Results on Monday conspired to mean a host of nations who weren’t even playing all confirmed their passage to the last 16, including England and favourites France.
Thankfully, the worst of the mathematical challenges were not required on Monday as Denmark completed their fairytale recovery following on from their horrifying opening game.
With Christian Eriksen well on the mend and Denmark reaching the last 16, what could have been the worst thing about Euro 2020 has developed into the story of the summer. Plenty of neutrals are likely to back them now – but Wales fans will hope the last chapter ends here, as they’ll meet the Danes in the last 16.
A few remaining matches have become dead rubbers, but there are still positions to sort which will affect routes to the final and which stadiums they play in, including England and Scotland today.
Day 11 talking points
- Denmark and Belgium are through from Group B, Finland must wait but three points isn’t likely to be enough for them
- Netherlands got a perfect nine too and Austria join them in the last 16; Ukraine are ‘ahead’ of Finland in the best third-place teams but also only managed three points
- England, France, Sweden and Czech Republic are all through as they have four points and will at worst be best third place teams. But each could still top their groups too, making a difference to their last-16 opponents
Today’s fixtures
- Czech Republic vs England, Group D, 8pm on ITV
- Croatia vs Scotland, Group D, 8pm on ITV 4
Expectations on…
Jack Grealish. The England-watching part of the nation seems to have collectively decided that he’s the one to be the saviour of the summer, despite not really affecting the game against Scotland after coming on.
Gareth Southgate still has reservations over him and his defensive play, it seems, but since England are already through – and since a second-place finish is possibly better than topping the group – perhaps he’ll give the Aston Villa man a start.
What he really needs to do, though, is put Jadon Sancho in the team – and perhaps even Jordan Henderson, you know, someone who knows how to ensure the team plays well and knows how to win.
Key battle to watch
Patrick Schick vs the England defence. It must be said that Tyrone Mings has been solid so far and John Stones not far behind him in England’s better performers.
But Schick is joint top scorer and flying in confidence – he’s the one they’ll have to stop if they do want to top the group.
There has been talk over Harry Maguire making a return to action too, and given he hasn’t played in over six weeks, he could easily struggle against the physicality and self-belief the Czech striker has right now.
Fans are talking about…
Gini Wijaldum, again.
The captain for Netherlands – and what a cool kit that is, by the way – gave a ceremonial jersey to Goran Pandev pre-game to mark his final outing on the international stage, which is already a pretty legendary moment even before kick-off.
But then he also guided his nation to a perfect group stage three from three, scored twice more himself, overtook a man with mythic status in Dutch folklore and made himself joint top-scorer at the Euros all in one go!
Although we still have lots to improve, we finish this round with a positive feeling. Also happy to contribute with 2 goals??? #WeTheWave
Special congrats to Cody with his debut ? and Goran Pandev with ending his fantastic career???? pic.twitter.com/leFGEcgBK9
— Gini Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) June 21, 2021
After yesterday's performance in Amsterdam, Gini Wijnaldum has more goals for the Netherlands national team (25) than Marco van Basten (24).#LFChistory_net pic.twitter.com/hA4LD65gLo
— LFChistory.net (@LFChistory) June 22, 2021
As things stand, four players top the #euro2020 goal scorer list with three goals a piece!
?????? Lukaku ??
?????? Wijnaldum ??
?????? Schick ??
?????? Ronaldo ??Who do you think will walk away with the Golden Boot? pic.twitter.com/pwLvcpiSYW
— Goallounge?? (@Goalloungetv) June 21, 2021
OFFICIAL: Gini Wijnaldum ?? has been named UEFA Star of the Match for his performance in #NED 0-3 win against North Macedonia. ? #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/rj37mbFToA
— RouteOneFootball (@Route1futbol) June 21, 2021
Wijnaldum sacrificed world class goalscoring ability to play a tactical role which prevented him from attacking the box from deep at LFC. This was a large reason as to why they won the Champions League and Premier League – he sacrificed individual awards from team success. LEGEND
— EBL (@EBL2017) June 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/CFCMod_/status/1407028247653662720
I wish Gini Wijnaldum got this much respect when he was a Liverpool player, he’s always been underrated. pic.twitter.com/h1wIrSjzEU
— Scouser Chris (@ScouserChrisLFC) June 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/FutbolBible/status/1407029878587801601
Feels so weird that Wijnaldum isn’t a Liverpool player anymore.
— – (@AnfieldRd96) June 21, 2021
Gini Wijnaldum now has 23 goals/assists in his last 28 Holland caps. That’s incredible ?
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) June 21, 2021
Gini Wijnaldum has now scored as many goals in #EURO2020 as he did in 51 games for Liverpool last season [3]. ? pic.twitter.com/CS5jbie91Z
— Football Factly (@FootballFactly) June 21, 2021
Reds in action
Andy Robertson will be desperately hoping to guide a Gilmour-less Scotland past Croatia; it’s win-and-in for the Scots. But also for their opponents.
Jordan Henderson is still looking for his first start at Euro 2020, which could come when England face Czech Republic at the same time.
Predictions
Let’s go with the home nations being happy for once, shall we? Scotland to beat Croatia and England to get whatever result turns out to give them a move favourable draw in the last 16 after tomorrow’s games have been played!
