France to Win +350
Mbappe Golden Boot +450
Its about that time again. Summer work productivity is about to hit record lows. Beer gardens will be full by noon. The lads group chat will be firing off the most tasty parlays the world has ever seen. It is the Euros 2024.
So many rich story lines entering the tournament. Can a young crop of Spaniards reach the pinnacle after failing to hoist an international trophy since Euro 2012? Can Italy repeat as Euro champs even after failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2022? Can a new generation of Portuguese stars along with an aging Ronaldo win it all? Is it coming home? You have country's like Georgia and Albania playing in their first international tournament, how far will they go? Will Ukraine go on a Cinderella run to give a war torn nation something to cheer for? This tournament however is reserved for the French to avenge their World Cup 2022 Final loss to Argentina.
We are little over 2 years out from the amazing save Emi Martinez pulled on Kolo Muani. A save that cemented Messi's legacy as the goat. A save that prevented a French repeat and still, to this day, haunts the dreams of Les Bleu. The biggest difference between this team and the 2022 team is health. The most important piece is N'Golo Kante. What this man does to opposing midfields is nothing short of stunning. His motor is relentless. His tackling ability game changing. His pass making ability to the forwards is superb . France is a different team when this man is healthy. France has so many options going forward as well and so many different styles they can play which makes them a match up nightmare. If they need speed, here comes Mbappe and Dembele driving at defenders on both flanks. You want aerial threats, here comes a Griezeman cross into either Giroud or Thuram....with Mbappe lurking obviously. French back-line is the most athletic in this tournament and deepest by a mile. Theo Hernedez on one side who has box to box pace. Jules Kounde is most likely be on the opposite side. Upamecano and Konate, or Saliaba, will be anchoring down the central defense.
Didier Deschamps ability to keep the squad focused is the key, and he has proven he is the man for this job for as long as he wants. He has the ability to manage personalities and make tough decisions. For example, when Argentina when up 2-0 in the World Cup Final, he had the balls to make two subs 22 minutes which completely changed the flow of the game. He's that guy and will lead by example by putting the team first. Always.
This team is healthy. This team has experience . This team can score at will. This team is pissed off. France is going to roll.