Scott Thornton's EURO 2024 Predictions

I’m backing Portugal to win the tournament. They were exceptional in their qualifying, scoring an average of 3.6 goals per game and conceding just 0.2. Roberto Martinez has been intent on pressing further up the pitch and taking the game to their opponents. Portugal’s array of attacking talent has thrived as a result.

The Portuguese have reached the knockout stages in the last seven European Championships. They won this competition back in 2016 and look set for another successful tournament with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and of course, Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks.

Austria have a really tough group but they have shown they can beat anyone under Ralf Rangnick. They finished a point behind Belgium in their qualifying group, picking up 19 points from eight matches.

The Austrians have lost just one of their last 14 matches. They have beaten the likes of Germany and Italy during that period, so they are more than capable of upsetting some of the more fancied sides in their group. If you don’t want them to win, Austria to reach the semi-final is 8/1.

Harry Kane enjoyed a prolific season for Bayern Much despite being unable to win silverware. The striker was able to score 36 goals in 32 Bundesliga matches. He also found the net eight times in the Champions League.

Kane had a non-penalty xG of 0.72 per 90 minutes played for Bayern this season and he should get plenty of chances for England this summer. He is supported by some of the best midfielders and wingers in world football. Harry will undoubtedly add to his tally of England goals.

Bruno Fernandes comes into the tournament in fine fettle. His assist for Kobbie Mainoo in the FA Cup final proved to be the crucial moment as Manchester United beat Manchester City. Bruno registered eight assists in the Premier League this season, but the underlying numbers show he could well have had more. Fernandes’ averaged 8.14 progressive passes per 90 minutes, which puts him in the top 2% when compared with attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues.

Bruno will be looking to conjure up some similar magic for Portugal. He recorded the most assists in qualifying with seven and should relish the opportunity to play with a star-studded attacking lineup.

If Harry Kane manages to finish top scorer at the tournament, he will also be a strong contender for Player of the Tournament. Nevertheless, Harry’s contribution to the team goes far beyond his goals. His passing ability and willingness to drop deep makes him an ideal playmaker.

Kane will have plenty of willing runners around him in the form of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. The Bayern Munich striker remains the heartbeat of this hugely talented England team.

Florian Wirtz has enjoyed a marvellous campaign for Bayer Leverkusen and was named the Bundesliga’s Player of the Season. He scored 11 and assisted 11 in 32 matches as his team became the first side to go a full Bundesliga season unbeaten.

Wirtz is primed to shine in this German side. They are the third favourites to win the tournament and that’s largely thanks to their midfield. Florian scored in Germany’s 2-0 win over France earlier this year. He has shown he can do it on the biggest stages and the more generous price means I’m backing him over Jude Bellingham.