Euro 2016 betting: Michael Owen's tips for semi-finals, Wales vs Portugal, France vs Germany

The former England striker still backs Die Mannschaft to go all the way

Bale greets the visiting Wales fans in Lille at full-time (Getty)

We are down to the last four in Euro 2016 and brand ambassador Michael Owen refuses to waver from his conviction that Germany will add the European crown to their World Cup success gained in Brazil two years ago.

Portugal v Wales

I’ve not been impressed with the Portuguese and they have reached the last four despite not having won a single game in 90 minutes in the tournament so far. Wednesday’s semi will be the first time the nations have met in a competitive game and I am slightly surprised to see Portugal such firm favourites; I expect it to be very close and go all the way to extra-time and possibly penalties.

I see Bet Victor have a couple of interesting markets on how the two Real Madrid superstars will fare and one interesting stat from the guys at Opta - Gareth Bale has scored with two of five direct free kicks he has taken during the tournament so far yet Cristiano Ronaldo has never scored with any of the 41 direct free kicks he has taken in major tournaments!

Michael’s recommendations:

Game to finish in a draw - 21/10

Under 2.5 goals - 1/2

France v Germany

The only goal Germany have conceded in Euro 2016 was from the penalty spot in Saturday’s quarter-final against Italy and the hosts won’t find Die Mannschaft in as benevolent a mood as Iceland were in Paris on Sunday evening.

Thomas Muller has never scored a goal in ten games at the Euros – and missed his penalty against the Azzurri at the weekend – but he is likely to play as the sole striker for Germany, in the absence of Mario Gomez, against Les Bleus and he might be able to get that particular monkey off his back in Marseille.

Michael’s recommendations:

Thomas Muller to score anytime - 85/40

Both teams to score - 21/20