KUALA LUMPUR: Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen has tipped England or France to triumph in Euro 2024.
The former England striker, who played for English Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester United, believes England's favourable knockout stage draw could give them the edge in Germany, despite the Three Lions never having won the European Championship and finishing as runners-up to Italy in Euro 2020.
"I initially fancied France to take the title, but England's favourable draw could give them a significant edge.
"However, England must elevate their game to capitalise on this opportunity," said Owen during a meet-and-greet session at Aeon Mall in Cheras Selatan, Balakong, on Saturday.
Owen, 45, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2001, also praised France's youthful and formidable squad led by their captain, Kylian Mbappe."Les Bleus have very good players, which makes them a contender," Owen added.
England will face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday, while France will take on Belgium a day later.
Gareth Southgate's squad faced criticism for their erratic form despite topping Group C with five points from three matches but scoring only twice.
Meanwhile, France, two-time world and European champions, advanced from Group D as runners-up with five points.
Owen, one of the most feared strikers in his prime, began his career at Liverpool before moving to Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and finally Stoke City before announcing his retirement in 2013.
He won his only English Premier League title with Manchester United in the 2010-2011 season.