Euro 2016 – Group B betting preview and predictions

This certainly seems to be one of the most evenly matched Euro 2016 groups, with all four teams having an honest chance to qualify, especially as the 3rd place can potentially go trough as well. A new look England side remains the clear cut favorite to finish first, but they will need to be at their best in order to avoid potential upsets against competent opponents.

Previews, tips and predictions for the other Euro 2016 groups on our Euro 2016 blog

euro 2016 group b prediction

England – odds to win Group B: 1.85 @ Unibet

England has clearly changed for the better in recent years and the Brits now have a team that finally gives fans real hope at performing. The big names of the past have been replaced with young, exuberant, fast and dynamic players; England actually owns the youngest squad in the Euros. The striking duo of Kane – Vardy is arguably the most dangerous one in these Euros, as both of these guys are in the form of their life – as are many other England players. With 10 wins in the last 12 matches England is definitely looking good coming into this tournament, but they still have to prove themselves at top International level – they did not do it in a long time and many of the current players are inexperienced on the International stage. There`s also a question over Roy Hodgson’s abilities to lead a title challenger. All in all, I fancy England to perform in France. I think they’ll win Group B and go far in the tournament, maybe all the way.

  • Key players: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy
  • Strong spots: Offense, Explosiveness, In form key players, Youth, Pace, Individual quality
  • Weak spots: Coaching, Lack of experience at International level, Immobile central defense

RUSSIA – odds to qualify: 1.38 @ 1xBet

As usual, Russia will approach the final tournament with a squad composed of domestic-based players, with the exception of new addition Neustädter, who plays for Stuttgart. The Russians fired Fabio Capello last year after their long-term experiment with the Italian manager failed and hired Leonid Slutsky, who managed to qualify the team to Euro 2016 from a losing position by winning the last 4 group games. However, Russia’s recent form has been poor, with 1 win, 1 draw and 3 defeats in the last 5 friendlies – where the defense looked particulary bad. Overall the team isn`t looking very differently compared to the last few years – a solid side, but inconsistent and seemingly unable to surpass a certain level. If they don`t bring their ‘A game’, the Russians will be in real danger of failing to qualify from this difficult group.

  • Key players: Artyom Dzyuba, Oleg Shatov
  • Strong spots: Decent overall quality, Depth, Chemistry
  • Weak spots: Recent form in friendlies, Inconsistency, Lack of star power

WALES – odds to qualify: 1.75 @ Betfair

Wales reaching the final tournament was a huge achievement for a nation that is more concerned with Rugby, not having success in football since a very long time ago. Fortunately for the Welsh, they now have a very good generation with a lot of solid Premier League players and two terrific leaders in Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. Bale was brilliant in the qualifiers, scoring and setting up crucial goal after crucial goal – even when his form at Real Madrid was poor. The team is set up well tactically and well coached by Chris Coleman, so they will always stand a chance with Bale and Ramsey in their ranks. However, their form in friendlies has been poor, with 1 draw and 3 defeats since the Euro 2016 qualies ended.

  • Key players: Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey
  • Strong spots: Defense, Chemistry and tactics, Owns star power and difference makers
  • Weak spots: Lack of depth, Overall lack of experience at this level, Too dependent on Bale, Poor form in friendlies

SLOVAKIA – odds to qualify: 2.30 @ Ohmbet

Slovakia is regarded as the weakest team in Group B by the bookies, but neither England, Sweden or Russia can expect an easy match against them. An analysis might well show that Slovakia is better than at least one of Russia or Wales. The Slovakians have a good squad, a couple of world class players and they proved themselves in the qualifying group by beating Spain and finishing second ahead of Ukraine. Slovakia defeated plenty of other top sides in the last couple of years (since coach Kozak took over) – most notably Germany (a few days ago), Poland, Switzerland, Iceland, Czech Republic or Ukraine. This team won 17 of the last 24 matches, so only a crazy man could rule them out. In most likelyhood, at least one of Russia or Wales will finish below Slovakia here – whose giant killing ability should also put England in guard. Staying injury free will be crucial for an aging Slovakia side that does not have proper replacements if one or more of their top guys miss out.

  • Key players: Marek Hamsik, Martin Skrtel
  • Strong spots: Great form, Proven giant killing ability, Chemistry, Coaching, Midfield
  • Weak spots: Lack of dependable striker, Aging squad, Lack of depth in key positions

GROUP B BETTING PREDICTION:
1. England
2. Slovakia
3. Wales
4. Russia

BEST BET:

You will find all of our articles, group previews and betting talk in the Euro 2016 blog topic, both pre – tournament and during the tournament. When it all starts on June 10th, make sure to check out Betdistrict’s Euro 2016 tips, as we will have predictions for all the matches in France.

About Rostick

Born in '88. Running betting tips websites since 2007. Launched Betdistrict in 2013. Worked as a bookie for a year to spy on the other side. Rugby Union and NBA expert. Editor info & statistics.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *