Euro 2020 Preview (Group E - Poland / Slovakia / Spain / Sweden)

 Team: POLAND

Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Poland
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/109--poland/

Captain: Robert Lewandowski
Key Players: Robert Lewandowski; Wojciech Szczesny; Piotr Zielinski
Potential Breakout Player: Jakub Moder
Notable Absentees: Krzysztof Piatek (injury); Kamil Grosicki (injury)
Best Historical Finish: Quarterfinals (2016)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Quarterfinals

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Wojciech Szczesny (GK - 5m)

Not since the late 1970s and early 1980s have the Polish fans been able to see as good a national side as they have enjoyed in the past decade. This will be their 4th consecutive Euros appearance, having none prior to this run, and they also made it to the 2018 World Cup albeit performing disappointingly. Poland were very impressive in qualifying winning their group which consisted of fellow qualifiers Austria and North Macedonia. Their qualifying campaign saw them stingy defensively conceding only five across the ten games.

This will likely be the final Euros for a number of their key players with six of their likely starters already the wrong side of 30. As they say with age comes experience and the experience they bring with them will be invaluable where progression is inherently possible, with the core of the 2016 quarterfinal edition returning. Let it not be forgot they were only eliminated in a penalty shootout to the eventual winners, Portugal.

The manager (Paulo Sousa) is extremely new on the job, having only taken the reins earlier this year. The tactical formation in play will be a 5-3-2. There will be a battle for the gloves but expect Szczesny to play behind a CB trio of Glik, Bednarek and Helik flanked by two flying wingbacks in Bereszynski and Rybus. The midfield trio of Zielinski, Krychowiak with one from Moder/Klich will play behind Milik and some dude named Robert. Their captain, their talisman and the best number 9 in world football is the key, no surprise there. Lewandowski will be the penalty box predator and with Milik and Zielinski he has two players who bring goal threats from slightly deeper positions as well. For a team built on being defensively sound, they have weapons to hurt you in attack as well. The biggest concern has to be the lack of depth, beyond those named above Linetty and Kedziora, no one has more than 13 caps. The absence of Piatek robs the Poles of a meaningful alternative to the front two.

 

A plethora of very good goalkeeping options, a well structured defence, a midfield full of running with a tinge of guile and Lewandowski. Poland will once more be an intriguing team and one that should be considered a proper dark horse. Poland have a shot at winning this group but should at least be capable of finishing 2nd. Either way the bracket, if unfolding as expected, will set up a manageable second round matchup before an almost certain run-in with a heavyweight in the quarterfinals should they get that far.

Team: SLOVAKIA
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Slovakia
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2016/teams/team=58836/squad/index.html

Captain: Marek Hamsik
Key Players: Marek Hamsik; Milan Skriniar; Juraj Kucka
Potential Breakout Player: Robert Bozenik
Notable Absentee: Martin Skrtel (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Winner (1976 as Czechoslovakia); Second Round (2016)
Minimum Expectation: Qualifying (Already achieved)
How Far Could They Go: Group Stage

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Stay Away!

The less renowned of the former Czechoslovakian countries, Slovakia made their debut at the Euros in 2016 with much of the squad then having played in the country's finest football moments at the World Cup in 2010 where they advanced to the second round while eliminating the then defending World Champion Italians. They are returning eleven of the 2016 squad and somewhat incredibly three starters (still key players no less) from the 2010 World Cup - none are goalkeepers and all play in heavy running roles. 

They had a solid qualifying campaign finishing 3rd behind Croatia and Wales whilst ahead of the also qualified Hungary. Their presence at the tournament is down to their success in the UEFA Nations League where they emerged as winners of the Group B section after winning a penalty shootout against the Irish and then beating the Northern Irish in the final after extra time. Not a group welcome to the shores of Éire in future. They come into the tournament short of form, having been relegated to Group C in the most recent Nations League and having been unable to win against Cyprus, Malta and Bulgaria in 3 of their last 4 games - but they somehow beat the Russians during that stretch.

Their manager has been in the role since 2020 and the team play a fairly rigid 4-5-1 system. The lineup will likely be Dubravka in goal behind a defensive quartet of Pekarik, Skriniar, Hubocan/Vavro and Hancko. The midfield quintet will probably be Lobotka, Hamsik, Kucka, Duda and Mak behind Duris. Make no mistake this team is not one of the strongest at the tournament. Aside from Skriniar who was a key part of the team that won the Scudetto, the Slovak players play for lower tier clubs in the Top 5 leagues or in lesser leagues altogether.

This is the weakest team on paper in this group, they aren't great defensively and will likely struggle for goals. A bad combination and current form shows little to suggest otherwise. The majority of their best players are well past their primes and the players in their primes just aren't that great. The Slovaks will struggle to get a point in this group yet alone a win to have a chance of advancing.

Team: SPAIN
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Spain
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/122--spain/

Captain: Sergio Busquets
Key Players: Koke; Pau Torres ; Fabian Ruiz

Potential Breakout Player: Ferran Torres
Notable Absentees: Dani Carvajal (injury); Sergio Ramos (injury)
Best Historical Finish: Winners (1964; 2008; 2012)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Semifinals

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Fabian Ruiz (MID - 6m)

The three-time Euro champion will enter the tournament as a major question mark. A hugely talented group for certain but the selection of the squad perplexed many. Despite massive upheaval on the playing staff, the results have largely continued to be sound. They topped their qualifying group unbeaten conceding only five goals and scoring thirty-one. Very impressive but among the key players in those successes, the vast majority - Kepa, Sergio Ramos, Jesus Navas, Inigo Martinez, Cazorla, Saul, Rodrigo, Alcacer and Asensio - aren't in the squad.

Despite the heavy turnover, the bulk of the squad coming into the tournament did at least feature prominently in a successful UEFA Nations League campaign where they qualified to be one of the semifinalists - poignantly thumping a German side 6-0 to secure the group win. Previous Spanish squads resembled all-star teams, with players who had stacks of caps and trophies - aside from a couple veterans this is largely inexperienced group. Only 7 have been to a major tournament with the senior squad, the same 7 are the only ones in the squad with more than 20 caps.

Their coach (Luis Enrique) took over after the disappointing 2018 World Cup, largely leading with successful results and a system, chopping and changing personnel liberally. The Spanish seem wed to a 4-3-3- system and will likely lineup with Unai Simon in goal behind a back four of Azpilicueta, Laporte, Pau Torres and Gaya. The midfield trio is likely to be Busquets, Koke and Fabian Ruiz (although Rodri and Thiago could easily be deputized in). The attacking trio is a headscratcher but Dani Olmo, Morata and Ferran Torres seems the likeliest bet. The squad is deep with players the ilk of Jordi Alba, Pedri, Marcos Llorente, Gerard Moreno and Oyarzabal - in addition to the aforementioned Rodri and Thiago - waiting in the wings. How quickly the Laporte/Pau Torres CB pairing gels, the finishing of Morata and the limiting of calamitous Unai Simon sightings will be key areas. The midfield and the wide players will be world class undoubtedly nonetheless.

They remain clear favourites to win this group but even with a slip-up should comfortably be capable of finishing 2nd. Either way the bracket, if unfolding as expected, will set up a manageable second round matchup before an almost certain run-in with a heavyweight in the quarterfinals. The talent is certainly there for Spain (albeit nowhere near the all-conquering version of the 2008-2012 vintage), but this is a team that has very little experience playing together making them borderline impossible to predict.

Team: SWEDEN
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Sweden
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/127--sweden/

Captain: Andreas Granqvist
Key Players: Victor Lindelof; Emil Forsberg; Alexander Isak
Potential Breakout Player: Dejan Kulusevski
Notable Absentees: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (injury)
Best Historical Finish: Semifinals (1992)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Second Round

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Dejan Kulusevski (MID - 7m)

The Swedes are firmly ensconced as a Euros regular making their 7th (6th consecutive) appearance at the tournament. Their deepest run being a semifinal run at the tournament they hosted in 1992, which as truly during a great period for the national team that battled to 3rd place finish at the 1994 World Cup as well. Qualification was fairly smooth process, as the Swedes only lost once in finishing 2nd to Spain and gaining automatic entry.

