Euro 2020 Semi Final Picks 2021 (July 6th-7th)

We are down to the final four at the delayed Euro 2020 Finals and all four teams remaining have been one of the 'hosts' at the tournament.

I do think it has underlined the difficulty for those teams that have travelled from day one of the tournament and it may be something that gives England the edge even if all four Semi Finalists are heading to London after Quarter Final wins littered around Europe.

Hosting both Semi Finals and the Final is huge for England though and many believe 'it's coming home', although I think Italy, Spain and Denmark will all be heading into these remaining ties filled with much belief of their own.

Hopefully we have three fun matches left to watch before the attention will soon turn to the World Cup that begins in less than eighteen months time.

Tuesday 6th July

Italy vs Spain Pick: The last time Italy played at Wembley Stadium they produced their worst performance of the Euro 2020 Finals when narrowly getting past Austria having needed Extra Time to beat the underdog. They were much better in their win over Belgium in Munich, but Roberto Mancini will return to England with his players knowing they can't have another sub-par performance in London if they are going to progress to the Final of Euro 2020.

It has been a remarkable turnaround from Italy who have been courageous going forward but without losing their strong defensive identity. Belgium created chances, but Italy held firm in their Quarter Final win and they are now coming up against a Spain team who have been inconsistent in the final third.

Spain are coming back from St Petersburg where they needed Penalties to see off Switzerland, but it was another match in which loose finishing threatened to cost them. This is a team that has looked good going forward until the final shot/pass and that kind of level is not going to be good enough to beat Italy.

Luis Enrique will know that, but his Spain team are still in the tournament and surpassing most expectations by reaching the Semi Final. They have largely been in control defensively, but Spain make too many mistakes and a high pressing Italy team is likely going to be in a position to turn the ball over and cause massive problems for the Spanish.

If Italy can get Spain chasing the fixture, it could be a match in which the counter attack is hugely effective and I do think Italy are the better team.

However, Spain can play their part in the fixture with their strong attacking approach and I would not be surprised if it is similarly open as the Belgium-Italy Quarter Final was a few days ago.

The longer trip Spain have been on and the emotional match they were a part of may ultimately cost them though and I think Italy will likely win a high-scoring game.

Wednesday 7th July

England vs Denmark Pick: Both England and Denmark would have welcomed being in the weaker half of the Knock Out draw and I think both teams have played well enough in their wins over the last ten days to give themselves a lot of confidence.

England have beaten Germany and Ukraine in the last two Rounds and have yet to concede a goal in the tournament and hosting the Semi Final will surely give them a real advantage through the remainder of the tournament. Earlier on they were being criticised for a lack of goals, but England have scored 6 goals in their Knock Out wins and Harry Kane is back amongst the goals.

Gareth Southgate will be confident, but England are also under some pressure to deliver a first major international tournament since 1966.

That is a far longer wait than Denmark have had who won the 1992 European Championships and looked like real dark horses in this tournament. They have only lost 4 of their last 33 games and 3 of those came against Belgium, while the other to Finland was in extraordinary circumstances after Christian Eriksen's collapse and all of the worry that his team-mates had surrounding that moment.

It might have become a rallying moment for Denmark though and the team have won 3 games in a row while scoring 10 goals in those wins.

This isn't just a fairytale for Denmark though and I think there was a genuine feeling they could have a big tournament before a ball was kicked. A good manager and a team that is greater than the sum of its parts could not be underestimated and Denmark have played really well in the tournament to feel like they can upset the odds here.

They have done it before- it isn't that long ago since Denmark took four points from England in the Nations League, although the win at Wembley Stadium came after the hosts had been reduced to ten and then nine men. Even then it was a tight victory for Denmark and the game in Copenhagen ended goalless which suggests we could see some nervous moments when the teams clash in a much bigger situation in the Euro 2020 Semi Final on Wednesday.

While England deserve their spot as favourites and especially with Denmark travelling to London from Baku after their Quarter Final win, I do think the Danes can make things very difficult. They have the size to cope with the set pieces and Denmark have some real pace and quality in the final third which will make them dangerous.

My feeling is that both managers are going to urge a touch of caution despite the goals each team have been scoring in the Knock Out Rounds and we could see something similar to the two Nations League meetings. A single goal was scored across two matches and even that was through a Penalty and my feeling is that both England and Denmark have played well enough defensively to see at least one clean sheet produced in this Semi Final.

