In this post, we’re taking a look at the Euro 2024 Group E odds as we give you tips and preview all the betting and fixtures.
Teams In Euro 2024 Group E
Belgium | Romania | Slovakia | Ukraine
Belgium
Nickname: Die Roten Teufel (The Red Devils)
FIFA Ranking: 3
Manager: Domenico Tedesco
Previous Best Finish at the Euros: Runners-Up (1980)
Finish at Euro 2020: Quarter Final
Belgium secured qualification for Euro 2024 following a 20-point total where they went unbeaten in qualifying with 6 wins and 2 draws from their games against Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan and Estonia.
That record meant they finished 1 point ahead of runner-up Austria after scoring 22 goals and only conceding 4 goals.
Belgium started their European Qualifying journey using variations of a 4-1-3-2 and 4-2-3-1. However, towards the end of qualifying and at the start of 2024 they’ve seemingly settled on a 4-3-3 formation. Belgium tend to dominate possession averaging 61.3% and with a pass-completion of 87.5% it’s no surprise with the quality their squad possesses although they only average 13.9 shots per game.
Captain De Bruyne (32) will be their main man come Euro 2024 but with the magician due to turn 33 in June this may be his last opportunity to earn silverware with Belgium something he deserves with 99 caps and 26 goals to date. His club teammate Jeremy Doku (21) will offer another dynamic to his attack with his electric pace and showstopping skills.
While Belgium do possess quality throughout the pitch, their so-called “better” players are getting on in years with many of their main stars retiring in recent years. This may not be the strongest Belgian side we’ve seen in recent years.
Romania
Nickname: Tricolorii (The Tricolours)
FIFA Ranking: 46
Manager: Edward Iordănescu
Previous Best Finish at the Euros: Quarter Final (2000)
Finish at Euro 2020: N/a
Romania qualified for Euro 2024 by going unbeaten with 6 wins and 4 draws from their 10 games against Switzerland, Israel, Belarus, Kosovo and Andorra. That put them 5 points clear of 2nd placed Switzerland and while they only scored 16 goals their defence was watertight with only 5 conceded.
They seem to be a very tactically versatile side, utilising 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, 5-4-1 and 4-1-4-1 throughout qualifying. It’ll be interesting to see how they set themselves up at Euro 2024 and the pre-tournament friendlies against Bulgaria and Liechtenstein might give a greater indication to their plan. Romania struggle going forward though with only 22 goals across their 16 matches with 13.9 shots per game.
Although their squad is more about the sum of its parts rather than being boosted by “top-class” talent there are names to watch in the team with plenty of players plying their trade in Italy. Their Captain Nicolae Stanciu (30) has 14 goals in 68 caps and their striker George Puscas (28) could pose a threat with 11 goals in his 41 caps.
My primary worry with Romania is where the goals come aside from the aforementioned Stanciu (30) and Puscas (28) no player in the squad is likely to have more goals than (7) so they will need to be very tight at the back to stand a chance of getting out of the group.
Slovakia
Nickname: Sokoli (The Falcons)
FIFA Ranking: 48
Manager: Francesco Calzona
Previous Best Finish at the Euros: Winners (1976)
Finish at Euro 2020: Group Stage
Slovakia qualified for Euro 2024 by finishing runners-up in their qualifying Group coming 8 points behind group winners Portugal with a record of 7 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats from their games against the aforementioned Portugal, Luxembourg, Iceland, Liechtenstein Bosnia and Herzegovina scoring 17 and conceding 8.
The Slovaks have been steadfast in their 4-3-3 formation from their qualifying campaign into the friendlies from 2024. Interestingly while they lost to Portugal in both group games it was by a sole goal each time 0-1 and 3-2 which gives grounds for optimism considering the former's domination during qualifying. They average 60.1% of possession and complete 84.5% of their passes although that came against weaker sides.
Their squad is likely to include Captain and PSG defender Škriniar (29) who is one of the best in Europe on his day and will be crucial to their defensive effort. A breakout star could be winger Sauer (18) of Feyenoord who was capped for the first time in 2024 but could be their ace in the pack.
Slovakia have started 2024 in poor form losing 0-2 against Austria and drawing 1-1 against an out-of-form Norway. Their upcoming June friendlies against San Marino and Wales should shed some light on their Euro 2024 prospects.
Ukraine
Nickname: Синьо-жовті (The Blue and Yellow)
FIFA Ranking: 22
Manager: Serhiy Rebrov
Previous Best Finish at the Euros: Quarter Final (2020)
Finish at Euro 2020: Quarter Final
Ukraine came third in their original qualifying group behind runaway winners England but did finish on the same points tally (14) as 2nd placed Italy. They secured qualification through playoff path B defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-2 and Iceland 2-1.
Ukraine usually uses either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. Their overall statistics don’t overly inspire with 10.6 shots per game an average of 52.3 of possession, 84.9% pass completion and just 10.1 aerials won. The first and last statistic for me is the most illuminating with them struggling to create chances while also not having an aerially dominant nature to fall back on against stronger sides at Euro 2024.
They do boost some fine talent though from clubs across Europe’s Elite, Andrey Lunin (25) of Real Madrid needs a mammoth tournament while their 3rd Captain and Arsenal defender/midfielder Zinchenko (27) is their most likely top performer.
The squad possesses quality and did draw 1-1 against England and 0-0 against Italy during qualifying. Despite this, it’s unclear where the goals will come from at Euro 2024 with only a handful of their squad being consistent scorers.
Euro 2024 Group E Odds
Team | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Belgium | 2/5 | 71.4% |
Ukraine | 11/2 | 15.4% |
Romania | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Slovakia | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Despite the “golden generation” getting on in years, Belgium, in a relatively weaker group, are deserving of 2/5 favourites status. Ukraine have shown themselves to be hard to beat and can be gotten at 11/2. Romania 6/1 and Slovakia 10/1 are not expected to make much of a dent in the group.
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Euro 2024 Group E Fixtures
Group E Matchday 1
Romania vs Ukraine - 2 pm, 17th June 2024, Munich Football Arena, Munich
Belgium vs Slovakia - 5 pm, 17th June 2024, Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt
Group E Matchday 2
Slovakia vs Ukraine - 2 pm, 21st June 2024, Dusseldorf Football Arena, Dusseldorf
Belgium vs Romania - 8 pm, 22nd June 2024, Cologne Stadium, Cologne
Group E Matchday 3
Slovakia vs Romania - 5 pm, 26th June 2024, Waldstadion, Frankfurt
Ukraine vs Belgium - 5 pm, 26th June 2024, Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart
Euro 2024 Group E Tips & Prediction
Group E Winner
Belgium have been drawn in one of the weaker groups on paper and despite their golden generation getting on in years should be far too good for everyone here.
Man City stars De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku will be 2 to watch to see how they cope following a taxing season with City.
Tip: Belgium to win Group E @ 2/5.
Group E 2nd Place
Going for a shock here, Slovakia to me look well placed to cause a few shocks at Euro 2024 having gone close with Portugal during their qualifying games that form should stand up.
10/1 could be great value for the group win
Group E 3rd Place
Ukraine had a terrific tournament at Euro 2020 reaching the Quarter Final and will have a squad with stars from the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea.
However, I’m concerned about their ability to score goals and their underlying numbers even when drawing against England and Italy.
Group E 4th Place
Having missed out on the last tournament the former Quarter Finalists will be delighted to return to the biggest stage for European International Football.
Personally, I can’t see them coming close to qualifying out of the group though.
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*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
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