Five of the squad were part of the side that won the 2015 UEFA Under-21 tournament, nine return from Euro 2016 and sixteen (two-thirds of those in the squad that bowed out to England) return from the side that made it to the 2018 World Cup quarterfinals. Familiarity and a clearly indoctrinated style of play/formation, has proved a recipe for relative success for a team consistently has been the best of the Scandinavian teams.

Their coach took over just over Euro 2016 and has overseen a bright period of Swedish football, commanding the team to the World Cup positive performance, knocking out the Italians in a play-off to even qualify for the showpiece event. There is something old-fashioned about how the Swedes set up. A 4-4-2 with Olsen in goal behind Lustig, Granqvist, Lindelof, Bengtsson with a midfield of Forsberg, Svanberg/Larsson, Claesson and Kulusevki behind a front line of Isak and Berg. It is almost quaint that the Swedes have two big, powerful in the air CBs and a pair of big frontmen. The absence of Zlatan through injury robs the team and the tournament of one of the biggest characters (and still genuinely dominant) in football. Still with the likes of Helander, Ekdal, Krafth and Quaison they have reserves that boast experience internationally and consistently turn out for teams in the Top 5 domestic leagues.

Clearly inferior to Spain on paper, Sweden have enough to get past Slovakia. It will almost certainly be a straight shootout on the last day of the group in the head-to-head against Poland that will determine whether they advance. A draw should be enough to get them through, a defeat will probably end their campaign. 

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Euro 2020 Preview (Group C - Austria / Netherlands / North Macedonia / Ukraine)

Team: AUSTRIA

Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Austria
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/8--austria/

Captain: Julian Baumgartlinger
Key Players: David Alaba; Marcel Sabitzer; Aleksandar Dragovic
Potential Breakout Player: Sasa Kalajdzic
Notable Absentee: N/A

Best Historical Finish: Group Stage (2008; 2016)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Second Round

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Sasa Kalajdzic (FWD - 7.5m)

Austria have qualified for their second Euros (third appearance overall having previously made the tournament in 2008 as a co-host), but struggled through the qualification campaign with three losses in their ten games finishing 2nd to Poland. Their international pedigree is from an entirely other era having made a couple World Cup semifinals (1934; 1954) in the early days of international football. .

In 2016 they were a young team, but there will be a number of their higher profile players returning from that side to maintain/take key roles in the 2021 version. Austria's best player remains Alaba but his supporting cast is much better this time around with his role in the team now being more ably supported as the likes of Sabitzer has taken a leap forward to stardom and with a highly promising crop of younger players like X. Schlager, Baumgartner, Laimer, Lazaro and Kalajdzic having greatly enhanced reputations for top tier teams in the German Bundesliga.

Their coach has been with the team since 2018 and will be keenly aware of his squad and their capabilities. They will likely lineup up in 4-2-3-1 formation with A. Schlager in goal Lainer/Friedl as the fullbacks with Dragovic/Hinteregger as the CB pairing. The midfield is a great area of strength with Laimer and X. Schlager sitting deeper whilst Alaba, Sabitzer and Baumgartner offer creative impetus behind the giant Kalajdzic. Having the likes of Baumgartlinger, Arnautovic, Lazaro, Ilsanker and Gregoritsch as reserves gives the Austrian a far deeper team than the other so called 'smaller' teams at the tournament. 

The Austrians disappointed in their last trip to the Euros but this more seasoned bunch supported by the aforementioned promising talent appears primed to be better this time around. They should advance from this group possibly even in 2nd place no less. Unfortunately for them, the way the bracket unfolds thereafter though is highly unlikely to favour any further progress.

Team: NETHERLANDS
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Netherlands
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/95--netherlands/

Captain: Georginio Wijnaldum
Key Players: Frenkie De Jong; Memphis Depay; Matthijs De Ligt
Potential Breakout Player: Owen Wijndal
Notable Absentees: Virgil Van Dijk (injury); Jasper Cillessen (COVID-19)
Best Historical Finish: Winner (1988);
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Semifinals

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Owen Wijndal (DEF - 4.5m)

The Netherlands almost unfathomably did qualify for the last Euros, have a storied Euros history with this their 10th qualification, winning previously in 1988 with that Marco Van Basten goal and securing 3rd place on four separate occasions. Qualification was fairly straightforward this time around finishing 2nd to Germany and well ahead of Northern Ireland. Qualification success built on the credible 2nd placed finish in the inaugural UEFA Nations League restoring Dutch pride after consecutive failures to qualify for major tournaments (Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018). 

Their players ply their respective trades across the biggest European clubs and they are also as is typical for the Dutch will bring a whole host of highly promising youngsters along for the ride.Unlike prior generations where elite CFs were in no short supply beyond Depay, the likes of L. De Jong and Weghorst are largely unproven at international level. The CB position despite being rocked by the absence of Van Dijk is an area of strength with De Ligt and De Vrij (arguably the best CB in Serie A for the most recently concluded campaign) and the midfield options are also tremendous. Unlike Dutch teams of previous eras, they go into the tournament lacking superstar names but the squad is littered with talent and for most of this group they are either in their prime or yet to enter it.

Their coach (Frank De Boer) is a major source of concern, with a succession of failures post-Ajax in club management, with his ascension to the position due to Koeman's secondment to Barcelona. The Dutch team identity of the 4-3-3 will largely be expected with a probable lineup Krul in goal behind a defensive quartet of Dumfries, De Vrij, De Ligt and Wijndal. The midfield trio of Wijnaldum, F. De Jong and De Roon/Klaassen stacks up favourably to most any combination they will face. The trio in attack will likely be Depay and Berghuis flanking Weghorst. Having some promising youngsters like Gravenberch, Koopmeiners, Malen and Timber will mean the Dutch have cover in each position.

The Dutch always go into tournament with major expectation and this should be no different, a deep run is inherently possible with this group. A major challenge for them could come as early as the Round of 16, which should they win the group will very likely see them faceoff against the 3rd placed Group F team (France/Germany/Portugal). 

Team: NORTH MACEDONIA
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#North_Macedonia
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/59205--north-macedonia/

Captain: Goran Pandev
Key Players: Goran Pandev; Enis Bardhi; Ezgjan Alioski
Potential Breakout Player: Elif Elmas
Notable Absentees: Ilija Nestorovski (injury)
Best Historical Finish: N/A
Minimum Expectation: Qualifying (Already achieved)
How Far Could They Go: Group Stage

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Stefan Ristovski (DEF - 4.0m)

North Macedonia are debutants, having began competing in UEFA competition as one of the independent nations which were formerly part of Yugoslavia. They had a solid qualifying campaign finishing 3rd behind Poland and Austria, but their presence at the tournament is down to their success in the UEFA Nations League where they emerged as winners of the Group D (lowest tier) section. Throughout their history they have earned creditable draws against the likes of England, Italy and the Netherlands, but soon after qualification they earned their greatest result beating Germany earlier this year in a World Cup qualifier in Germany no less. 

The former Yugoslavia has spawned a number of smaller nations, which all benefit from the rich talent of Eastern Europe and North Macedonia, despite not having had the historical success have developed some good players in recent history with the stars aligning nicely for this tournament. With just two clean sheets in qualifying, they do show a propensity to concede but have quality getting forward and can get goals from a variety of sources. Elmas is one of the brighter, under-the-radar  players in Europe, Pandev has quality (albeit aged) and Bardhi is a sensational set-piece taker. 

Their coach has been with the team since 2015 and has already achieved tremendous success with group as they have grown into quality competition in UEFA. The team has an identity and will almost certainly lineup up in 5-3-2 formation with Dmitrievski in goal behind a defense of Ristievski, Musliu and Bejtulai. The wingbacks of Alioski and Ristovski will play key roles as well the midfield trio of Ademi, Bardhi and Elmas who all have experience in European continental club competition. Trajkovski and Pandev will be the men charged with causing goal threat, albeit the absence of Nestorovski is a big blow to this squad.