An early goal will change the whole picture, but I think this will be the tighter of the two to be played and backing one, or both, to fail to hit the back of the net is the play.

MY PICKS: Italy-Spain Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.37 Bet Victor (2 Units)

England-Denmark Both Teams to Score- NO @ 1.72 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Quarter Final: 2-2, + 0.50 Units (8 Units Staked, + 6.25% Yield)

Last 16: 2-6, - 8.30 Units (16 Units Staked, - 51.88% Yield)

Group Stage: 21-15, + 11.96 Units (71 Units Staked, + 16.85% Yield)

Match Day 3: 9-3, + 12.40 Units (23 Units Staked, + 53.91% Yield)

Match Day 2: 5-7, - 3.54 Units (24 Units Staked, - 14.75% Yield)

Match Day 1: 7-5, + 3.10 Units (24 Units Staked, + 12.92% Yield)

Euro 2020 Quarter Final Picks 2021 (July 2nd-3rd)

Upsets, drama and some wonderful footballing moments have all been a feature of the Last 16 of the Euro 2020 Finals and we are now down to the last eight.

The favourites France are out and another, Belgium, looked banged up which looks to be opening the door for the likes of Italy, Spain and England to pick up a major title in the next ten days.

However, there are nations like Denmark and Switzerland who will feel the European Championships have provided a number of upset winners over the years and they could become the latest to do that. Greece's success in 2004 is the stand out upset win, but the Danes of 1992 did the same and I do believe this current Denmark team are playing with momentum.

Ukraine and the Czech Republic may not be the trendy selections, but they are in the Quarter Finals now and from here who knows what may happen? With that in mind who is to say they can't go on and upset the odds and it should be fun to find out how the tournament will shake up.

The Quarter Final matches will be played on Friday and Saturday in four different time slots and in four different nations before all of the remaining contenders head to London for the end of the Euro 2020 Finals.

Friday 2nd July

Switzerland vs Spain Pick: Monday was one of the more stunning days of watching Knock Out Football anyone would have seen in a major international tournament.

Both Last 16 ties ended 3-3 in regulation and those extra minutes played by Switzerland and Spain could be telling in this Quarter Final. The Swiss in particularly are coming off an emotional Penalty Shoot Out win over France and have done considerably more travelling than most of the remaining teams in the Euro 2020 Finals and I do wonder if that is going to have an impact on them.

On Monday they came from 3-1 down to score deep into injury time and force Extra Time before holding favourites France in the extra period and winning the Shoot Out. It has been a long time since the Swiss won a Knock Out tie at a major international tournament, but all of that emotion will have likely taken something out of the tank for a team that has already surpassed all expectations by merely making the Quarter Final.

Spain had a different Last 16 experience as they blew a 3-1 comfortable lead over Croatia before having to pick themselves up and beat their opponents 5-3 in Extra Time. The recovery was impressive for a team that has started this tournament slowly, but looks to be peaking at the right time and beginning to make sure they convert the chances they are creating.

The Spanish have scored eight goals in their last two games inside ninety minutes and ten in total which makes them dangerous, although there is always the feeling that they lack a natural finisher who could make all of the difference for them. If they had a peak David Villa or Fernando Torres the feeling is that Spain would be the favourites, but they are hard to trust in the final third even if I do believe they will create plenty of chances in this one too.

I do give them the edge with a few more options littered through the squad to make sure they can freshen things up and I think that will make the difference.

Spain also look the more effective team in the final third and they are not allowing as many shots on goals as the Switzerland team they are opposing.

Will it be another thriller? Possibly, but the deeper thinking is that Spain will have too much and can find the goals to secure a victory inside the regulation time.

Belgium vs Italy Pick: Injuries to Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard have put their participation in this Quarter Final in doubt and it has led to Italy being set as the favourites to get past Belgium and reach the Euro 2020 Semi Final.

Before a ball had been kicked, Belgium would have been a strong favourite to see off Italy, but the performances in this tournament as well as those injuries have just shifted the momentum.

