Belgium Euro 2020: Team News, Odds & Predictions
Belgium go into Euro 2020 as one of the favourites. The Red Devils were disappointing in 2016, however with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku in their ranks, Roberto Martinez’s certainly have what it takes to go all the way this time around. Belgium will aim to reach the knockout phase when they come up against Russia, Denmark and Finland in Group B. Ahead of the tournament this summer, we take a closer look at Belgium’s chances. This includes their history, key players and betting odds.
Belgium History
Belgium finished third at the 2018 World Cup, beating England twice during the tournament. They also finished as runners up at the 1980 European Championships. Belgium were eliminated at the quarter final stage of Euro 2016 by Wales, in what was perhaps the shock of the tournament. Euro 2020 will be the sixth time Belgium feature in the European Championship finals. Could Euro 2020 be Belgium’s first success at a major tournament?
How Belgium Qualified for Euro 2020
Belgium are one of just two nations to have reached Euro 2020 thanks to a 100% winning record during qualifying. The Red Devils won 10 out of 10 matches in Group I, which featured Russia, Scotland, Cyprus, Kazakhstan and San Marino. Belgium scored a massive 40 goals during their campaign, conceding just three in the process. Martinez’s side finished with an emphatic 6-1 win over Cyprus. Romelu Lukaku ended the campaign with 7 goals, with Eden Hazard having scored five.
Belgium in Group B
Belgium will get their Euro 2020 campaign underway against Russia in St. Petersburg on June 12. From there, they will travel to Copenhagen in order to take on both Denmark, before returning to Russia in order to wrap Group A up against minnows Finland. Belgium has a good head to head record against their Group B opponents, which should give them added confidence. The following is how Belgium’s Group B fixtures look ahead of the tournament:
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Belgium Euro 2020: Odds & Predictions
Given their performances over recent years and the quality in their squad, it should come as no surprise that Belgium are among the favourites ahead of Euro 2020. The leading bookmakers offer the Red Devils short odds, with only France and England being ahead of them in the pecking order. The following are the most appealing prices for those looking to place an outright bet on Belgium winning Euro 2020:
| Bet365 | 6/1 | |
| Tonybet | 55/1 | |
| 888Sport | 8/1 | |
| SportNation | 11/1 | |
| Betfair | 6/1 | |
| NetBet | 6/1 | |
| William Hill | 6/1 | |
| Ladbrokes | 11/1 |
In terms of other betting markets, having been on fire for Serie A champions Inter Milan this season, Romelu Lukaku is worth considering for the Golden Boot award. The former Chelsea and Manchester United man is priced at 8/1 by William Hill. Meanwhile, regarded as the best midfielder in the world today, Kevin De Bruyne is 9/1 with Betfair to be named player of the tournament. Ahead of their opening match of the tournament against Russia, Belgium are 4/6 to pick up three points at the first chance of asking.
The Manager
Roberto Martinez has been in charge of the Belgian national team since 2016, having taken over from Marc Wilmots. Martinez’ led Belgium to the 2018 World Cup with a 100% winning qualifying record. Having beaten Brazil in the World Cup quarter finals, Belgium were then beaten by France. Martinez had since helped Belgium in becoming no.1 in the FIFA world rankings. Belgium is the first national team job for Martinez, who has previously managed Swansea City, Wigan Athletic and Everton in England. The Spaniard was sacked by Everton in May 2016, with the Toffees having struggled to a 12th place finish.
Standout Players
The Belgian squad is made up by players playing across Europe’s top leagues. Premier League fans will be well aware of De Bruyne, Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi, Leandro Trossard and Timothy Castagne. Meanwhile, despite having struggled for Real Madrid since his move from Chelsea, Eden Hazard is a player that can win a game by himself on his day. Belgium also now have vast experience to call upon too, with Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Hazard and Alex Witsel each having over 100 caps to their name. It is only goalkeeper Matz Sels who could potentially make his debut for Belgium at Euro 2020.
Belgium’s Strengths & Weaknesses
Belgium are a team that have very few weaknesses. They are likely to line up in their preferred 3-4-3 formation. With the likes of Lukaku, Hazard and Dries Mertens in attack, Belgium are capable of scoring from all angles. Meanwhile, with the creativity of De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans in midfield, opponents must have eyes in the back of their head.
There will of course be concerns should Lukaku get injured. Should the Inter Milan forward be unavailable, the likes of Batshuayi and Christian Benteke would be forced to step in, who do not have the same quality. Another area of concern is on the left-hand side, where Vertonghen is often forced to move from centre back to full-back.
Our Prediction for Belgium at Euro 2020
It would come as a major surprise if Belgium didn’t make it through to the last four at Euro 2020. However, given their talent and experience, it is our prediction that the Red Devils will reach the Euro 2020 final. Those looking to bet on them doing just that can take advantage of odds of 3/1 from Paddy Power, William Hill and Betfair.
