Section value lies with Danes

WITH an odds-on favourite in all eight groups, punters may have a shortlist of teams they want to combine in multiples, but there are reasons to tread cautiously with Group D’s heavyweights, France.

The reigning world champions will be expected to finish top but things may not be as straightforward as 4-9 quotes first appear.

Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe are arguably the most fearsome strike duo in the tournament and their wealth of defensive options mean some big names have missed out on a seat on the plane altogether. But they have their weaknesses, too, and they look light in the centre of midfield and could be made to curse injuries to World Cup winners Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.

Didier Deschamps must also prove he still has what it takes to manage at the top after France failed to beat Portugal and Hungary in group games at Euro 2020, before crashing out in the last 16 against Switzerland.

Les Bleus arrive in Qatar having failed to win five of this year’s six Nations League contests and, although some bettors may opt to take those results with a pinch of salt, Denmark twice had France’s measure then. The Danes, who were semi-finalists at Euro 2020 last summer, are on the upgrade and look a more cohesive unit than France, suggesting they are overpriced to frank that form.

Kasper Hjulmand’s squad consists predominantly of players who ply their trade in one of Europe’s elite leagues and, while it looks like a match between them and France, the 11-4 available makes them the value play. Best bet

Denmark to win Group D 1pt 11-4 general