Belgium have struggled in their games against Denmark and Portugal to create chances and they were perhaps fortunate to win both games. That is a little concerning for a squad that will likely see anything other than winning this tournament as a disappointment, but Belgium have found a way to keep clean sheets in three of their four games at Euro 2020 despite some of those opportunities being allowed.

They can't keep getting out of a jam though and Belgium are going to be challenged by an Italian team that have looked good in the tournament even if they struggled in the Last 16 against Austria. On another night they may have been beaten with some close VAR calls going against the underdog, but Italy have confidence in their system and will feel they are secure enough defensively to at least contain a Belgium team that may be without their top two creative forces.

Italy have been winning a lot of matches, but they have rarely competed with a team as good as Belgium though and that makes this a different challenge. They did top their last Nations League Group over Holland, Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina, but Italy scored just seven goals in six Group games, while the first edition of the Nations League alongside Portugal and Poland saw Italy score two goals in four Group games and I think that may be seen in this Quarter Final.

I don't think Roberto Mancini's team will take too many chances to leave spaces for Belgium to exploit and I can see both teams looking to control the midfield. It may lead to a match with little real opportunities in the final third and something special could be required to break the deadlock between the teams.

Goals were hard to find in the Italy and Belgium Last 16 ties and I think that may be the case in this one too. An early strike changes the entire complexion of the Quarter Final and may lead to more spaces, but I think both Roberto Mancini and Roberto Martinez may be looking to make sure Italy and Belgium are hard to break down and my feeling is that a chess game type of fixture may be played out with so much on the line.

Saturday 3rd July

Czech Republic vs Denmark Pick: Some players have already voiced their frustrations at a tournament played across the continent and the amount of travelling they have had to do as well as the difficulties it has presented for fans.

Wales' Chris Gunter made the point in the aftermath of their defeat to Denmark in Amsterdam and the Czech Republic players have made their feelings clear about having to travel to Baku for this Quarter Final.

They have already played in Glasgow (twice), London and Budapest and you do have to wonder what kind of hindrance that is going to be for the Czech Republic. At least Denmark got to play three games at home before crushing Wales in Amsterdam and they have also had an extra day to prepare for this Quarter Final and I do think that gives The Danes an edge in what should be a competitive last eight tie.

Both teams are playing with momentum, but Denmark look to be in a groove and have been considered a dark horse before the Euro 2020 Finals began. They have the added motivation of playing for Christian Eriksen and Denmark have been creating a lot more chances than the Czech Republic in their four tournament games, while also being a little more convincing defensively.

You have to believe that will show up in this Quarter Final, although pressure intensifies on players as they begin to feel there is a big opportunity in front of them. The Euro 2020 Finals looks wide open with eight teams left and both Denmark and the Czech Republic will feel they can match some of the teams of their past with a run to the Final and potentially winning this tournament.

However, I do think Denmark have been the superior of these two teams in the Finals so far and they can battle past the Czech Republic to reach the last four.

Ukraine vs England Pick: There was an euphoria around England after the win over Germany in the Last 16, but Gareth Southgate will know there is still plenty of hard work to do with the expectations growing around this team.

Being in the weaker half of the draw is one benefit, having the Semi Final and Final at Wembley Stadium another, while the biggest threat in the draw in France are already eliminated. Belgium look bruised before their own Quarter Final and England fans are expectant after coming so close to reaching the World Cup Final in 2018.

There are a couple of new challenges for the players and the first of those is having to travel away from England for this Quarter Final which is set to be played in Rome. For the first time at Euro 2020, England will likely feel an 'away crowd' with the Ukrainians likely going to be well supported.

Ukraine have done well to reach the Quarter Final, but they were perhaps fortunate to have gotten out of the Group Stage and looked to be second best against Sweden for large parts of that Last 16 tie. A sending off changed the momentum in Extra Time, but even then Ukraine struggled to create great opportunities and I do think they will find it very difficult to break down this England team.

They do have players that can cause problems with special goals being a part of the tournament so far, but Ukraine do struggle for goals and this England team have kept clean sheets throughout the tournament. England have protected Jordan Pickford and the feeling is that this Quarter Final will be similar to the one England won against Sweden at the World Cup in 2018.

There is still a feeling that England do not create enough chances with the attacking talent they have, but they are taking a pragmatic approach to the Euro 2020 tournament and it has worked so far. Defensively they have been very sound and I think that will be the base from which England will try and secure another major tournament Semi Final which will be back at home.

