As Euro 2024 progresses, new data from Entain shows that only 20% of UK bets are backing England, despite the Three Lions securing the top spot in Group C.
In contrast, Portuguese fans demonstrated the highest level of patriotism with 60% betting on their home team, followed by Spain at 49%, Germany at 44% and France at 30%.
The most bet-on match so far was England’s opener against Serbia, where Jude Bellingham’s goal secured the only win for the Three Lions.
Entain’s analysis of its UK sportsbooks, Ladbrokes and Coral, also revealed that the percentage of outright bets on England to win the tournament has decreased from 21% in 2021 to 13% in 2024.
This decline suggests that British bettors have lost faith in their team after a lacklustre group stage performance.
The number of outright bets placed by UK customers has also more than doubled (121%) for Euro 2024 compared to the same period in 2021, indicating heightened engagement among football fans.
Commenting on these trends, 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.”