North Macedonia are the minnows of this group make no mistake but they have enough to trouble teams and may sneak a result. The possibility of advancing from the group is remote but not impossible. Irrespective of the result, qualification is a massive success for them and they are unlikely to embarrass themselves.

Team: UKRAINE
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Ukraine
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/57166--ukraine/

Captain: Andriy Pyatov
Key Players: Oleksandr Zinchenko; Ruslan Malinovskyi; Andriy Yarmolenko
Potential Breakout Player: Viktor Kovalenko
Notable Absentees: Andriy Lunin (non-selection); Viktor Kovalenko (injury)
Best Historical Finish: Winner (1960 as part of the USSR); Group Stage (2012; 2016)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Second Round

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Oleksandr Zinchenko (DEF - 5.5m)

Ukraine have qualified for their second Euros (third appearance overall, consecutively at that, having previously made the tournament in 2012 as a co-host), with a sensational qualifying campaign unbeaten and topping a group including Portugal and Serbia. Rather surprisingly despite a massive changing of the guard (only 5 players return from the 2016 squad), Ukraine have only included 1 player who was a part of their historic 2019 Under 19 World Cup winning squad. The squad always seems to have issues given the fiery rivalry between their two largest clubs Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv, who between them contribute more than half of the squad (17/26).

Historically the strengths of Ukraine's team has been the familiarity of the defensive line, whilst the personnel have changed the results have remained as a new backline developed familiarity and only conceded just four goals in their eight qualifying games (just 1 in to games against the vaunted Portuguese). They do not lack for creativity with Malinovskyi and Yarmolenko in the squad but defensive solidity will be the key to their chances of advancing.

Their coach (you may have heard of him Andriy Shevchenko) has been with the team since 2016 and has taken the Ukrainian program forward with limited resources and significantly bringing down the average age of the team. The team has an identity and will almost certainly lineup up in 3-5-1-1 formation with Pyatov likely in goal behind a defense of Matviyenko, Mykolenko, Kryvtsov and   The wingbacks and midfield should be Zinchenko, Karavayev, Steparenko, Shaparenko, Tsygankov whilst Malinovskyi will play just behind Yaremchuk.

Ukraine were abysmal at Euro 2016 and would surely be determined to put that right. Ukraine should have enough to advance from this group even possibly 2nd which would set up a matchup against the winner of Group A (likely Italy/Switzerland/Turkey), but can probably not expect much more.

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Euro 2020 Preview (Group B - Belgium / Denmark / Finland / Russia)

 Team: BELGIUM

Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Belgium
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/13--belgium/

Captain: Eden Hazard
Key Players: Kevin De Bruyne; Eden Hazard; Romelu Lukaku;
Potential Breakout Player: Jeremy Doku
Notable Absentees: Adnan Januzaj (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Runners-up (1980)
Minimum Expectation: Quarterfinals
How Far Could They Go: Semifinals

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Yannick Carrasco (MID - 7m)

The Belgians are entering their 6th Euros having a favourite for the 2016 edition before a shock exit to Wales and once more will be amongst the favourites for this version. They were perfect in qualification with ten wins scoring forty and conceding a miserly three. The topped a section which saw Russia and Scotland in 2nd and 3rd respectively. They come into the tournament the number 1 ranked team by FIFA, having held onto top spot since September 2018 - gaudy statistics.

The "Golden Generation" has largely been responsible for their recent, relative success given when most appeared on the international scene, Belgium  had been mired in a long stretch in the international wilderness (over a decade between major tournaments) before they returned in World Cup 2014. Since then two quarterfinals and a semifinal at major tournaments represent moderate success, but their core group are either very near 30 or well into their 30s. The time to win is essentially now or never. They do have a UEFA Nations League semifinal to look forward to after the tournament as a shot at glory, but this is bigger needless to say. They return fifteen players from Euro 2016 and eighteen (78%) of the their World Cup 2018 side. 

Roberto Martinez has been in charge since 2016 and from the familiarity of the group, clearly trusts his core group of players to continue to be effective. A variation of either a 3-4-2-1 or 5-2-2-1 is the preferred formation with Courtois in goal behind a CB trio of Vertonghen, Denayer and Alderweireld with Carrasco and Meunier as something like wing-backs. The midfield will comprise Witsel, Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne and Hazard when all are fit behind Lukaku. Their depth is shallow in defensive positions with Vermaelen first backup (an oft-injured 35 year old playing in Japan), but is much better further up the pitch with Dendoncker, Castagne and Praet for midfield with Mertens, Doku and Trossard for higher up the pitch. with provides a massive presence even if he has not been at his best this season. The biggest challenge for this team is not with the quality of the players but more immediate issues, injuries and form. There are major fitness concerns for Hazard (has barely played in 2 years in Spain), Witsel (has not played a league game since January with a serious injury) and KDB who is questionable for the opening game. They do have in their GK and ST two of the very best in the world and they are both in the forms of their lives.

The Belgians are among the very favourites to win it all and should relatively comfortably advance from this group, in all likelihood as group winners no less. From there navigation to the quarterfinals should be straightforward with this experienced group, but the big concern is when they face a tournament heavyweight, they simply need to have Hazard, Witsel and KDB at or near top form, if they are not this team is not as deep as those other teams and the drop-off in quality is too steep. Question marks remain about their defensive stability and this is especially likely to be tested noting a key part of their defence had been the cover Witsel has provided. He is an underrated but massively key cog in Belgium's recent success and Dendoncker is simply not nearly as good.

Team: DENMARK
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Denmark
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/35--denmark/

Captain: Simon Kjaer
Key Players: Christian Eriksen; Simon Kjaer; Kasper Schmeichel
Potential Breakout Player: Joakim Maehle
Notable Absentees: Lasse Schone (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Winners (1992)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Quarterfinals

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Joakim Maehle (DEF - 4.5m)

Denmark will enter this tournament with strong pedigree as a former champion, in 1992 where they didn't even qualify and were only afforded their place when Yugoslavia were unable to participate. They qualified unbeaten in their group finishing 2nd to Switzerland, but drew as many as they won. 

They got to the Round of 16 in Russia and acquitted themselves well in their UEFA Nations League group finishing 2nd to Belgium but ahead of England, beating and drawing with the English but twice beaten by the Belgians. They have a familiar group with a well defined style of play but benefit from some highly technical players and a group which largely plays in Europe's Top 5 leagues.

Their coach is new to role since 2020 but the continuity within the national team program means that the formation and style of play they have grown accustomed to remains. They set up in a variation of a 4-5-1 / 4-3-3, with Schmeichel in goal behind a quarter of Wass, Kjaer, Christensen and Maehle. The midfield of Hojbjerg, Delaney and Eriksen play narrowly with Poulsen and Brathwaithe as hardworking attackers playing to support Dolberg. The Danes boast good depth for a 'smaller' nation with the likes of  Andersen, Vestergaard, Skov, Stryger Larsen and Cornelius good experience options of the bench whilst also have very promising young players Skov Olsen and Wind to call on. Eriksen offers a major threat creatively and off dead-ball plays to offer a true number 10 to make this team tick.

Denmark would be clear 2nd favourites to Belgium, but given the injuries to Belgium and with all the Danes group games being played at home in front of fans in Copenhagen this could be much closer than would otherwise be the case. I would be shocked if Denmark do not advance in at least 2nd spot. They are one of the better second tier countries and look very solid bets to be able to get even deeper to the quarterfinals thereafter.

Team: FINLAND
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Finland
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/42--finland/

Captain: Tim Sparv
Key Players: Lukas Hradecky; Teemu Pukki; Robin Lod
Potential Breakout Player: Fredrik Jensen
Notable Absentees: N/A
Best Historical Finish: N/A - first time qualifier

Minimum Expectation: Qualifying (Already achieved)
How Far Could They Go: Group Stage

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Stay Away!