Dealing with crosses will be a challenge for England, but they have the players who can manage the situation and Ukraine's final third issues are a problem for Andriy Shevchenko. They have scored six goals in the tournament, but Ukraine have not been creating a lot of good chances and backing England to win with a clean sheet is a decent shout at odds against.

MY PICKS: Spain to Win & Over 1 Total Goal @ 1.95 Bet365 (2 Units)

Belgium-Italy Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.80 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Denmark @ 2.15 Betfair Sportsbook (2 Units)

England Win to Nil @ 2.10 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Last 16: 2-6, - 8.30 Units (16 Units Staked, - 51.88% Yield)

Group Stage: 21-15, + 11.96 Units (71 Units Staked, + 16.85% Yield)

Match Day 3: 9-3, + 12.40 Units (23 Units Staked, + 53.91% Yield)

Match Day 2: 5-7, - 3.54 Units (24 Units Staked, - 14.75% Yield)

Match Day 1: 7-5, + 3.10 Units (24 Units Staked, + 12.92% Yield)

Euro 2020 Last 16 Picks 2021 (June 26th-29th)

The path to Euro 2020 success has been laid out for the remaining sixteen teams in the tournament and there is no doubt that the Knock Out Stages are very much top loaded.

While Italy, Belgium, Portugal, France and Spain were all amongst the favourites before the Finals began, only one of those nations is going to be able to make the Euro 2020 Final at Wembley Stadium in just over two weeks time.

England, Germany and the Netherlands are the big names in the other half of the draw, but the likes of Wales, Denmark and Sweden will feel there is an opportunity for them too in what looks a much more open section.

Right now I would still have France down as the favourites with the most favourable of the Last 16 ties for those top nations, while Belgium are likely going to have to beat four top teams to take home a title the golden generation have been desperate to secure.

The winner of the England/Germany tie on Tuesday afternoon is going to be a big favourite to move through the draw to the Final, but I really like the way the Netherlands have approached things and they have winnable matches through to the Semi Final and made the inaugural Nations League Final which also has to be respected.

The tournament has been a little underwhelming to this point and I think that is down to a couple of factors- the event being held in multiple countries at a time when travelling for fans is restricted at best means the atmospheres have perhaps not matched previous tournaments, and the pandemic itself has had a huge impact as to the way fans approach watching these matches at home too.

There is also a lack of danger in the early stages of the tournament with only eight of the twenty-four teams playing in the European Finals exiting before the Knock Out Stages. That removes some of the intensity of the Group Stage and I would not be surprised if this is a competition that is expanded to thirty-two teams before the end of this decade to try and increase the importance of the Groups, even if the competition itself would be diluted significantly.

UEFA won't be too concerned about that knowing the financial rewards that will come with a bigger tournament and it would make sense to do that in time for Euro 2028 when the World Cup is increased to forty-eight teams two years earlier.

The one country approach going forward should also reinvigorate the competition, while the Knock Out Rounds of the 2020 (2021?) edition could really spark the entire event. There are some big matches in the Last 16 and with the top teams likely moving through there could be some huge fixtures to be played before a winner is decided.

England have a very good chance of ending a long wait for success, but I still lean towards France who have been pretty quiet in the Group Stages of Euro 2016 and 2018 World Cup before turning on the style in the Knock Out Rounds. A similar trend could see France blitz through the Knock Out Stages and become European Champions two years after taking over the world.

The Group Stages have been pretty decent for the Euro 2020 Picks I have been making, but things intensify in the Knock Out Rounds and that could lead to some tighter contests. I certainly think that could be the case as the tournament moves on, but the Last 16 draw looks a good one and I am hoping the entertainment value will rocket upwards.

Saturday 26th June

Wales vs Denmark Pick: The tragic Christian Eriksen situation played a major part in Denmark's opening loss to Finland, but the squad has rallied together after their friend and team-mate was considered over the bump and looking like he will be put on a road to recovery.

The inspired Danes have dominated their last two Group games, but they couldn't hold on against Belgium and so needed to beat the Russians at home. The second of those games was even more impressive from Denmark who hammered Russia 4-1 in Copenhagen and will now travel to Amsterdam in good form and with some real momentum behind them.

