Euro 2020: Betting favourites, hot prospects and key dates

The European Championship will be played across the continent to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the competition with 12 cities hosting matches. The final stages are being held at Wembley, giving England a greater chance of lifting the trophy for the first time.

Only world champions France are ahead of England in the betting for Euro 2020 as bookmakers sense the opportunity for Gareth Southgate's side to potentially make the most of home advantage in the semi-finals and final.

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All qualified nations with host cities will get at least two home group-stage matches before hitting the road in the early knockout phases.

Southgate, who missed the decisive semi-final shootout penalty against Germany when England hosted Euro 96, said: "To almost have a home tournament will be brilliant."

Kevin De Bruyne believes in England's young stars

Some will mock England's lofty market position, although Manchester City and Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne believes the Three Lions have to go close given the emergence of young talent in Southgate's squad.

"I think England should win the Euros," said De Bruyne. "They are the favourites with France."

Belgium's ageing defence will be a concern for anyone looking to back De Bruyne's nation in an ultra-competitive competition.

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Germany are on their way back after World Cup humiliation while Holland and Italy are rebuilding nicely after their shock failure to even qualify for Russia last year.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be 35 next year, but Portugal are not to be dismissed at a nice price.

Portugal are the reigning champions and highlighted their appetite for the knockout format with victory in the inaugural Nations League earlier this summer.

Key Euro 2020 dates

November 19 Qualifying finishes and first 20 teams confirmed
November 30 Euro 2020 draw
March 26-31 Nations League playoffs to finalise last four qualifiers
June 12 Euro 2020 starts in Rome
July 12 Euro 2020 final at Wembley

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