Finland will be making their first appearance at a major tournament in their history and that should be lauded. They qualified finishing 2nd to Italy in their group pipping Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina to get here. They don't score a bunch but focus on trying to be tight at the back. Hradecky is their best player and he will be worked during this tournament.

They will likely lineup with a 5-4-1 seeing Hradecky in goal behind Raitala, O'Shaughnessy, Toivio, Arajurri and Alho. The midfield of Sparv, Kamara, Schuller and Lod lineup behind Pukki. Probably well off on this one, but this is a team which is entering the tournament lacking quality and now devoid of form. They just lost to Estonia in Finland in their last friendly before the tournament.

Don't want to oversimplify or over critique, but the Finns will not advance and should consider it a great success if they get a point. The play Denmark in Denmark, Russia in Russia and Belgium period. There is no real reason for optimism for a result but great pride should be taken in qualifying. Three games and done. Look to stack your fantasy squads with players against this team.

Team: RUSSIA
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Russia
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/57451--russia/

Captain: Artem Dzyuba
Key Players: Artem Dzyuba; Aleksandr Golovin; Aleksei Miranchuk
Potential Breakout Player: Andrei Mostovoy
Notable Absentees: Fyodor Smolov (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Winners (1960 as the USSR); Semifinals (2008)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Second Round

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Aleksandr Golovin (MID - 7.5m)

The Russians will be making their 12th appearance and 5th consecutive but more often than not cannot find a way out of the Group Stage. Their unexpected and impressive run to the quarterfinals at the 2018 World Cup showed this team is capable of something. Qualification was a relatively straightforward process finishing 2nd in their group with eight wins from ten, the blemishes were losses to Belgium. The scored thirty-three goals and conceded eight (just one in the eight games not against Belgium).

Russia entered Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018 with one of the oldest squads at either tournament. The average age is much reduced as a number from those squads have now moved on from the national team. Only Dzyuba and Golovin return from the 2016 squad and eight from the 2018 odyssey.

The coach has been in his role since 2016 and whilst a lot of the credit for their 2018 run was due to homefield advantage, he has a group he knows well and plays to their strengths. They will play with a 5-4-1 system, Shunin in goal behind a CB trio of  Semenov, Dzhikiya and Kudryashov with Fernandes and Zhirkov as the wing-backs. The midfield will see the deeper lying duo of Odzoyev and Zobnin with Golovin and Miranchuk playing off Dzyuba as the focal point striker. Cheryshev could be a difference maker off the bench but beyond that, this is not a particularly talented of deep team.

Make no mistake Belgium and Denmark should be heavy favourites to finish in the top two spots. Russia has the fact that they play Belgium and Finland at home in St. Petersburg in their favour but it looks very likely that the Russians will head into a direct play-off with Denmark (away in Copenhagen) in the last round of group games needing at least a point to advance - otherwise they will need to hope 3 points is enough to be a Top 4 third placed team.

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Euro 2020 Preview (Group D - Croatia / Czech Republic / England / Scotland)

Team: CROATIA

Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Croatia
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/56370--croatia/

Captain: Luka Modric
Key Players: Luka Modric; Marcelo Brozovic; Andrej Kramaric
Potential Breakout Player: Josip Brekalo
Notable Absentees: Marko Rog (injury); 
Best Historical Finish: Quarterfinals (1996; 2008)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Quarterfinals

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Andrej Kramaric (FWD - 6.5m)

Croatia has produced some fantastic footballers and fantastic teams over the years, which appeared to have been at its zenith with a third place finish at World Cup 1998, then came the dream run to the World Cup final in 2018. Half of this squad returns from that sensational run. The Croatians topped a qualifying group which sent three additional qualifiers to this tournament (i.e. Wales, Slovakia and Hungary) losing just once. The UEFA Nations League results have not been as positive with successive poor returns, earning just two wins from ten fixtures in the Group A (top tier) sections in the first two editions.

This is almost certainly the last Euros for the likes of Modric and Perisic, perhaps even their last major tournament altogether. These Croat legends will provide experience to a group that sees a number of key players in their primes with Kovacic and Brozovic providing a blend of craft and hard-running in the middle of the park, with Pasalic there to add goal threat from midfield if required. Livakovic is one of the better goalkeepers at the tournament. Rebic provides pace and pressure up front, but as has become synonymous with Croat teams they are blessed with guile in attacking positions, Kramaric is already highly rated but the likes of Brekalo and Vlasic can be expected to use this tournament to strut their skills.

Their coach (Zlatko Dalic) has been in charge since 2017 when he came in to steer them through the World Cup playoffs and to their ultimate runners-up position. He has consistently deployed a 4-3-2-1 system with this group and certainly has players that are comfortable in this system. They should line-up with Lovakovic in goal behind a defensive quartet of Vrsaljko, Vida, Caleta-Car and Barisic. The midfield trio of Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic is a real area of strength with each capable of doing a bit of everything. The trio in attack will likely be Perisic, Kramaric and Vlasic. The ability to have options like Brekalo, Rebic, Lovren and Pasalic to come off the bench or even spot start, means this is a strong squad. 

The perennial dark horse tag is one made for Croatia. Flaws can always be found with Croatian squads, usually lack of depth or absence of strength in an area of the pitch which precludes them from being among the favourites. This edition may suffer the dark horse tag because of the aging squad, but write them off at your peril given there is quality all over. In the odd position of probably being better off finishing 2nd, winning this group guarantees the runner-up from Group F (likely France/Germany/Portugal), whereas 2nd guarantees the runner-up from Group E (likely Poland/Spain/Sweden) but then in all likelihood the winner of Group F in the quarterfinals. Given their recent record against top tier opposition, quarterfinals may be the likely end of the road.

Team: CZECH REPUBLIC
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Czech_Republic
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/58837--czech-republic/

Captain: Vladimir Darida
Key Players: Tomas Soucek; Vladimir Darida; Patrik Schick
Potential Breakout Player: Alex Kral
Notable Absentee: Ondrej Kudela (suspension)
Best Historical Finish: Winners (1976 as Czechoslovakia); Runners-Up (1996)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Second Round

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Patrik Schick (FWD - 8m)

The Czech Republic have consistently qualified for the Euros ever since the break up of Czechoslovakia, with this being their 7th consecutive qualification. Despite reaching the final in 1996, their 2004 edition was probably their best opportunity to win the tournament when they boasted arguably the best team in their history led by Nedved, only to crash out to the Silver Goal to the eventual shock winners Greece in the semifinals. They qualified for this edition as the second placed team behind the English, beating the English 2-1 at home but being trounced 5-0 away.

The team will only return three players from the 2016 edition but with each expected to take a key role - Vaclik in goal, Darida as the midfield skipper and Kaderabek battling for the right back slot. The recent success of Slavia Prague in the Czech league has seen a plethora of their current and former players taking key roles within the squad. Soucek, Coufal and Barak are alumni already starring in Europe's Top 5 leagues, but expect the likes of Kral, Zima and Masopust to soon be doing the same, especially with the additional limelight of this tournament.

Their coach has been with the team since 2018 and his role as the Slavia Prague manager immediately preceding this role has probably provided the impetus to build around a nucleus of players he would have known well from domestic club management. They will likely lineup up in 4-2-3-1 formation with Vaclik in goal, Coufal and Boril as the fullbacks with Celustka/Brabec (Kudela was the first choice in recent internationals but received a 10 match ban for racial abuse incident in the Europa League) as the CB pairing. The midfield will likely consist of Soucek, Kral and Darida centrally with Jankto and Barak charged with getting forward to support target man Schick up top. The first men off the bench will likely be Holes, Masopust and Kaderabek but this is not a team blessed with great depth.

This team is materially inferior on paper to the the English and the Croats. They can be competitive but have no business splitting the top two and realistically must beat the Scots in their tournament opener and then if they can get a point against one of the presumed top two then qualification should be assured. Essentially with a knockout game to start the tournament, the Second Round is as far as can be expected for this squad given their limitations and an unfavourable bracket.