Before the tournament I did suggest Denmark could be a dark horse and they have been given the right draw with a Last 16 tie against Wales followed by a Quarter Final against the winner of the Netherlands-Czech Republic fixture.

Christian Eriksen will be a loss for any team, but Denmark have created a lot of chances in the last couple of games while they have continued to defend pretty well. A lack of clean sheets may suggest otherwise, but Denmark were punished by Belgium in one game despite having the better of the overall game, while Russia needed a Penalty to break through this defence.

Players like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey will help Wales carry a threat and they are in a position where some fans may feel only matching the Semi Final run of 2016 will be considered a positive tournament from here. The players are perhaps more realistic and understand the challenges ahead, but in Bale and Ramsey there are match winners in the Wales ranks that will make them dangerous.

Wales have played well in the tournament, but I think Denmark represent another level from the likes of Turkey and Switzerland. In only the fixture against Turkey have Wales really been deserving of the result they have obtained, but they were a little fortunate against Switzerland and Denmark are arguably better than both of those nations.

Denmark hold the mental edge having beaten Wales twice in the 2018/19 Nations League, while the momentum is also hard to shift behind the favourites for this Last 16 tie.

I imagine Robert Page will pick a team that looks to be solid at the back and try and hit Denmark on the counter, but the latter have been a better team than Wales in this tournament and I think that eventually shows up. The first goal is going to be crucial for both teams, but I do think Denmark are playing with the positivity and confidence that suggests they will have the better of this game and they can win in the ninety minutes scheduled.

Italy vs Austria Pick: You never want to peak too early in a tournament and that has to be the only worry for Italy fans that will be proud of their national team once again after the hugely embarrassing failure to even Qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Not many would have seriously believed Italy can win Euro 2020, but the development of the national team will be a project that may reap rewards in the years ahead and for that Roberto Mancini will be much admired.

His team have played attacking, modern football but without losing the Italian identity of being strong in defence and that has played out in the Group Stage where Italy have scored seven goals and kept clean sheets against Turkey, Switzerland and Wales. Even a much changed team in the final Group game were comfortable against the Welsh and the Last 16 tie looks like one that Italy should be very happy with.

Bigger challenges are going to come in the heavy loaded top half of the draw and with that in mind Giorgio Chiellini is unlikely to be risked in this tie. The Italians will feel they can contain an Austria team that were well beaten by the Netherlands in the Group Stage in Amsterdam, but they will also have to respect the fact they finished 2nd in Group C.

I am not convinced that was the toughest section out there and Austria will have to defend a lot better than what we saw from them in their defeat to the Netherlands. On another day the margin would have been much greater than the 2-0 final score suggested and I do think Italy are the kind of team who could be rampant if there is any kind of repeat of that performance from Austria.

Finding a way to challenge an Italy team that have kept eleven clean sheets in eleven straight wins is a huge task for Austria who were crushed 0-4 by Denmark in a World Cup Qualifier in March. The manager likes his team to be a little more proactive on the attacking side of things, but that leaves Austria open at times and Italy have shown they can score plenty of goals with those being provided from players throughout the squad.

Before the 1-0 win over Wales, Italy had scored at least twice in ten straight wins, but it was a much changed team that saw that run come to an end. I think there is every chance Italy will at least begin a new trend of that many goals being scored in this Last 16 tie and I think that will be enough to see them past Austria and take their place in what is likely to be a huge Quarter Final next Friday evening.

Sunday 27th June

Netherlands vs Czech Republic Pick: The draw for the Knock Out Rounds of the Euro 2020 tournament looks extremely top loaded and there is a big opportunity for a big run for one of the dark horses to open the event.

The Netherlands and Czech Republic have both previously had huge successes in this continental competition and the current squads will sense there is a big opportunity in front of them. The winner will certainly believe they are favourites to beat whoever they face in the Quarter Final and once you get into the final four of any competition there has to be a real belief that something special can occur.

It would be a huge return to major international tournament events for the Netherlands who missed out on Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup and they haven't really put a foot wrong in the tournament so far. Granted all of those games were home games in Amsterdam and now they have to travel to Budapest, but the Netherlands will be happy with their level and they have been creating a lot of chances.

