020 qualifying has whetted the appetite of their fans, who already have the finals of the inaugural UEFA Nations League finals to look forward to this summer.

Gareth Southgate’s men have been able to build on a promising 2018 World Cup in Russia – where they lost in the semi-finals to Croatia – and even after just two Euro 2020 qualifying games have shown themselves to be contenders for the crown with +500 odds to win Euro 2020 at one leading sportsbook, and +570 average odds overall.

Euro 2020 Odds

Odds taken 03/28/19.

While France, current world champions, thoroughly justify their place as tournament favorites, it’s telling that England have now been installed as second-favorites, with their odds plummeting with every win.

It’s not just the fact that they’re winning games though, it’s how they’re winning them. Over four days over the recent international debate, Southgate inflicted record defeats on both the Czech Republic and Montenegro, hitting five goals in both games.

Full-time: England 5-0 Czech Republic: Euro 2020 qualifier – live! https://t.co/frZbUPo2kF pic.twitter.com/O2rEt1v6M8

— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) March 22, 2019

Czech Mate at Wembley

Last Friday at Wembley, they made a slow, cautious start against the Czechs but once they found their rhythm it turned into an attacking masterclass, with goals from Raheem Sterling (3), Harry Kane and a Tomas Kalas own goal. It was emphatic, and notable – beyond the quality of the football – for how Southgate has carefully and deliberately integrated young players into his side.

Included in the starting XI was West Ham’s Declan Rice, who in his first inclusion in the squad went on to make his debut, and Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho who until then had only appeared from the bench. Both contributed significantly to the win and were joined in the second-half by Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi, who celebrated his first call-up with a cameo appearance that included an assist for the fifth goal.

FT

Another ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽ for the #ThreeLions!

Montenegro 1-5 England#MONENG reaction: https://t.co/pLPxO80hBR #EURO2020Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/pHA8BnoB5A

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 25, 2019

A Feisty Night in Podgorica

Three days later, England traveled to Eastern Europe to face what looked a tricky tie in Podgorica but, despite the Montenegrins taking an early lead, Southgate’s men won comfortably.

It was a feisty, controversial evening though – the England FA have since reported to UEFA that some of their players were subject to some racist chanting – but five goals in reply to Montenegro’s 17th-minute opener was the perfect response.

Uefa has charged Montenegro with racist abuse after fans directed racist chants towards some England players in last night's 5-1 winhttps://t.co/atUErZCSZB pic.twitter.com/M7oUIoys4I

— BBC Newsbeat (@BBCNewsbeat) March 26, 2019

Again, it was Southgate’s young guns who did the damage, with Michael Keane getting the equalizer and then goals from Ross Barkley (2), Raheem Sterling, and Harry Kane sealing another emphatic win.

Southgate has strength in depth to call upon when the going gets tougher, which it will.

All of which leaves England in pole position in Group A and, more importantly, confirms to Southgate that he has strength in depth to call upon when the going gets tougher, which it will.

England’s Stock Rising

Whether England will have enough to go all the way in this tournament still remains to be seen and one of the remaining question marks against this team is their ability to go toe-to-toe with the very top teams.

In last summer’s World Cup, when the big boys came calling England were found wanting, losing to Belgium (twice) and Croatia, but this summer’s UEFA Nations League finals – where they play Netherlands in the semi-final – will be a good guide.

The road to Wembley begins … at Wembley.
England-Czech Republic tonight.
England the first hosts of a European Championship final to have to go through qualifying.
Wembley has 7 Euro 2020 games including semifinals and final. Games in 11 other countries pic.twitter.com/MgYNkO2IlB

— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) March 22, 2019

Also worth noting is that the Euro 2020 Final – a tournament that is being played in various cities across Europe – is being played at Wembley,  the home of English football. This has a dual purpose, in being a massive incentive for England and also, if they make it to the final, a huge advantage.

Second-Favorites for a Reason

So, those who fancy a piece of +500 for England to win Euro 2020 have good reason to be positive, but with them being second favorites, for us, there are others who offer better value.

Joachim Low hails new-look Germany after Nico Schulz's last-minute winner secures 3-2 victory over the Netherlandshttps://t.co/jRxxFoOJUF

— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) March 25, 2019

Germany, with a new, youthful-looking side had a cracking win away to the Netherlands on the weekend and are great at playing tournament football. At +700 they offer decent value, and Belgium also at +700 arguably offer better value than England.

Either way, there are some exciting times ahead for England.

Pick: Belgium (+700)