Team: ENGLAND
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#England
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/39--england/

Captain: Harry Kane
Key Players: Harry Kane; Harry Maguire; Declan Rice
Potential Breakout Player: Jude Bellingham
Notable Absentees: Trent Alexander-Arnold (injury); Nick Pope (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Semifinals (1996)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Quarterfinals

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Kieran Trippier (DEF - 5m)

The English enter the tournament (their 10th appearance overall) amongst the favourites (as high as 2nd by some oddsmakers). Winning would needless to be said unchartered territory for the Three Lions who have not ever made a Euro final. England enters the tournament with an extremely young team with only three players having celebrated their 30th birthdays (i.e. Walker, Henderson and Trippier). Only six of this group return from the 2016 edition and surprisingly there are only nine returning from the semifinal run at the World Cup in 2018. England comfortably with a near perfect record, seven wins with an away defeat to the Czech Republic the only stain. They scored an unbelievable thirty-seven goals whilst conceding only six. Confidence within the group will be sky high entering the tournament. Deja-vu all over again. Football's Coming Home?

England have a couple players who it can be argued are genuinely world class in their respective positions now (Walker, Henderson and Sterling) with one unquestionably already world class (Kane) but tellingly with a host that are on track to be world class in the foreseeable future (Rice, Grealish, Sancho, Mount, Foden, Chilwell, Saka and Bellingham). Foden and Sancho are the latest youngsters thrust into the limelight prior to a big tournament for England as potential messiahs - like Owen, Rooney, Walcott, Sterling and Rashford before them. Foden and Sancho have already been part of international success with England as part of the 2017 Under-17 World Cup winning team. 

Gareth Southgate was promoted to the coach role in 2016 having previously spent time with the U-21s. After the nadir of elimination in the Euro 2016 Second Round by the fairytale Icelandic side, Southgate has rebuilt the team and had a very successful World Cup 2016. The English will most likely lineup with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Pickford in goal behind a quartet of Trippier, Maguire, Stones and Chilwell. The defensive shield in midfield will probably be Rice and Henderson with Foden, Mount and Sancho playing behind Kane. The English have a wealth of talent in almost every position so expect major variations in personnel, but the trio of Kane, Rice and Maguire seem to be the most crucial simply because of the drop-off in quality between them and their potential direct replacements.

The English are unquestionably favourites to take this group (all their group games being played at Wembley) but the Croats could push them. Great game to open this group between the two which will go a long way to deciding the group winner. The biggest issue that the English may face in trying to have a deep run in the tournament is unquestionably the bracket. Winning this group (as stated above) guarantees the runner-up from Group F (likely France/Germany/Portugal) but again with the caveat of being able to play at Wembley. Come 2nd and guaranteed the runner-up from Group E (likely Poland/Spain/Sweden - not at Wembley) but then in all likelihood the winner of Group F in the quarterfinals should they get there. If they do aim to win it all, they do have to beat the best so this should be undaunting. Not prepared to say this team can, not yet at least, quarterfinals is the ceiling mainly due to the bracket but also the youthfulness of the squad and the questions about the manager tactical ability.

Team: SCOTLAND

Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Scotland
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/117--scotland/

Captain: Andrew Robertson
Key Players: Andrew Robertson; Scott McTominay; Kieran Tierney
Potential Breakout Player: Che Adams
Notable Absentees: Oli McBurnie (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Group Stage (1992; 1996)
Minimum Expectation: Qualifying (Already achieved)
How Far Could They Go: Group Stage

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Che Adams (FWD - 6.5m)

Scotland will be making their 3rd Euro appearance (first since 1996) after being the last team to qualify, ending a major tournament appearance drought spanning back to the 1998 World Cup. They had a solid qualifying campaign finishing 3rd behind Belgium and Russia, but their presence at the tournament is down to their success in the UEFA Nations League where they emerged as winners of the Group C section after winning a penalty shootout against a much more highly fancied Serbian team. 

Unlike other so-called 'smaller' nations which have qualified, the Scots don't boast a team which has played together for a long time. Aside from Gordon, no one has more than 50 caps. The key trio (Robertson, McTominay and Tierney) play regularly for 'Big Six' EPL clubs, however, the squad is largely comprised of role players for lower tier Premiership and players turning out for one of the Old Firm rivals.

Steve Clarke took the manager job in 2019 but endured a tumultuous start being soundly beaten by Belgium and Russia. He subsequently steadied the defensive side of the game and improved results followed. The Scots will most likely lineup with a 5-3-2 formation with Gordon in goal behind a CB trio of  Hanley, Tierney and Cooper, who will be flanked Robertson and Fraser playing as wingbacks. The midfield trio will probably be McTominay, McGregor and McGinn behind Dykes and Adams. The Scots struggle to score and aren't defensively sound, a bad recipe.

This team is by some distance the weakest in the group on paper but they do have the advantage of being able to host the Czechs and Croats. Qualifying is a massive success and filip for Scottish football, getting a win in this group would be some achievement given the limitations of the playing personnel. Everyone in the group will be banking on picking up a win against the Scots and potentially even be looking to pad their goal difference no less, but the Tartan Army can inspire a result. Still hard to fathom a scenario where they get two positive results which will be needed to have a realistic chance of advancing.

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Euro 2020 Preview (Group A - Italy / Switzerland / Turkey / Wales)

Team: ITALY

Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Italy
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/66--italy/

Captain: Giorgio Chiellini
Key Players: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Nicolò Barella; Marco Verratti
Potential Breakout Player: Federico Chiesa
Notable Absentees: Moise Kean (non-selection); Nicolo Zaniolo (injury)
Best Historical Finish: Winners (1968)
Minimum Expectation: Quarterfinals
How Far Could They Go: Winner

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Lorenzo Insigne (MID - 8.5m)

The Italians will enter the tournament seeking to exorcize recent tournament demons. This is not the old Italy. It is a squad boasting a plethora of young talent, albeit mostly in midfield and wide areas. Notorious for being ultra adept at defending, this version of Azzurri play a refreshing brand of football which is far more attacking than historical Italian squads. Italy was perfect in qualifying winning all ten games, conceding just four and scored thirty-seven, topping the section over Finland. This will be their 10th appearance at a Euros but it has been an eternity since their only win back in 1968.

The nadir of having missed out on qualification for Russia 2018 has been gradually put to the side, the perfect qualification campaign grew into a successful UEFA Nations League campaign where they qualified to be one of the semifinalists - the others being Belgium, France and Spain, nice company to keep. They will return seven of the squad which exceeded expectations at Euro 2016, but there will be eighteen of the squad making their bow at a major international tournament. The overhaul and rebuild is ahead of schedule, but the first tournament test is at hand.

Roberto Mancini took over in 2018 to lead the rebuild and has firmly placed his stamp on the squad, making the unit difficult to break down but playing a more expansive game. The team is now wed to a 4-3-3 formation and a relatively predictable starting line when everyone is fit. Donnarumma starts in goal behind a back four of Florenzi, Bonucci, Chiellini and Spinazzola. The midfield trio when everyone is fit will be Barella, Verratti and Jorginho behind an attacking trio of Insigne, Immobile and Chiesa. There are able deputies in every position with Acerbi, Locatelli, Pellegrini, Berardi and Belotti the primary alternates as either spot starters or impact substitutes. There is an element of no fear from the group and whilst most play for more modest clubs than the typical Serie A giants, they play consistently and almost all to a man enter the tournament in good form. The wildcard prodigy Zaniolo misses out due to injury, but there is no shortage of attacking options this time around with Raspadori the latest new sensation.

After the debacle of a failed qualification attempt for the most recent World Cup, qualification (and especially in the manner done) has reinvigorated the country and fanbase. The manager is on record as saying winning the Euros is achievable. Confidence is high, the team has talent albeit not the seemingly impenetrable defense boasted by previous incarnations. They should be able to win their group (especially with all their group games at home in Rome) and this could set them up nicely into the quarterfinals with a potentially favourable second round matchup. Notoriously a team that gets better as a tournament progresses, this is an Italy team that should be considered a contender but are probably a fringe contender for most.