There are questions about their defensive stability, especially when they will move onto tougher tests, but the Czech Republic have not really created as much in the final third as they would have liked. A Penalty got them on the board against Croatia and the Czech Republic failed to score against England with very little created in those games, while they also have to answer questions defensively considering the positions Scotland and England managed to get into against the Czechs.

It is a concern for the Czech Republic who will have to feel that the Netherlands are going to get on the front foot and cause problems for them.

The first goal will be important, but I do think there has been enough creativity shown by the Netherlands to feel they can get in front and then hurt the Czech Republic on the counter attack.

A poor record against this nation is a slight concern, but the Netherlands are a squad of players that may feel there is more to come from them despite the eight goals scored in the Group. I think they will cause plenty of problems for the Czech Republic in this Last 16 tie and the Netherlands can continue their run of scoring at least twice and extend that to 11 games on their way to another victory and a place in the Quarter Final of the Euro 2020 Finals.

Belgium vs Portugal Pick: Before a ball was kicked at Euro 2020 the likes of Belgium and Portugal were right amongst the favourites to win the tournament and it is something of a shame that one of these nations will be exiting the event on Sunday.

Both teams are in the loaded top half of the draw and whoever is able to get through to the Final is going to have to beat some very good teams to do that.

Belgium and Portugal cannot look too far ahead and both Roberto Martinez and Fernando Santos will know how tough the task is to win this Last 16 tie. The two teams have tremendous talent littered through the squads and Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo are in fine form which will give Belgium and Portugal plenty of confidence they can find the goals to secure passage through to the next Round.

The narrow favourites are Belgium who have won all three Group games, while Portugal secured four points in their own section. However, it should be pointed out that Belgium had a much more comfortable Group compared with Portugal and they will have to be a lot better than they were in their narrow win over Denmark to win a game like this one.

Belgium have been creating chances though and they have players like Kevin De Bruyne and Lukaku who will feel they can hurt this Portugal defence. Five years ago Portugal won the Euro 2016 title with a strong defensive effort, but they have conceded six goals in a couple of games against Germany and France and those teams did create some good chances in those fixtures against the Portuguese.

That will be encouragement for Belgium who have a manager that will want his team to get forward and score goals and they have managed to do that in 33 consecutive fixtures. It is difficult to imagine those drying up here, but an ageing Belgian defence is vulnerable to the speed and quality that Portugal have in the final third and I do think that makes it an intriguing fixture.

While Portugal have given up some big chances in their last couple of games, they have scored at least twice in each fixture played at the Euro 2020 Finals. This is a team that has created chances and quick feet from their wide players have also forced teams to make mistakes and give away Penalties, something an ageing Belgium backline will have to be wary of.

I do think both teams will score in normal time, but this feels like it could develop into a very attacking game considering the approach we are likely to see from Belgium. That should leave spaces for Portugal too and I think there will be at least three goals shared out considering the performances we have seen from both teams so far in the tournament.

Picking a winner is not easy and I do think it is going to come down to which of Lukaku or Ronaldo is most clinical on the day.

I won't pick which way it goes, but will look for at least three goals to be shared out before that winner is decided.

Monday 28th June

Croatia vs Spain Pick: In recent times both Croatia and Spain have had considerable success on the international stage, but the feeling is that both of these teams are in transition at the moment.

While a smaller nation like Croatia are unlikely to produce a team like the one that reached the World Cup Final in 2018 any time soon, they have historically produced some very good sides. Since that World Cup key players have moved on and they are still heavily reliant on the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, but Croatia have struggled for consistency in the final third through their opening Group fixtures.

It is a concern for them against a Spanish team that still likes to get the ball down and play and who are fresh off a big win over Slovakia. Despite that, there is still a feeling that Spain lack the quality needed in the final third to really go on and win this tournament, although you do have to respect a team that can create as many strong chances as Spain have so far in this tournament.

Both of these teams will like to control the ball and play the game at their own tempo, and I do think it will be a fixture that is competitive throughout. However, it is Spain who have looked more capable of creating a consistency of chances and they do have enough in the final third to believe they can earn a narrow victory in this Last 16 tie.

Spain do have to overcome some mental hurdles- since winning Euro 2012, Spain have not won a Knock Out tie at any of the next three major international tournaments, while Croatia are plenty experienced after working their way through to the World Cup Final three years ago.

