3 nations hurt by Euro postponement

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The list of benefits that comes with pushing the Euros to 2021 is endless, but from strictly a sporting perspective, the postponement will negatively impact some nations.

That's an important aspect to consider when looking at the futures market, and it's probably best to avoid the following teams at these prices.

Croatia (20-1)

No nation needed the Euros to remain in 2020 quite like Croatia. With an aging core, there's no telling what shape the 2018 World Cup runners-up will be in next summer.

Luka Modric (35 at the start of next year's tournament), Ivan Rakitic (33), Ivan Perisic (32), Dejan Lovren (31), and Domagoj Vida (32) are all on the wrong side of 30. The group was poised to play a key role for Zlatko Dalic's side this summer, but with the tournament postponed a year, both health and form are hardly guarantees come June 2021.

Drawn into Group C, Croatia were set to benefit from facing a weakened England side, giving them a leg up in their push to lead the group. Dealing with some key injuries, the Three Lions would have had to rush back Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford for this summer, with neither forward likely at full health by the start of the tournament.

That will no longer be an issue for England, a team also benefiting from another year of development for the likes of Jadon Sancho, Tammy Abraham, Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, and Joe Gomez, among others.

Belgium (5-1)

There are a few factors working against Belgium as the nation's golden generation appeared set for one more run at international glory.

The main issue comes at the back, where Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld, and Thomas Vermaelen are all at the tail end of their careers. The four defenders have enjoyed excellent runs, but they're clearly on the downswing and there's no telling the kind of form or condition they'll be in a year from now. Belgium are thin defensively, too, which could become a problem in 2021.

In attack, Dries Mertens is producing a terrific campaign, but he'll be 34 at the start of next summer's tournament, while Kevin De Bruyne - who will turn 30 during Euro 2021 - is finally healthy and in superb form. It's no guarantee either of those two will still be playing at their best.

Meanwhile, injuries have been an issue for Eden Hazard, who's struggled throughout his first campaign with Real Madrid. Is this merely an outlier season for him? Or is it a harbinger of what's to come for the winger who will turn 30 at the start of 2021?

Wales (100-1)

The biggest blow dealt to Wales is the strengthening of the country's direct competitors in Group A. Italy have a young side that should benefit from another full year of development, and the Italians will get Nicolo Zaniolo back for 2021 after the Roma forward was originally set to miss this summer's edition.

The same can be said for another young side in Turkey after being drawn against Wales in Group A. Another year of experience could prove vital for them, as will the presence of highly promising Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral, who ruptured his ACL in January and was set to miss the tournament.

Obviously, a lot can still happen in the next 14 months, and nothing is a given with health or development. But with an accomplished Switzerland side rounding out Group A, Wales will be in tough come June 2021.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.