France, Netherlands clash in Group D at Euro 2024

Two of Europe’s powers are grouped together but France has shown they have been the better

side of late. They made the 2022 World Cup Final and beat the Netherlands twice in qualifying.

Austria and Poland round out Group D but all signs point to Les Bleus coming out on top.

Group Winner: France -185

After a heartbreaking loss to Argentina at the 2022 World Cup France will look to make another

deep run, this time in Germany. Les Bleus are the second choice to win Euro 2024 as they look

for their third title at this tournament. France are led by Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann

but also have a talented young crop of players. They’ll open against Austria, then face the

Netherlands, in what likely determines who wins the group, and Poland will be France’s final

opponent.

Key player: Kylian Mbappé

He is no stranger to performing on the biggest stage as Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick in

Qatar in the final. He will be counted on to lead France again and was the first player in

Europe’s top five leagues to be directly involved in 40+ goals across all competitions in 2023/24

and it only took him 34 games.

Group Winner: Netherlands +275

It’s been 36 years since the Netherlands won its only major international trophy, the 1988 Euros.

Two years ago they were eliminated in the quarters in Qatar and at the 2020 Euros, were upset

in the round of 16 by the Czech Republic after going 3-0 in the group stage. Ronald Koeman

has some big names on his roster and could gel into a dangerous side especially into the

knockout stage.

Key player: Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay is already second in most goals for the Dutch with 44. Since moving to Atlético

Madrid his production has waned but scored some timely goals for his club. He’ll be the focal

point of Holland’s attack.

Group Winner: Austria +820

Austria makes its third straight appearance at the Euros, reaching the knockout stage for the

first time in 2020. They would lose to eventual champions, Italy. Austria was impressive in

qualifying finishing 6-1-1 with its only loss to Belgium. There is some experience on this squad

and Ralf Rangnick, the former Manchester United interim head coach, is in charge. But Austria

is in tough and its best chance to advance is likely as a top third-place finisher.

Group Winner: Poland +1200

Poland had to qualify through a playoff but are playing in their fifth straight major tournament.

They were knocked out in the round of 16 in Qatar by France. And just like Austria, Poland is

likely aiming for a third-place finish, and hoping it’s enough to get them through.