Euro 2024 is fast approaching and already there is a buzz around the tournament. This edition of the prestigious football competition will take place in Germany and gets under way on 13 June. The first game will feature the host nation going up against Scotland, in Munich. Berlin will be the venue city for the final, which will be held on 14 July.
England are the favourites to lift the trophy, due to their impressive form in the scores and odds. Below is a look at why this is the case. Of course, you don’t have to just sit at home, checking scores and odds and following games from your sofa, so this article will also look at some of the best places in Harrogate to head to and cheer on the Lions.
Southgate’s men are the favourites
As the tournament progresses and the scores and odds get posted, you may find another nation becomes the favourite to hoist the trophy in Berlin. Right now, however, Southgate’s men are the favourites to become the outright winners of the tournament at 10/3.
At Euro 2020, England were also the favourites, but not from the outset. This time it’s a different story. The team boasts some outstanding attacking players who have all been in tremendous form this season. Up front, they’ll have Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Out on the flank, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden will be serving the side. Declan Rice will be playing in the midfield. That’s five of Europe’s top players all heading to Germany at the height of their game.
If not England, bookmakers see France as the men to walk away with the trophy. France come in just behind England with odds of 7/2. They have Kylian Mbappe, possible the best player in the world just now and, as their manager, Didier Duchamps, who has seen it all and done it all as a player. France won Euro 2018 and made it to the 2022 World Cup final. They’re going to be a tough side to beat, but check the scores and odds anyway if you’re betting.
Now, the question is, where can you catch the action in Harrogate?
Alexandra
Alexandra, at Prospect Place, like the rest of England, is gearing up for the Euros and inviting football fans to come in, enjoy some classic pub meals and drinks with friends while the tournament is on. Football fans will be able to catch every game of the tournament on the establishment’s large HD screens and sip drinks from its new drinks package, designed specially for the Euros.
Alexandra’s doesn’t just cater for Euro 2024 enthusiasts, however. If you want to catch a big boxing event, such as Tyson Fury vs Alexander Usyk, or some Formula 1 motor racing, the venue is happy to oblige. Why not visit the pub’s website and book a table?
Christies Bar
Christie’s Bar is located at 20 Kings Road, in the centre of Harrogate, and is inviting punters to make a stop at the bar to cheer on the Lions. Christie’s Bar opens each day from 12 midday to 12 midnight and will be especially welcoming fans for England’s clashes against Serbia (16 June), Denmark (20 June) and Slovenia (25 June).
Like Alexandra, this pub does a range of pies, including steak and peppercorn, chicken tikka, cheese and onion and sausage and bean. Cask ales, craft beers, spirits, wines and soft drinks are all available if you’re just going for a tipple while England compete for glory. There are a number of screens making it easy to stay on top of the scores and odds when there are two games kicking off at the same time.
The Den
If you like either live music or sports, The Den, on Cambridge Road, is the place to be. Opening hours vary, with the earliest opening time being 11.00 am (Saturday) and the latest being 5.00 pm (Monday and Tuesday). Come the weekend, the bar welcomes punters through its doors at previously mentioned Saturday opening time and, on Sunday, at 12.00 midday. The good news is that weekends are a later closing affair as well. Friday, it’s open till 1.30 am and Saturday till 2.00 am.
The Den boasts BT Sport and Sky Sports on its channels. You can catch the action on one of its 7 HD TV screens and two HD projectors. When half time arrives, you can pass the interlude with a spot of pool on one of its four pool tables. The Den has free WiFi meaning you can keep track of the scores and odds throughout.
Ivory Bar
The Ivory Bar is a cocktail bar, club and lounge that comes alive at the weekends. Not only can you catch the Euros there, but also other sports such as rugby or cricket, depending the season. Situated at 2 The Ginnel, the Ivory Bar will suit night owls since it closes at 2.30 am on Fridays and Saturdays and at midnight all other days.
The bars above are all splendid for catching Euro 2024. If none of them take your fancy, you might wish to try Hales Bar, a traditional bar at 1-3 Crescent Road which also offers karaoke, acoustic music and a “cheesy” music party.
