Freshly tanned and with a glint in his eye, Phil Thompson’s back to full fitness and is in top shape for the main event of the summer. No, not Love Island. We’re talking about Euro 2024.
There’s just over a week to go and Paddy’s pal’s locked in with his outright wagers – and it’s bad news for England.
However, the former Liverpool and Three Lions defender thinks the Scots might make a bit of history and get out of Group A. But how far will they go? Let’s find out from the big man.
Who’s winning Euro 2024?
If you followed me during the World Cup I was spot on and got both of the finalists correct which was nice. My winner for Euro 2024 is France, they’ve got a great chance.
Looking at the prices, a lot of people are making England favourites with France in second so there is a little bit value in France to win. They’ve got a lot of good players and with Paul Pogba not being there I don’t think they have too many prima donnas. They will be so hard to beat.
Who are they beating in the final?
I’m going for Portugal. They’re probably going to be in the right side of the draw to set up a showdown with France in the final and they’ve got the talent to do something big.
Who’s winning the Golden Boot?
Kylian Mbappe has to be in the picture. He’s left PSG, he’ll be wanting to make a big statement on his arrival in Madrid, and he’ll just go for it. When you’re looking at this market you have to go for finalists. Mine has to be Mbappe!
Who’s Winning the Player of the tournament?
Mbappe might double up here. We’re talking about UEFA here and they’re not going to go for somebody who plays really well through all the games and loses. They love the big names and I think they will be swayed by France winning it.
Who’s your dark horse for the tournament?
I’m wondering how far down the list of favourites we can go for a dark horse? The Greece one was incredible but I’m looking at it thinking who counts as a dark horse, could it be Germany, could it be Belgium with all those great players?
This might not be a surprise to anybody but I’m going for Portugal. When you look at that Portuguese squad you see a team of great talent but are they dark horses? They’ve got the talent to do something big and are not among the main favourites so I think so – just about!
How far will England get?
England will do very well and I’m predicting them to get to the semis. If they do finish top and so do France they could meet at that stage. It hurts me to say but I think England will go out at the semi finals. If I’m going for France to win it all so that means England have to go out at some stage!
How far will Scotland get?
Steve Clarke has done a wonderful job, they’ve got togetherness in the group and they’ve got belief again. I fancy them to get out of the group but maybe not go any further.
If they do get through in second they’ll play either Spain, Italy or Croatia and I’m not sure they have enough to beat them. I fancy them to get out of the group but it’s a Last 16 exit.
Am I Southgate in or Southgate out?
I hope Gareth Southgate’s future is in his own hands, I wouldn’t like him to get the bullet. What he has done for us is unite the nation behind the team and he’s done well in the tournaments.
There will be some cynics saying, ‘Yeah well he didn’t win anything’ but he’s made this team better. He’s now got some wonderful players like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Phil Foden just to name three, and he’s got a really good group.
It’s down to him and if he does get to that position and he does quite well he might walk away. If he said he wanted to carry on it’s not a problem for me. He’s done a good-enough job to carry on if he wants.
Who’s England’s most important player?
It’s got the be Harry Kane. Bellingham is great and is becoming a massive influence. I love the way Phil Foden plays, Bukayo Saka’s great when he’s on form.
Sorry to mention it to you guys but Declan Rice as well. England’s most important player is Harry Kane, I do not want to see him injured. You feel he’s got a goal a game in him with the penalties but, besides that, it’s his personality around the place.
He’s humble, he’s a leader, he’s somebody that you will follow in to battle and he’s got that much presence now within that dressing room that we could not go in to this tournament without him.
Would I rather England win the Euros or Liverpool win the league?
You’re probably asking the wrong person as a life-long Liverpool fan! It’s in my blood and yes I love England and I loved playing for and captaining England. It was fantastic.
You’ve put me on the spot but I have to go for club over country. I would love England to win the Euros but I have to be honest with everyone.
All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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