Can you believe in little over a week, the Euros will be finished? With only eight teams left in
the tournament, but who will make it to Berlin for the final on the 14 July?
I think I did pretty well with my predictions for the round of 16; with Switzerland’s victory
over Italy and Turkey’s success over Austria the only results I got wrong.
Spain vs Germany (17:00 BST, 5 July)
Spain have been the best team in the competition so far. They have a solid team with Rodri,
Fabian Ruiz and Pedri running rings in midfield, whilst Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have
practically unstoppable on the wings. Their performances so far this tournament have been
head and shoulders above the rest.
Germany are the hosts though, and the support they yield in the stadium will influence the
game. The hosts have performed well this tournament, but respectfully have not set the
world alight with their results. Niclas Fullkrug and Jamal Musaila continue to create chances
in attack whilst Antonio Rudiger has been one of the tournament’s most in-form defenders.
This is a tough game to call with top performers Spain up against Germany with the home
advantage.
Prediction: Spain 2-1 Germany
Portugal vs France (20:00 BST, 5 July)
Portugal were lucky to have got this far given it took a penalty shoot-out win against
Slovenia to get through. Much of the attention has been on Cristiano Ronaldo. And whilst he
will be remembered as one of the greats, he is the type of world-class forward we have
been used to seeing. At 39 years-old, he is not capable of starting every game, and he can’t
do the same things he used to be able to do. Take free-kicks for instance. Once upon a time,
they used to blast past the goalkeeper into the top corner, but not anymore. Portugal need
to utilise these set-pieces more efficiently.
France were one of the hot favourites going into Euro 2024, and they still remain one of the
favourites to. They’ve only scored three goals this tournament. Yes, Kylian Mbappe suffered
his broken nose, but similar to Portugal it’s a team game, and France boast plenty of
attacking talent to blow teams away. With that begin said, they started to play some
attractive football against Belgium.
Whilst Portugal will offer something going forward, I can only see France winning this.
Prediction: Portugal 0-1 France
England vs Switzerland (17:00 BST, 6 July)
Whilst I always believe that England will find a goal, I must admit I started to think deep into
injury time that this was it; the end of Gareth Southgate. Thankfully, I was wrong. The way
we performed in injury time and extra time was great; I want to see more of this from the
first whistle.
Opponents, Switzerland, though have been a well-balanced team so far this tournament.
They’ve grown as the competition has gone on – and their 2-0 win over Italy was certainly
not a fluke. Captain Granit Xhaka has been crucial in linking their defence to attack. Whilst
the Swiss might not win the Euros, he deserves to be included in Ballon D’or team
recognition later this year, given a near perfect season with Bayern Leverkusen too.
England will need to start well this game, but I think they need to change formation given
how Switzerland play. The Swiss play with three at the back. Harry Kane hasn’t enjoyed
much of the ball as it so far this tournament; and playing against three centre-backs he
won’t endure much time on the ball unless things change. Ivan Toney and Eberechi Eze
played well when they came on against Slovakia. Ultimately, it’s up to Gareth Southgate
how we play – but he has to make a least one change with Marc Guehi suspended for this
game.
Prediction: England 2-1 Switzerland
Netherlands vs Turkey (20:00 BST, 6 July)
Turkey’s round of 16 tie with Austria was a great game to watch. Turkey fought well against
a strong Austria side. Mert Gunok was forced into a last minute save to prevent the game
from going to extra-time. They thoroughly deserved their win.
The Netherlands have quietly progressed this tournament. Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and
Memphis Depay have been standout performers up top, and will be looking to add to their
tallies in this tie.
Turkey have been the second most backed country this tournament – only bettered in
support by hosts Germany. They’ve enjoyed some good moments so far and will put up a
good fight for a place in the semi-final too. I can’t see them being able to keep the
Netherlands attack quiet for 90 minutes though.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-1 Turkey