Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
The first international break post-World Cup immediately turns the focus towards the next international tournament, as the Euro 2024 qualifiers kick-off.
20 of the 23 remaining spots in Germany next summer will be decided by November, with UEFA setting up an eight-month campaign to qualify for the finals.
Ahead of the opening qualifiers on Thursday, below is a look at each group alongside a 797/1 winners acca and a 35/1 to qualify treble. You can back both of those with bet365, where new customers can claim £30 in free bets by placing a £10 bet through the link below!
Euro 2024 qualifiers group by group preview
Group A
Teams: Spain, Scotland, Norway, Georgia, Cyprus
Where better to start than with the biggest potential upset in the qualifying campaign? While Scotland will be hopeful of a top two finish, it’s hard to see anything but a Spain-Norway top-two.
Picking between those two is where it gets interesting. Erling Haaland is in brilliant form and through him alone the Norwegians have more attacking threat than the Spanish can muster. In Martin Odegaard, they also have a midfield creator who could walk into the Spain side.
Spain struggled in the World Cup, failing to beat Germany, Japan and Morocco in their last 16 exit in Qatar. As Norway’s young side continues to grow on this stage, this campaign could be their breakthrough given that they boast top talent from around Europe’s top teams.
Winner: Norway
Group B
Teams: Netherlands, France, Republic of Ireland, Greece, Gibraltar
The first of two heavyweight matchups could be decided in the opener, as the Netherlands head to Paris to meet France without Frenkie de Jong.
It’s hard to see any way the Irish can muscle their way into the top two, while Greece will be content with their playoff spot through the Nations League.
The French and Dutch should claim places at the Euros. Given the continuity the beaten World Cup finalists have, back them to top the pool.
Winner: France
Group C
Teams: Italy, England, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Malta
England will get a top threat in their qualifying campaign, although defending champions Italy will likely be more focused on North Macedonia. Their bid to make the 2022 World Cup saw a shock exit to North Macedonia in the playoffs last year, but their fortunes should turn around in this campaign.
Despite taking a step forward under Gareth Southgate, England’s only competitive win over a major nation during his reign came against a struggling German team at home during Euro 2020. They picked up one point across two meetings with Italy during last year’s Nations League, so back Roberto Mancini’s side to take top spot.
Winner: Italy
Group D
Teams: Croatia, Wales, Armenia, Turkey, Latvia
Wales begin life without Gareth Bale in this qualifying campaign, which is likely to make this campaign a transition year. However, they’re not alone in that regard as Croatia’s ageing squad returns after finishing third at the World Cup.
That offers an opening for Turkey to win Group D after they pushed the Dutch in World Cup qualifying. They finished just two points shy of the Netherlands and lost to Portugal in the playoffs. They will be stern opposition for Croatia and are capable of securing first place.
Winner: Turkey
Group E
Teams: Poland, Czech Republic, Albania, Faroe Islands, Moldova
This group should see Poland through to a fifth consecutive Euros, with the Czechs and Albania battling it out for second.
Poland have won 23 of their last 31 qualifying games and they’ve got a fantastic home record, so landing a group like this looks like a real gift.
Winner: Poland
Group F
Teams: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Estonia
The Roberto Martinez era is over for Belgium, but their golden generation isn’t quite done yet. Domenico Tedesco is a step up on Martinez and should make an improvement for a group of players who are likely chasing their final shot at glory in 2024.
The Belgians have an incredible qualifying record in recent years and there’s little to suggest that Austria or Sweden can get close to the pair. The main interest in this group will likely be who takes second place behind the Red Devils.
Winner: Belgium
Group G
Teams: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuania
While Hungary are a technically gifted side, they should fear a Serbia team which pipped Portugal to top spot in World Cup qualifying.
While the Serbians failed to deliver at the tournament, they’ve got a brilliantly balanced side and some incredible attacking options, so they’re unlikely to be stopped.
Winner: Serbia
Group H
Teams: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland, San Marino
While Denmark struggled in Qatar they were semi-finalists at Euro 2020 and they remain one of the most effective teams in Europe.
The Danes are one of the shortest sides to take top spot at 1/7 but it’s hard to pick out any side capable of pushing them. Outside of San Marino, the rest of the pool will have hopes of taking second with Denmark likely to prove too strong.
Winner: Denmark
Group I
Teams: Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Kosovo, Belarus, Andorra
The Swiss were able to topple Italy in their World Cup qualifying group before making the last 16 in Qatar. They also had a strong showing at Euro 2020, sending France packing on their run to the quarters.
The Swiss are one of international football’s most consistent sides and with little turnover in their squad expect them to top a group where Israel and Romania aren’t likely to provide much of a threat.
Winner: Switzerland
Group J
Teams: Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Liechtenstein
Portugal needed the playoffs to make the World Cup but they should have little problem securing first place in a group where there’s no match for their quality.
Bosnia finished a disappointing fourth in World Cup qualifying, while Iceland ended up fifth behind Armenia in their group. Slovakia look like they could make a push for second, but it’s hard to see any side matching the Portuguese.
Winner: Portugal
Euro 2024 Qualifying group winners acca
Euro 2024 Qualifying outsiders treble
I’ve also picked three standout options to finish in the top two below, which can be backed at 35/1. Sweden are on for a seventh-straight appearance at the Euros next year and they look capable of beating Austria to a top-two finish. Meanwhile, Slovakia can make the most of being drawn behind Bosnia, Iceland and Luxembourg – all of which struggled during the previous round of qualifiers.
My big outsider is Northern Ireland, who welcome back Michael O’Neill for this qualifying campaign. Before departing for Stoke, O’Neill took NI to Euro 2016 as group winners, before securing a qualifying play-off place for the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020. Finland, Slovenia and Kazakhstan are beatable opponents for the Ulstermen and they’re huge value at 7/1.
Build better bets with our free betting tips, predictions and accumulators, every day.
Two 10/1 accas headline Sunday’s winners
Steve Palmer’s 2023 golf majors acca
Betting Academy: See our complete guide to football betting
Today’s football tips & accumulators
Free Super Tips is the home of Free Football Tips. Make sure to take a look at our most popular betting tips, such as our Accumulator Tips and Both Teams To Score Tips.
