The United Kingdom will be well-represented in Euro 2016, and two of its three representatives will be in one group. England will be favorites to top Group B, with British neighbor Wales expected to be one of its top challengers along with Russia. But don’t forget about a dangerous Slovakia team that could also mount a serious challenge. Let’s take a closer look at all four teams and check out their odds to win the group, as well as other odds for the tournament.
England is expected to have a relatively straightforward time in Group B. The Three Lions, who were the only team with a perfect 10 wins from 10 group games in qualifying, are the big favorites to top the group, in part due to the sheer amount of attacking talent manager Roy Hodgson will have at his disposal.
However, a lot will depend on how Hodgson deploys that talent. The front three of Harry Kane (+2,400 to be the tournament’s top scorer), Jamie Vardy, and Wayne Rooney which Hodgson has favored has had mixed results in recent matches. And with the English included in a group with some solid defenses, fine-tuning that attack will be of utmost importance.
Russia has the talent in its squad to rival England, but injuries to key players such as Alan Dzagoev and Igor Denisov have robbed manager Leonid Slutsky of some much-needed options. Nevertheless, they still have a lot of firepower up front with Artyom Dzyuba and Fyodor Smolov, who combined for 35 goals last season in the Russian league, capable of testing a suspect English defense.
If Russia’s defense can summon the form which saw it give up just five goals in qualifying, their +333odds to top Group B would look a lot more intriguing.
Manager Chris Coleman did wonders with a limited Wales side during qualifying. His move to a three-man defense helped shore up the back – they conceded just four goals in 10 games – while the amazing talents of Gareth Bale (seven goals) led their dangerous counter-attack.
It remains to be seen whether Bale can continue carrying such a heavy burden in the big stage. But at the very least, the Welsh will be able to play their preferred style against England and Russia, which gives them the best chance to pull off some good results. Wales is -250 to advance to the round of 16.
Slovakia is considered a distant fourth in Group B, as its EVEN odds to finish rock-bottom of Group B indicate. However, the Slovaks are certainly not going to be pushovers for anyone. They are a disciplined, hard-working bunch at the back, and have a playmaker in Marek Hamsik who’s capable of carrying the offense at the times.
They have every chance to challenge for third and even sneak through to the round of 16, which they are priced at +125 to do.
