As EURO 2024 unfolds, data from Entain reveals that only 20% of UK bets are backing the England team, despite their strong performance in Group C. This contrasts sharply with Portugal, where 60% of bets are on the national team, making it the most patriotic nation in terms of betting support.
Entain’s analysis highlights that Portugal leads with the highest percentage of patriotic bets, followed by Spain at 49%, Germany at 44%, and France at 30%. Notably, 76% of Portuguese bets are on their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, to be the tournament’s top scorer, despite his current goal tally. This level of patriotism is unmatched by other nations, though Ronaldo also has significant support from fans in Germany (22%) and Austria (20%). Meanwhile, 25% of UK bettors continue to back Harry Kane as the top scorer over international stars like Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe.
England’s most bet-on match so far was their opener against Serbia, featuring Jude Bellingham’s standout performance securing their sole victory. Entain’s deeper analysis of its UK sportsbooks, Ladbrokes and Coral, indicates a decrease in outright bets on England to win the tournament, dropping from 21% in 2021 to 13% in 2024. This suggests a waning confidence among British fans following lackluster performances in the group stage.
The tournament has seen a more competitive betting landscape compared to EURO 2020, with 21% of outright bets on England and 22% on Italy. Hosts Germany have garnered 14% of the bets, while France, Germany, and Spain each hold 13%.
Interestingly, the number of outright bets from UK customers has more than doubled (121%) for EURO 2024 compared to the same period in 2021. This indicates heightened engagement among football fans and increased confidence in their predictions for the tournament outcome.
Jamie MacDonald, Head of Sportsbook Analytics at Entain, said: “There is no denying that the Three Lions have had a lacklustre start to EURO 2024. That’s exactly what we’re seeing in the betting data – a huge contrast to the most patriotic nations of Portugal, Spain and Germany, where fans are backing their home teams.
“Can England turn their nation around and bring it home? It’s all to play for as England enters the Round of 16 this weekend and hopes to ignite the pitch. We love seeing our customers excited, having fun, and being entertained – that’s what this tournament is all about.”
