With England and Croatia favourites to advance from Group D, Scotland and Czech Republic know a solid start is imperative. These teams are evenly matched on FIFA rankings, with Steve Clarke’s side four spots lower at 44, despite winning both Nations League meetings last term.
Poland reached the European Championship quarter-finals five years ago and can begin their Euro 2020 campaign by seeing off Slovakia. After a strong performance in qualifying for this tournament and a solid Nations League effort, the Eagles should be ready to soar this summer.
Colombia will head into their Copa America North Zone opener with Ecuador gunning for revenge and we’re hoping for an open contest. Los Cafeteros were on the receiving end of a 6-1 hammering by the same opponents in a World Cup qualifier last November.
All the evidence suggests Spain should be too strong for Sweden on home turf in Seville in the opening round of Euro 2020 Group E games. La Roja finished five points ahead of their opponents when they met in qualifying and enjoyed a more impressive Nations League campaign.
England’s youthful exuberance is expected to help them edge out an ageing Croatia outfit in the opening round of Euro 2020 Group D fixtures. The Blazers famously prevailed when these teams met in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, but the Three Lions have made better progress since.
Netherlands have a fine European Championship pedigree and some big names in their current squad but Ukraine enter Euro 2020 with a progressive profile. The yellow and blues have performed well against several powerful opponents over the past 12 months and can be competitive in Amsterdam.
Austria beat North Macedonia at home and away in qualifying for Euro 2020 and can confirm that superiority on neutral territory in Bucharest. Das Team prevailed 4-1 in Skopje and then 2-1 in Vienna but we’re expecting a cagier contest in the opening round of Group C fixtures.
Brazil are the favourites to rule supreme on home soil yet again in the Copa America and can begin by brushing aside Venezuela. The Samba Boys ended a 12-year wait for a South American title in 2019 in their homeland, beating Peru 3-1 in the final.
Wales sensationally reached the semi-finals at Euro 2016 but they will just be happy to get out of a group containing Italy, Switzerland and Turkey at this tournament. Chris Coleman’s men famously beat Belgium in the quarter-finals five years ago, only to lose to Portugal in the last four.
Denmark are playing all their group matches on home soil and have a wonderful opportunity to make a winning start when they host Finland in Copenhagen. The Danes will be keen to seize on any nerves from their Nordic neighbours, who are making their debut at a major finals.
Belgium and Russia head into their Euro 2020 Group B clash as familiar foes and qualifying form certainly favours the Red Devils. They prevailed 3-1 when these teams met in Brussels at the start of that campaign and then 4-1 in Saint Petersburg in the penultimate round of games.
Resurgent Italy are firm favourites to get Euro 2020 under way with a Group A victory over Turkey in Rome. The Crescent Stars have made it to four previous finals and started out with a defeat on each occasion, including a 2-1 loss to their opponents in this match in 2000.
There are some fascinating Euro 2020 groups for punters to dissect and we’ve picked out our best bets from the opening stage of this summer’s showpiece. Bwin has a wide range of markets, price boosts and special offers on the tournament, which promises to provide plenty of thrills and spills.
Portugal conclude the Euro 2020 warm-up matches when entertaining Israel and are worthy favourites to come out on top in Lisbon. The Navigators look ready to mount a strong defence of the trophy they lifted five years ago, boasting a talented and settled side.