With the conclusion of last night’s Euro 2020 fixture between France and Germany, each team has now completed one match at this summers’ tournament.
There were plenty of talking points from Matchday one, excellent victories, shock results, wonder goals – all paling into insignificance follow Christian Eriksen’s health-scare.
So, here’s what to watch out for on Matchday two.
The battle of Britain
There are some big games to look forward to in this round of Euro 2020 fixtures.
On Friday, we have the battle of Britain. England welcome Scotland to Wembley Stadium in a crucial match for both sides, with fireworks to be expected.
Even without tournament football, England vs Scotland is a special occasion – a great international rivalry in every sense.
However, a place in the round of 16 adds another dimension to the game.
England started their Euro 2020 campaign well with a 1-0 victory against Croatia, whilst Scotland slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Czech Republic in their first international tournament game in 23 years.
With victory over Scotland on Friday, England could all but confirm their spot in the next round – and while this is expected of them, a place in the last 16 would taste so much sweeter if it was secured against Scotland.
Whereas, for the Tartan Army, failure to even pick up one point will leave them in a dire spot in the race to progress from Group D.
The countdown to Friday night is on.
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The group of death
Ah, the ‘Group of death’.
A fixture of every international tournament, the term referring to the group with the most difficult combination of teams in.
At Euro 2020, this is Group F.
After an impressive opening pair of fixtures in the group, Portugal getting the best of, the unfortunately included, Hungary. Whilst France defeated Germany in a real clash of titans.
This time out we will see France facing Hungary, but, more enticingly, reigning champions Portugal versus Germany.
Portugal come into the game knowing a victory, barring a miracle from Hungary, will secure them qualification from the group of death.
Whereas, Germany know anything but a victory could mean they’ll be leaving their qualification hopes up to being one of the best third place teams.
Both sides are very well balanced and similarly quality, meaning a huge game is ahead of us.
Tight groups taking shape
Ahead of Matchday two beginning, statistically, Group A and Group E are the tightest.
On Matchday one, Italy defeated Turkey 3-0, whilst Wales and Switzerland fought to a 1-1 draw.
In Group E saw Slovakia beat Poland 2-1, whilst Spain dominated Sweden in a 0-0 draw.
On Matchday two, we will be looking for some clarity in these groups.
Group A is more simple, Italy are the clear favourites, both on paper and in the standings, being the only team to win their opening game in the group.
This means that it is a straight fight between the three remaining teams for the runners-up spot.
Whereas, in Group E, Spain are the clear favourites on paper, but slumped to a 0-0 draw against a resolute Sweden – after having a jaw-dropping 85% possession.
This leaves Slovakia on-top of the group, leaving Spain in a tight position, making their fixture against Poland a must-win if they’re to stay in the race for top spot.
Plenty to look forward to in both groups.
Featured image credit: The FA
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