Team: SWITZERLAND
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Switzerland
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/128--switzerland/

Captain: Granit Xhaka
Key Players: Xherdan Shaqiri; Granit Xhaka; Remo Freuler
Potential Breakout Player: Denis Zakaria
Notable Absentees: Michael Lang (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Second Round
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Quarterfinals

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Roberto Rodriguez (DEF - 5.5m)

It could in the past be levelled at the Swiss that they lacked any meaningful track record of success and that qualifying for major tournaments would be deemed a success in and of itself. Credit must go to their own "golden generation", with the likes Xhaka, Seferovic and Rodriguez as veterans of the Swiss team that won the Under-17 World Cup in 2009, who have altered this narrative. The Swiss appear now as a perennial mid-tier power in UEFA, with a new crop joining to push forward as the prior group ages out.

The Swiss have consistently qualified for every major international tournament since 2004 (with the exception of Euro 2012). Once there they typically get out of the group stage as well. They qualified by topping their group ahead of Denmark but barely. They are able to return ten players from their Euro 2016 side, with the majority of them expected starters in this edition.

Vladimir Petkovic has been in charge since 2014 and has done admirably with this group, consistently having them at or near the top of the UEFA co-efficients allowing for better seedings and favourable qualification routes. A 5-2-1-2 lineup can be expected with Sommer in goal behind a CB trio of  Elvedi, Akanji and Rodriguez with Mbabu and Zuber playing wing-back roles. A double pivot in midfield of Xhaka and Freuler line up behind Shaqiri who is allowed a free role behind Embolo and Seferovic. They do lack a truly great forward with Embolo long threatening to be that but not yet having blossomed fully. Seferovic is serviceable with a decent international record but not a forward to put fear into any major team.

This group has a nice blend of youth and experience. Their first XI will be a very difficult matchup for most teams but they lack depth and elite level difference makers. They should have a shot at 2nd place in the group and will be among a group of teams who could be setup for a deep run, if fit and firing with a good bracket draw. A good draw and the quarterfinals could be a realistic target, anything beyond that will be a major shock. 

Team: TURKEY
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Turkey
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/135--turkey/

Captain: Burak Yilmaz
Key Players: Burak Yilmaz; Caglar Soyuncu; Hakan Calhanoglu
Potential Breakout Player: Merih Demiral
Notable Absentee: Cenk Tosun (COVID-19)
Best Historical Finish: Semifinals (2008)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Second Round

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Yusuf Yazici (MID - 5.5m)

Turkey will be making their 5th appearance at the Euros, having been brilliant in qualifying finishing 2nd only to France. They lost just once in qualifying and ended up 2 points behind the French (having beaten them 2-0 in Turkey), scoring eighteen and conceding just three in their ten games. They have also made a promising start to World Cup 2022 qualifying including a famous 4-2 win against the Netherlands.

Turkey only return three players from the 2016 edition where they underwhelmed, but each of the three are key men (Yilmaz, Calhanoglu and Tufan). This is truly a rebuilt Turkish side with only two players over 30 (Yilmaz and the backup goalkeeper Gunok), the rest are all no older than 27. Despite the relative youth in the squad more than half of the squad plays outside Turkey in various European leagues with twelve playing for a club in a Top 5 European league, a major departure from the 2016 vintage who almost exclusively played in the Turkish Superlig.

Senol Gunes has been back in charge since 2019, this for the 2nd time around with his 1st being during 2000-2004 when he masterminded an incredible 3rd placed finish at the 2002 World Cup. They typically line up in a 4-5-1 formation with Cakir in goal behind Celik, Demiral, Soyuncu and Meras. The midfield boasts Yokuslu, Tufan, Karaman, Calhanoglu and Yazici the furthest forward behind Burak Yilmaz. The Turkish squad has a bit more depth than previous iterations with Kabak, Ayhan, Muldur, Kokcu, Under and Unal providing options off the bench or as spot starters. Burak, Yazici and Celik were key cogs in a Ligue 1 title win this season and Calhanoglu offers exceptional set piece delivery. However, the stingy defence has been the bedrock of Turkish recent success so the Soyuncu and Demiral pairing needs to be very good.

Turkey can be expected to battle with the Swiss for 2nd spot, given Italy should have enough to see them both off especially at home in Rome. This sets up the group beautifully for a final group game with the Turks and Swiss in direct competition for what could be a knockout game. Should they get out of the group, the second round is likely as far as the journey will go.

Team: WALES
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Wales
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/144--wales/

Captain: Gareth Bale
Key Players: Gareth Bale; Aaron Ramsey; Ben Davies
Potential Breakout Player: Ethan Ampadu
Notable Absentee: Rabbi Matondo (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Semifinals (2016)
Minimum Expectation: Qualifying (Already achieved)
How Far Could They Go: Group Stage

Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Stay Away!

With only an appearance at the 1958 World Cup as a major tournament experience for the Welsh, qualification in 2016 must have felt like a dream come true. That was not enough for them as they embarked on a fairytale run to the semifinals eliminating the much fancied Belgians in the quarterfinals along the way before finally falling victim to CR7. Wales qualified 2nd behind Croatia in their group, which also contained two other qualifiers in the shape of Slovakia and Hungary. They are built on a solid defensive foundation but with that X-factor in Bale.

For a country this small and with a relatively limited pool to draw on, it is very surprising to see only eight return from the 2016 edition. However, the squad is still a decent one drawing players primarily from the English Premier League and Championship divisions. Only five players 30 or over emphasizes the squad has a healthy base of young players in it. Bale and Ramsey will be expected to set the standard for the rest.

A major issue will come at the manager level. Ryan Giggs had done a very solid job since taking over in 2018 qualifying them for the Euros. However, due to an off-field issue (charged for assault), Giggs has since been replaced by a caretaker manager. Nonetheless, Wales should line-up with a 5-3-2 formation seeing Hennessey in goal behind CBs Rodon, Mepham and Davies with N. Williams and Roberts as wing-backs. The midfield trio will likely be Ramsey, Allen and Ampadu with Bale and Wilson as unconventional forwards. Aside from the speedy James, the bench is limited. A lack of depth was a cited weakness in 2016 and they persevered through it staying injury-free.

The Welsh aren't as good defensively as they were in 2016 and don't have as forgiving a group as they did then either. Bale is not the same force he was then and Ramsey who was immense at the tournament has also faded away badly as a force. They are the weakest team in the section and will struggle to beat or even take points off any of the other sides. All that said tournament football and national pride can do strange things, if Bale is in "Wales, Golf, Madrid" mode and Ramsey can channel his "Rambo" mode, maybe a surprise result can happen. Maybe.

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Euro 2016 - Quarterfinal Review & Best XI; Semifinal Preview

Four games on paper which truly looked nothing alike. To open a battle of teams spearheaded by two of the best goal scorers on the planet. Then a Golden Generation versus what amounts to another, albeit far more understated, Golden Generation. The matchup of the two most successful footballing nations in Europe, one which would not look out of place as the final. Then to close the fairytale team versus the hosts who were yet to hit their heights.

Euro 2016 Quarterfinal Recap

• Poland - Portugal

Both of these nations knew this match represented an exceptional opportunity to progress to a semi-final of a major tournament. The match itself was and felt like the biggest international match almost every player on these teams had played before.

The ease (and very early nature) of the Polish goal would have taken most by surprise, that it was belatedly Lewandowski's first at this edition of the Euros was altogether less of a shock. The Portuguese leveller came from one of their best two players on the day in Renato Sanches with a strike which deflected into the perfect spot. The deflection off Krychowiak was cruel given he was again the standout Polish player and probably their best player at the tournament.

The defences were on top the rest of the way, with a superb performance by Pepe and uncharacteristically poor finishing from Ronaldo. It did seem destined to be tight with a penalty shootout, but not before a brilliant interception that almost led to the most unfortunate of own goals.  A tight penalty shoot-out which the Portuguese edged.

