The Euro 2020 tournament is nearing the knockout stage. Before we get to the elimination rounds, however, the teams must play their final group stage matchdays.
On Tuesday, June 22, England and the Czech Republic will meet at Wembley Stadium with first place in Group D on the line. Meanwhile, playing simultaneously, Scotland play Croatia at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
The winner could finish second or third in the group, thus qualifying for the knockout stage.
Group D is an exciting group, perhaps far more exciting than anyone expected. Progression for all four teams will come down to the final day of Group D play.
Czech Republic vs. England
The Czech Republic have been the surprise package in the group. While they were expected to fight for second or third place in Group D, they have shocked onlookers with a 2-0 win over Scotland and 1-1 draw with Croatia.
As of Saturday, June 19, Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick is the tournament’s leading scorer. He has been brilliant thus far and even scored a goal from the halfway line against Scotland.
England have been disappointing. They narrowly won against Croatia 1-0 before being held by Scotland nil-nil. At no point have England looked dangerous in attack. Yes, the defence has played well, although Scotland had several near chances to score. In fact, England needed a goal-line clearance to keep the Scots out and preserve a nil-nil draw.
The Three Lions just haven’t been good in attack. Everyone expected the likes of Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, and Raheem Sterling to create chances. Against Scotland, they had just one shot hit the target.
These teams have met four times in their histories with England winning twice, drawing once, and losing once. On paper, England should win this game, but based on form, don’t be surprised to see the Czechs get a point. If the game ends in a draw, the Czech Republic will win Group D.
Result: England win or draw
Croatia vs. Scotland
Scotland are playing in their first major international tournament since 1998. They haven’t been bad at all despite losing their Euro 2020 opener to the Czechs 2-0.
Croatia were runners-up at the 2018 World Cup, but shortly after that tournament, began the decline they currently find themselves in. Their loss to England was a narrow one with a second-half goal deciding the game. Against the Czechs, Croatia had to come from behind to draw as Ivan Perisic’s 47th-minute goal canceled out a Schick first-half penalty.
Scotland have played very hard at the tournament. They must win to get through to the next round. A draw does them no good as Croatia have a better goal difference. Anway, a draw would put both teams on two points, making them NOT one of the four best third-place teams.
These sides must go out to win the game. Therefore, we could see goals as both sides push for a goal. Expect goals to be scored as a win could send one of the teams through while the loser will go home.
Over 2.5 goals could be scored. Don’t count out the Scots, but Croatia should edge them in the end for the win and potential progression to the last 16.
Result: Croatia to win
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