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In an interview with TNT Sports, former England defender Rio Ferdinand asked Mourinho about his Euro predictions, including champion, runner-up, surprise of the tournament, top scorer, best player, and the Ballon d’Or winner. In the first two categories, the 61-year-old coach chose Portugal and England without much hesitation.
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Coach Jose Mourinho (R) talks to midfielder Jude Bellingham after the Champions League final on June 1, 2024. Photo by Reuters |
Portugal won their only Euro title to date in 2016, when they beat France 1-0 in extra time thanks to striker Eder's goal. England have never won the tournament and only reached the final once in 2021, losing to Italy in the penalty shootout. Portugal is Mourinho's home country, and England is where he worked the longest as the manager of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham.
"Anyone outside Portugal, France, and England because I think these three are the favorites. Even countries like Germany or others could be surprises," Mourinho said about the surprise of the tournament.
Although Mourinho believes that Portugal will be crowned, he thinks the two important individual awards at the Euro will go to England.
"Harry Kane will be the top scorer, and Jude Bellingham will win player of the tournament," said the Fenerbahce coach.
According to Opta, the players who have a high chance to compete for top scorer include Kylian Mbappe, Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku, and Alvaro Morata. The all-time scoring record at the Euros belongs to Ronaldo with 14 goals, five more than second-place Michel Platini.
The Euro will be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14.
When asked about the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, Mourinho did not think of any player in the Euro and instead chose Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid player, who won the Champions League this year, has the best chance of winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career. He is preparing to join Brazil at the 2024 Copa America in the U.S. from June 20 to July 14.