My Pick: Poland / Favourites: Portugal / Winner: Portugal

• Wales - Belgium

For players on both teams, the biggest match of their international careers. One team had already exceeded expectations, the other had finally reached the minimum expectation for a team of their talent. Talent started dominantly and but for a chaotic goal line stance by the Welsh would have had an extremely early lead. The lead did eventually come and how sweetly it did. An absolute screamer from Nainggolan was literally a bolt from the blue, there seemed no danger until it hit the net that is.

At that stage most would have begun thinking by how many the Welsh would lose. Then came what I will call a monumental error to give the Welsh a foothold. Not that Ashley Williams was under tremendous pressure, but why oh why would De Bruyne go walkabout from his position on the post? Courtois is 6'6, no need to get behind him, stay on the post and there was no way that ball goes in.

The Belgians seemed to not know what to do next and Wales stepped up nicely. The goal from Robson-Kanu was sensational, one turn took two defenders and a Fellaini right out of the play, then a composed finish. The Vokes goal was impressive in its own right as well, the perfect cross with a header which was placed better than if one had tried to throw it in the net. That was the KO for the Belgians.

There were significant deflections within the Belgian camp about the squad being a young squad and still developing as well as noting the injuries, but in truth this was the shock of the tournament and this generation may never have a better chance to make serious noise at another tournament.

My Pick: Belgium / Favourites: Belgium / Winner: Wales

• Germany - Italy

A matchup worthy of the final, given these had been the two best sides at the tournament and are the two premier tournament teams in Europe. The game itself did not disappoint. A tactical matchup, which saw the first shock being Low changing his formation to matchup with the ItalJuve 3-5-2 and it worked. The Germans certainly did a better job of coping than the similarly stacked Belgian and Spanish teams who collapsed against the 3-5-2.

The defenses were on top for almost all of the game, aside from the goals being direct results of mistakes. In a footballing world short of world-class defenders, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes showed seemingly perfect blends of positioning and tackling. When the Germans conceded there was an air of certainty it would end 1-0, then after Bonucci's pressure riddled penalty kick, you just knew this would go to penalties. The battle of the two best goalkeepers in the world which didn't really come to fruition in regulation time primarily due to their highly effective shields, but both men stood tall in the shootout.

Could the Italian hoodoo continue? Or would the Germans finally conquer their Italian curse? Truthfully it felt a bit of both. Germans don't miss penalties! Maybe it is time to check some passports then because the Germans took a fair few clanger penalties, but thankfully for them Zaza and Pelle had two of the worst ever taken in a major shootout. Tough way to lose and an all too Italian way to be eliminated (i.e. 1994 vs Brazil; 1998 vs France; 2008 vs Spain). Good omen for the Germans.

My Pick: Italy / Favourites: Germany / Winner: Germany

• France - Iceland

Each team came in on a fairytale run for a different reason, Iceland obviously for their triumph over the fancied English but for the French players opportunity beckoned to push on to win a major tournament on home soil.

As a contest it was over early thanks to good finish by Giroud, followed by a towering header from Pogba. By the time Payet put one into the corner the party was well and truly underway, when Griezmann channeled his inner Messi with a finish worthy of the great man, the game was up for Iceland. The fear was that it would become a laugher.

Kudos to the Icelandic squad again. Despite still ending up losing heavily, they turned it around in the second half to leave France with their heads held high to complete a tournament performance which will go down in footballing history as an adjective by which all small teams aim to be measured. Be Icelandic.

My Pick: France / Favourites: France / Winner: France

Best XI (Euro 2016 Quarterfinal)

• GK - Manuel Neuer (Germany) - overshadowed amongst some atrocious spot kicks, Neuer made a couple great saves not least on Bonucci's 5th kick.
• DEF - Pepe (Portugal) - finally letting his play on the field overshadow his antics, was exceptional against the Poles.
• DEF - Jerome Boateng (Germany) - aside from the brain cramp handball, Boateng was brilliant in defence and even tucked away his penalty without any issues.
• DEF - Leonardo Bonucci (Italy) - remarkable throughout the tournament both defensively and offering a deep, deep lying playmaker role, even took the pressure filled penalty.
• DEF - Ben Davies (Wales) - a terrific performance as a hard working wingback, offering great defensive solidity with a dash of offensive spark. Big miss for semis.
• MID - Grezgorz Krychowiak (Poland) - the one-man midfield was at it again, unfortunate deflection on the goal but his powerful running, tackling and passing in midfield was stellar.
• MID - Renato Sanches (Portugal) - his goal was deflected, but if ever a display deserved a goal it was his. He looked every bit a super star in the making.
• MID - Paul Pogba (France) - finally got his goal, but it was his passing and tackling in midfield that shone brightly.
• MID - Aaron Ramsey (Wales) - against an extremely talented Belgian midfield, Ramsey did his share of defensive work but was always an outlet getting forward. Another big semis miss.
• FOR - Antoine Griezmann (France) - deadly up top for the French and caused the Icelandic defence no end of headaches.
• FOR - Olivier Giroud (France) - got his goals and played a key role in the link up play winning most in the air, even got a round of applause when subbed off.

Euro 2016 Semifinal Matchups

• Portugal - Wales

The weight of expectation is squarely on Portugal's shoulders, probably for the first time in the knockout stage, they are firmly the favourites with their prior matchups more evenly weighted. The Welsh will be missing the two players (not named Bale)  - Ramsey and Davies - they would least like to have been without (even Ashley Williams has a solid replacement in Collins to come off the bench). The missing William Carvahlo is important for Portugal as well for the balance he provides in midfield but Danilo should be an able replacement.

Portugal as the favourites will be expected to make the running, something which they have not done as yet in the elimination games and if they choose to sit back, this could be a dour, low-scoring game.

My Pick: Portugal / Favourites: Portugal

• Germany - France

The world champions will enter after a physically and surely mentally exhausting matchup against the Italians. The hosts will enter on the back of a first half of devastating football followed by a pedestrian second half. Khedira and Gomez are out of the tournament due to injury now, with Hummels suspended - which together with their quarterfinal exertions handicaps them sufficiently to make this a truly level matchup. For all the French flair in attack, they are brittle at the back and the Germans have all the weapons needed to exploit the French backline.

The French will finally have a test at this tournament after in all fairness a fairly average run-in to the semis against far more limited teams than themselves. Within touching distance of greatness though, they run into the Germans who eliminated them at the quarterfinal stage of the 2014 World Cup. Pogba and Griezmann have two more years of top level experience, Payet is on scintillating form and was not part of that squad.

The Germans are a much different side than when they met in Brazil. Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Hummels, Khedira and Klose won't be on the field but a cast of super talent chomping at the bit for their chance to be the next German superstar are available ably supplemented by Neuer, Boateng, Ozil and Kroos who were part of that triumph.

Yet another game worthy of a final before the actual showpiece. It may well be quite an open game. The French people will not overlook the fact that the last time these two teams met though, football took a major backseat with very few concerned with the 2-0 French win.

My Pick: France / Favourites: Germany

Euro 2016 - Round of 16 Review & Best XI; Quarterfinal Preview

After an effort worthy of the goal of the tournament in the opening tie of the knockout rounds - Shaqiri Bicycle - seemed as though it would set the tournament alight. However, this aside, the opening day of the Round of 16 failed to set the pulses racing. There was a dreaded penalty shootout, an own goal to decide a game and the game no one seemed to be bothered to win.

Then came a fantastic Sunday highlighted by individual masterclasses which got the tournament knockout stages off the ground - 10 goals in 3 games will do that for you. There was a crescendo which well and truly erupted on Monday with something resembling an upset and what some would have you believe was the equivalent of a footballing miracle. If the Shaqiri goal was the high point on the pitch of the tournament thus far, surely nothing will surpass the imagery of the Icelandic players celebrating with their fans.

