Jose Mourinho makes surprising prediction for Euro 2024 winner

Jose Mourinho has made a surprising prediction ahead of Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate’s England side enter the summer’s European Championships in Germany among the favourites, alongside Didier Deschamps’ star-studded and experienced France side.

Meanwhile, Portugal, managed by Roberto Martinez, boasts a side that includes Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

And former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid boss Mourinho has tipped his native Portugal to claim this summer’s Euros.

“For me, it's one of the three strongest teams,” Mourinho said at a tribute event for his father in Vila do Conde via the Mail Online. “Portugal, France and England.

“Surprises can happen, yes. But looking at the quality and quantity of players, I think Portugal has to go there to win.”

Mourinho added: “Now we are at the Euros, with a coach who has done a great job and a great generation of players. I want it to go well, which is to win.

“Winning will continue and go to the World Cup. If it has to happen one day, it will happen. I didn't have any invitation from any Portuguese club.”

Mourinho, meanwhile, revealed in an interview with Fabrizio Romano earlier this year that he was offered the opportunity to take charge of Portugal just months before losing his job at Roma.

Mourinho turned down the Portugal job before being sacked by Roma (Getty)

“My feeling with Portugal is I had the door open twice, 'Please come and the place is yours'”, he said. “Once was when I was in Real Madrid and the objective was to be the Portuguese coach in a part-time and when I realised the president, Florentino [Perez] told me it's not possible.

“Easy to accept, the second time, do I regret not taking it? Because a few months later I was sacked in Rome. I don't regret.

“I don't regret because the reason why I didn't accept, I'm happy with the reason, so I don't regret to coach a national team tomorrow is an objective, if you ask me tomorrow I am not sure I was going to be happy.”

Topics: Euro 2024, England, France, Portugal, Jose Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Southgate

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.