Spain Euro 2020: Team News, Odds & Predictions
3x European champions Spain may not be the force of a decade ago, however they still have what it takes to challenge at Euro 2020 this summer. La Roja won back to back titles in 2008 and 2012, with Luis Enrique’s side having been drawn against Sweden, Slovakia and Poland in Group E this time around. Are Spain one of the favourites to win Euro 2020? On this page, we take a closer look at their chances. This includes discussing their key players and appealing betting markets.
Spain History
Spain first won the European Championships in 1964, before lifting the famous trophy in both 2008 and 2012 too. They beat neighbours Italy 4-0 in the final in 2012, which is when Spain was at the height of their powers. Spain also won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, with an extra time goal from Andres Iniesta handing them a win over Holland. Since 2012, Spain has failed to make it past the Round of 16 at a major tournament, having exited at this stage at both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.
How Spain Qualified for Euro 2020
8 wins and 2 draws from their 10 Group F matches meant that Spain qualified for Euro 2020 with ease. Scoring 31 goals and conceding just 5 in the process, Spain finished five points behind runners-up Sweden, who they will meet again this summer. Spain’s biggest win came in a 7-0 success against Malta, with Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Morata and Rodrigo having finished as the teams’ top scorers, with each having found the back of the net four times.
Spain in Group E
Spain have been handed a good draw for Euro 2020, having avoided many of Europe’s biggest names. However, both Sweden and Poland will provide tough tests for Enrique’s men, with Spain finishing their group campaign against Slovakia. Spain will benefit from their three Group E matches taking place at the home of Sevilla, a ground in which they have played many times in recent years. Below are how Spain’s Euro 2020 fixtures look ahead of the tournament:
- Spain vs Sweden – Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville – June 14 20:00
- Spain vs Poland – Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville – June 19 20:00
- Slovakia vs Spain – Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville – June 23 17:00
Spain Euro 2020: Odds & Predictions
Spain are one of the favourites to win Euro 2020, with the 2008 and 2012 champions being found at best odds of 9/1 with SportNation. Meanwhile, below is how other top UK bookmakers have priced Spain ahead of the tournament this summer:
- Bet365 – 8/1
- Tonybet – 8/1
- 888Sport – 8/1
- SportNation – 9/1
- Betfair – 8/1
- NetBet – 15/2
- William Hill – 8/1
- Ladbrokes – 15/2
Striker Alvaro Morata is 25/1 with Bet365 to win the golden boot award at Euro 2020, while Liverpool midfielder Thiago is 70/1 with Unibet to collect the player of the tournament award. Elsewhere, Spain are 7/2 with William Hill to reach the Euro 2020 final, while they are 3/10 with Betfair to top Group E.
The Manager
Luis Enrique was originally named Spain head coach in July 2018, when he replaced former teammate Fernando Hierro. However, just 11 months later, Enrique quit the role due to personal issues. Enrique returned to the position once more in November 2019, where he has remained since. The former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder has previously managed club teams Roma, Celta and Barcelona. He led Barcelona to the 2015 Champions League title, having been named FIFA World Coach of the Year shortly after. Since returning to his role as Spanish head coach, Enrique has a win ratio of under 50%.
Standout Players
Enrique shocked fans when he left Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos out of the Spanish squad for Euro 2020. In fact, for the first time ever, no Real Madrid players will feature. Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets was hit by Covid-19 shortly before the tournament, with Leeds United’s Rodrigo having been put on stand-by. A number of Premier League players feature, including César Azpilicueta, Rodri, Thiago, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore. Meanwhile, having switched from France to Spain, Aymeric Laporte will likely feature in defence. 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder Pedri is a player to keep an eye on.
Spain’s Strengths & Weaknesses
Spain are well known for their passing game. They will dominate possession against most teams, with the likes of Thiago and Koke providing creativity in midfield. Spain also have the ability to operate in a number of different systems, with Enrique potentially selecting a starting XI without a recognised striker. Spain also have huge experience, with some members of their squad having been present for their success back in 2012.
It remains to be seen as to how Spain will cope in the absence of Sergio Ramos. While the likes of Pau Torres and Laporte are good replacements, they have not played a great deal of football together. This could become clear when they come up against a top striker, such as Poland’s Robert Lewandowski.
Our Prediction for Spain at Euro 2020
We believe that Spain have what it takes to go deep into Euro 2020, however they will most likely come up short. As a result, we recommend that punters bet on Spain to reach the semi-finals, a market that is available at best odds of 7/4 with William Hill. The draw has been favourable to Spain, however their lack of firepower could be an issue, with striker Morata being very much hit and miss.