The time for talking is over, and the action has begun. The UEFA European Championship, better known as Euro 2024, starts on Friday evening in Germany with the opening ceremony. Germany has Europe’s best soccer-playing teams around for four weeks of excitement and drama as 24 teams battle to become the best in the continent. Will the Germans use home advantage to scoop a fourth title and become the competition’s most decorated team? Fans can’t wait to find out, and followers can wager on the results in the top sportsbooks. Betting on soccer is fast-paced, unpredictable, and great fun.
Germany may enjoy the home advantage and backing of an excited audience, but the locals aren’t the pre-competition favorites with the most popular bookmakers. Traders choose England as their most likely winner after Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions came painfully close to winning Euro 2020. Played in the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, England made it to the final before losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley. Will they go one better and win their first European Cup on German soil? Southgate certainly has a team that is good enough to challenge. In Harry Kane, they have a talented striker.
If England doesn’t do as expected, Spain is the second favorite with traders, and it’s easy to see why. The Red Fury arrives in great shape after winning Group A, qualifying ahead of Scotland and Norway. The Spanish boast their European Championship winner’s medals, the same number as Germany. Spain could pull clear and set a new record, but they must be at their best to relive the glory days of 1964, 2008, and 2012. Spanish fans hope a dozen-year wait is about to end.
Popular markets
The most popular way to make predictions on Euro 2024 is to call the outright champion. It’s simple, easy to follow, and great fun. Browse the starting field of 24 teams, analyze the groups, check up on the latest form, listen to interviews from coaches, and have your say. You can go with one of the pundits’ picks, like England, Germany, and Spain, or play a plucky underdog, like Portugal, Italy or Belgium.
In addition to the outright winner, soccer fans enjoy a long list of specials, including the top goalscorer, winning group, name the finalists, stage of elimination, and more. Calling the top scorer gives you an interest in every game as you count the goals scored by your pick and keep track of his rivals. Harry Kane was the early favorite to win the Golden Boot, and the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo were also prominent.
How do you decide which player will score the most goals? Researching past results gives a good indication. The most knowledgeable soccer fans lean on the stats, facts, and form of previous Euros to help nudge them on the right track. With that in mind, we investigate the highest-scoring teams in European Championship history. Which nations have a rich history of scoring in the Euros? Keep reading as we dig through the archives in the hope of uncovering a Euro 2024 gem.
Germany
Germany is one of the most successful and highest-scoring teams in the history of the UEFA European Championship. The team, representing both West Germany and the reunified Germany, has an interesting history in the tournament. Germany has won the championship three times (1972, 1980, and 1996), and its ability to score goals has been a crucial part of its success.
In the 1972 tournament, West Germany showcased a formidable attack led by Gerd Müller, who scored four goals in the final tournament, including two in the final against the Soviet Union. The team’s attacking prowess was on full display again in 1980 when they won their second title, with Horst Hrubesch scoring twice in the final against Belgium.
The 1996 tournament saw Germany once again demonstrate its scoring abilities. They scored a total of 10 goals throughout the tournament, with notable contributions from players like Jürgen Klinsmann and Oliver Bierhoff. Bierhoff’s golden goal in the final against the Czech Republic secured Germany’s third championship.
Spain
Spain is another powerhouse in the history of the UEFA European Championship, particularly noted for their dominance in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Spain won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2012, and their success was built on a blend of tactical brilliance and an impressive ability to score goals.
In 2008, Spain’s attacking lineup, featuring stars like David Villa and Fernando Torres, propelled the team to victory. Villa was the top scorer of the tournament with four goals, while Torres scored the decisive goal in the final against Germany. Spain’s attacking style was characterized by quick, intricate passing and a relentless pursuit of goals.
The 2012 tournament saw Spain continue their dominance, with the team scoring 12 goals on their way to the title. Their performance in the final against Italy was particularly memorable, as they scored four goals without reply, showcasing their attacking prowess. Players like Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, and David Silva played crucial roles in Spain’s successful campaign, with Fernando Torres again making a significant impact by scoring in the final.
France
France has also enjoyed considerable success in the UEFA European Championship, winning the title twice in 1984 and 2000 and reaching the final in 2016. The French team is known for its attacking talent and its ability to score goals in crucial moments.
The 1984 tournament, hosted by France, saw the emergence of Michel Platini as one of the greatest players in European Championship history. Platini scored a remarkable nine goals in the tournament, a record that still stands. His goalscoring feats included two hat-tricks and a crucial goal in the final against Spain, leading France to their first major international title.
In 2000, France’s attacking lineup, featuring Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet, and Zinedine Zidane, was instrumental in their success. The team scored 13 goals in the tournament, with Trezeguet’s golden goal in the final against Italy securing their second European Championship title. Zidane’s playmaking ability and Henry’s clinical finishing were key factors in France’s high-scoring performances.