Euro 2016 Round of 16 Recap

• Switzerland - Poland

Poland looked better in the first half , Switzerland the rest of the way. A game illuminated by a bicycle kick from the edge of the penalty box (refer above), but ultimately settled by precise Polish spot kicks.

My Pick: Poland / Favourites: Poland / Winner: Poland

• Wales - Northern Ireland

The unlikeliest of matchups settled by an own goal cruelly but the right result. Never really got going as a contest and was always likely to be a bit dull.

My Pick: Wales / Favourites: Wales / Winner: Wales

• Croatia - Portugal

The most aesthetically pleasing team of the group stage, met the only team in the Round of 16 not to have won a game at the tournament. The game that promised much and delivered little. Croatia chose to bunker down and Portugal were happy to oblige a game that in all honesty was not great. Kudos to the Portuguese for the result, but neither team escaped with any positives otherwise.

My Pick: Croatia / Favourites: Croatia / Winner: Portugal

• France - Republic of Ireland

The Irish should leave with their heads held high, they gave the French a real scare for almost an hour before Griezmann took over. The French looked dominant in the last half hour, but have not shown their best just yet.

My Pick: France / Favourites: France / Winner: France

• Germany - Slovakia

The Germans were the first team to lay down a clear mark of intent. A gem from Boateng, a spectacular Draxler performance and an uncharacteristic German penalty miss. The Slovaks never stood a chance once the premier tournament team hit their stride.

My Pick: Germany / Favourites: Germany / Winner: Germany

• Hungary - Belgium

Kiraly made some fine saves and the Hungarians showed great endeavour, but the Belgian class told in a massive way. Hazard had the standout offensive performance of the tournament and was simply unstoppable on the run. Another major marker laid down for any would be title challengers.

My Pick: Belgium / Favourites: Belgium / Winner: Belgium

• Italy - Spain

The Italians provided a master class of a team performance, which surpassed even the heights achieved against Belgium, with an inspired goalkeeping performance keeping the score line down. Another tournament team who have seemingly hit their stride. The road does not get any easier, eliminate your nemesis and the two-time defending champions then be rewarded by a date with the world champions.

My Pick: Italy / Favourites: Spain / Winner: Italy

• England - Iceland

Hands up if you thought when England opened the scoring inside 5 minutes, anything other than a comfortable win for the English was on the cards. What happened thereafter will never be forgotten by any football fan who was lucky enough to witness it. Say what you will about an off colour English performance, the Icelandic fight was special and the scenes after truly special.

My Pick: Iceland / Favourites: England / Winner: Iceland

Best XI (Euro 2016 Round of 16)

• GK - David De Gea (Spain) - almost singlehandedly kept the score line respectable with some truly sensational saves.
• DEF - Birkir Saevarsson (Iceland) - controlled the right flank of the Icelandic defence and midfield, he played a big role neutralizing the English wide game.
• DEF - Ragnar Sigurdsson (Iceland) - the game changer with his almost instantaneous equalizer, but his defensive showing was impeccable including arguably the tackle of the tournament.
• DEF - Giorgio Chiellini (Italy) - someone from the BBC had to be here, between his goal and mastery of the dark arts in their game, impossible to dispute.
• DEF - Mattia De Sciglio (Italy) - a terrific performance as a hard working wingback, offering great defensive solidity with a dash of offensive spark.
• MID - Radja Nainggolan (Belgium) - provides the platform for the creative forces within a stacked Belgian team.
• MID - Eden Hazard (Belgium) - it will take quite a performance to supplant his Round of 16 efforts as the single best attacking performance of this tournament.
• MID - Julian Draxler (Germany) - his finest moment for die Mannschaft, he dazzled with tremendous footwork as well as showing terrific poise with his assist and goal.
• MID - Luka Modric (Croatia) - despite an ineffective Croatian performance, still bossed the midfield. Too often was playing defensive midfield instead of driving the team forward.
• MID - Toni Kroos (Germany) - the understated orchestrator of the fluid German midfield, he dictated the pace of the game for his team.
• FOR - Antoine Griezmann (France) - stepped up to turn the game and begin on the road to being a national hero perhaps?

Euro 2016 Quarterfinal Matchups

• Poland - Portugal

Neither Poland nor Portugal have played at their best thus far this tournament. Barring a Portuguese 3 goal performance against the Hungarians, these teams have combined for 5 goals in 660 minutes. Based on those numbers a low-scoring or dour game has to be on the cards, right?

Ever the optimist, I'd rather focus on the potential for an exciting game. Neither of these teams will be over-awed by the other. Neither defense is world class, but both are better than average. Neither team is lacking midfield creativity (should they choose to let loose) or destroyers, but perhaps most poignantly neither team is lacking a truly world class goal scorer. Ronaldo versus Lewandowski is a matchup which has seen superb performances by both in prior Champions League tilts.

Both of these nations know this match represents an exceptional opportunity to progress to a semi-final of a major tournament. For one country its for a larger than life superstar with a solid supporting cast, for the other its a group of talent no seen for generations. Opportunity beckons.

My Pick: Poland / Favourites: Portugal

• Wales - Belgium

The Welsh have done fantastically well to get this far, but the Belgians on this form would be extremely hard to back against. Bale aside, no other Welsh player would get into the Belgian starting XI. Excluding Ramsey as well none of the other Welsh players would probably even crack the Belgian 23 man squad. The gulf in talent is immense.

The Welsh should have no fear though, they played the Belgians in qualifying and their 1-0 win in Wales made it clear the Welsh meant business. The Belgians have grown into this tournament and have managed to find the balance between scoring freely and being defensively solid (8 goals for and 0 against in their last 3 games - all wins).

For the so-called Golden Generation of Belgian football, the time is now and it would be a monumental shock for the Welsh to advance beyond this stage - it would be the biggest upset of the tournament in my opinion given what is on stake. If Hazard remains on form, it will be a question of by how many.

My Pick: Belgium / Favourites: Belgium

• Germany - Italy

A matchup worthy of the final, given these have been the two best sides at the tournament thus far - hopefully not a poisoned chalice given the Croatian fate. These are the two premier tournament teams in Europe - between them they have amassed 8 World Cup wins and 4 Euro wins, not to mention the numerous times they have ended as runners-up at major tournaments.

On paper, Germany has the better team and are deserving of their tag as favourites. They boast world class players in every position and have a number of players who have been played with the national team at numerous major tournaments whilst also boasting a healthy crop of young up-and-coming talent. The Italians came into the tournament with relatively low expectations, but Conte has galvanized a group of players to perform fantastically well as a team. They have already caused two upsets and will be looking to keep it going.

A fact that has been highlighted repeatedly is an intriguing one, in that Germany has never beaten Italy in a competitive match. The last two matchups were in the semi-final of World Cup 2006 in Germany (Italy 2-0 Germany) and in the semi-final of Euro 2012 (Italy 2-1 Germany). Could the Italian hoodoo continue? Or will the Germans finally conquer their Italian curse?

My Pick: Italy / Favourites: Germany

• France - Iceland

The monumental win of the Iceland squad against the English will live long in the memory, but it was no miracle - Iceland are a good team and have been for a number of years. Make no mistake this group of Icelandic players have earned the right to get to the big stage. This is their Golden Generation and they have already achieved more than anyone could have dreamed but they are not done. Even with their Golden Generation tag, none of their squad would make the French team, such has been the exceptional nature of their team play and ethic.

This French squad while stacked with talent have yet to play a great game at the tournament. They played a fantastic last half hour against the Irish and will look to continue with that momentum. This group of players know they are the better group of players and the likes of Griezmann and Pogba have gotten progressively better as the tournament has gone along. The suspensions of Rami and Kante, will mean Deschamps is forced into changes to his lineup.

Each team is on a fairytale run for a different reason, Iceland's is obvious but for the French players they have the opportunity to win a major tournament on home soil. They have an opportunity to earn legendary status and kickoff the biggest sporting party in their country in almost 20 years. The pressure will be squarely on the French and that may play into Iceland's wheel house, but I believe the French will prevail.

My Pick: France / Favourites: France