Surprise showings at Euro 2016 punishing punters

IF these European Championships have done anything, they’ve surely confused near enough every single football fan in the country.

With the expanded set-up, teams who finished third were suddenly given a great chance of going through to the knockout stages and finding value bets became harder.

Despite playing poorly in the weakest group of them all, Portugal have sneaked through with draws against Austria, Iceland and Hungary – hardly Europe’s elite.

A late Iceland goal means England will dodge Cristiano Ronaldo in the last 16 but can we really go all the way?

Non-League fans know all about Jamie Vardy and his amazing rise from Stocksbridge Park Steels to Premier League winner via FC Halifax Town and Fleetwood.

He may just be able to provide that bit of magic tight games need and if you do fancy England to win it all, they are 8/1 at the William Hill Euro 2016 site.

The story of the tournament so far has definitely been the surprise showings from the smaller nations which may have pleased the bookmakers as punters struggle to get their predictions right.

No team has won all three of their group games so it really is all to play for and no country has really stood out from the crowd.

Spain were looking formidable after their thrashing of the woeful Turkey until they were undone by the ruthless Croatia.

We all know how efficient the Germans are but even in winning two and not conceding a goal in all three games, they’ve hardly frightened the competition. Their lack of a top class striker – Mario Gomez won’t be giving too many defenders sleepless nights – may be their biggest problem.

Italy were brilliant against the Belgians in their opener but have tailed off and the hosts France have relied on late goals to see them through so far.

While many lambasted Roy Hodgson for the decision to make six changes for the Slovakia game – and thus putting us in the harder side of the draw – England have got all the ingredients needed.

The defence has been surprisingly sturdy, Wayne Rooney has looked inspired and with Vardy as well as Daniel Sturridge and Harry Kane, we’ve got firepower up front.

Will we finally end 50 years of hurt? If the Three Lions can dispose of Iceland with a confident and ruthless performance, you just never know.