As you all already know, the coronavirus pandemic has robbed us all of our football action since the Euro 2020 has been moved to 2021.
Euro 2020 was due to kick off on June 12 in Rome, Italy. Now, the dates have been moved to June 11 to July 11 of next calendar year.
With the European showpiece competition pushed for another year, expect these teams to do as much as they can to beef up.
My SBOBET colleague pointed out that prior to the postponement, England were the Euro 2020 odds favourites to win the whole thing at 5.00 in the 1×2 market, but a lot can happen in a year.
Portugal will look for a repeat while other teams such as France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain are gunning for the Henri Delaunay trophy as well.
While we’re waiting for our sporting events to resume, let’s take a super early look on some games to watch out for next year.
Spain vs Poland
Spain and Poland offer a mouthwatering matchup given their propensity to score.
With standouts like Oyarzabal, Fabian Ruiz, Isco, Lewandowski, Piatek, and Milik, the list goes on and on when we discuss about who can supply us with Euro 2020 highlights.
While this looks to be a win for Spain because of their very deep lineup, expect Poland to bring out all their guns as they have some interesting young pieces.
Krzysztof Piatek and Arkadiusz Milik are two dangerous players to look out for if you’re Spain’s manager as they can hit the woodwork and light you up.
Before transferring to Hertha BSC, Piatek emerged as AC Milan’s top striker while Milik led Napoli to a good run in the Serie A and in the Champions League.
Lewandowski, of course, is already a given so expect the Spaniards to key in on him too.
As for Spain, they need to figure out on who will be their goalkeeper moving forward since Kepa Arrizabalaga is not in good form. Meanwhile, David De Gea’s fitness might be a concern since he’s not getting any younger.
England vs Czech Republic
The Three Lions look to be the hot favourites to win the Euro 2020 championship, but can they live up to the promise and end their 54 years of hurt?
Their journey will start in Group D as they will face Croatia and Czech Republic in the draw.
Their match against Czech Republic offers an intriguing matchup especially since they faced each other already in the tournament’s group stages.
In their first match, England dominated Czech Republic with a 5-0 tally. However, the Czechs got their revenge by dealing the Three Lions their first loss of the competition.
England, like the other teams here, have a bevy of talent in their lineup. However, their fate lies on the hands of the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.
Harry Kane is England’s top scorer but his fitness has always been a concern if you’re Gareth Southgate. The Tottenham striker has been dealing with a hamstring issue that’s bothered him for quite some time now.
On the other hand, Raheem Sterling’s form is also a concern for the Three Lions. The Manchester City forward has yet to net a goal for this calendar year.
Czech Republic have the pieces to hurt the Three Lions. They have Vladimir Darida and Patrik Schick who can create opportunities for their teammates. And with England’s goalkeeper yet to be figured out, this match might be closer than you think.
France vs Portugal
In what will be a rematch of the Euro 2016 finals, France and Portugal are set to clash in Group F aptly called as the Group of Death.
Cristiano Ronaldo, of course, is the main man for Portugal and he will lead the team for championship anew alongside the likes of Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes.
Even with his advancing age, Ronaldo is as talismanic as ever given he continues to spoil us with noteworthy highlights every match.
While struggling playing for Atleti, Joao Felix is a young can’t-miss prospect capable of scoring goals too. Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes offer quality and creativity down at the midfield.
Les Bleus are still in search of their first Euro title for over two decades. They last won it back in 1998 when Didier Deschamps led his nation to the promise land.
This time, Deschamps is their coach and he’ll have the task of guiding his club to one more title.
Kylian Mbappe is one of the best out there and he’s only 21 years old. Mbappe, alongside the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, and Olivier Giroud form a super dangerous attacking partnership that will wreak havoc against their opponents.
Portugal got the best of them the last time they met and for sure we can expect a lot more fireworks in this highly-anticipated rematch.
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