That is a concern for Luis Enrique and his team, but I think Spain will do just enough to edge past an opponent that have perhaps hit their peak to reach the Knock Out Rounds.

France vs Switzerland Pick: While Germany will head to London to take on England and Portugal will be travelling to Seville to play Belgium, France have been rewarded for winning the 'Group of Death' with a fixture against Switzerland in Bucharest.

This is the 'easiest' of the fixtures the three teams coming out of Group F will be facing, but France can't take anything for granted. Back to back draws has dented some of the early momentum picked up in their win over Germany in Munich and Didier Deschamps will be looking for more from his team who have looked good at times, but have yet to really stamp their authority on this tournament.

They do have a chance to make a statement when hosting a Switzerland team that needed a special Xherdan Shaqiri performance to beat Turkey and move through to the Last 16 as one of the best third place finishers. A change in approach has seen Switzerland try and get on the front foot, but they may return to type in this fixture knowing how dangerous their opponents can be.

An attacking approach saw Switzerland exposed by Italy in Rome in a 3-0 loss in the Group Stage, but it may be their best bet to try and upset the odds. We have yet to see France defend as well as they would like, but this is a team that can create chances and will see the Switzerland defence as one that is more vulnerable than it has been in recent years.

France have some very strong attacking talent and they have been creating plenty of chances in their last couple of games. They could also be very dangerous on the counter attack if France get their noses in front and this is a team that has scored plenty of goals in Knock Out ties at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

I would not be that surprised if the Swiss look to frustrate and try and hit France on the counter themselves, but this France team is full of quality. We have yet to really see them hit their stride, but France have not really performed that strongly in each of the last two Group Stages in 2016 and 2018 before really turning it on in the attacking third in the Knock Out Rounds.

They should be too good for a Switzerland team that were overwhelmed by Italy in Rome and I think France win a game that features at least two goals on the night.

Tuesday 29th June

England vs Germany Pick: All anyone in England would have been hearing for a few days is how it would be better for the national team to avoid winning Group D and give themselves the best path through to the Euro 2020 Final.

That was before the 1-0 win over the Czech Republic which earned England top spot in their own section and the irony is that those calling for anything else would have been seriously wrong. Croatia face Spain and the Czech Republic face the Netherlands, but England have the benefit of hosting this Last 16 tie against old rivals Germany and the winner of this tie will be a considerable favourite to be playing in the Final of the Euro 2020 in a couple of Sundays time.

Winning Group D did mean England would have a tough test, but it was only a late Germany equaliser on Wednesday that prevented this being a home game against Hungary. Instead it is Germany who took 2nd place in Group F, but this is a team filled with inconsistencies and one that is vulnerable to the speed and counter attacking ability England play with.

Joachim Low's men will try and get forward and pressure an England defence which has kept five clean sheets in a row. Germany will certainly feel they can have some successes knowing the chances that Scotland created at Wembley Stadium and especially when you think of the opportunities that Germany have created in their opening three Group games.

All were played in Munich, but Germany have won 6 of their last 8 away competitive fixtures and they will feel they have plenty of attacking quality to hurt England.

This not a vintage Germany team, but they are one that has to be respected after seeing the way they tore through Portugal. They had enough chances to beat Hungary and earn a draw with France too and much is going to depend on what side of the bed the players get out of on Tuesday.

England will likely play the way they have been which is to focus on the defensive side of things and hope they can show enough quality to break down their opponents. The performances in the Nations League is some concern when England have come up against better opponents, but Germany look vulnerable too and I think an early goal will really open up this Last 16 tie.

There is pressure on both sets of players who will recognise the opportunity in front of them if they can win this tie, but Germany as an underdog will feel they have 'nothing to lose'. That makes them dangerous, but the style should also leave spaces for England to exploit and I would not be surprised if this is a high-scoring game between old rivals.

Games between England and Germany have historically been tight and competitive affairs, but the visitors have shown their best form of defence is to get forward and try and overwhelm opponents. Goals have been flowing in the last couple of matches, but defensively England will feel this German team is very exploitable to pacy attacks and goals look like they will be on the menu.

Having home advantage should give England enough of an edge to work their way past Germany here, but it might be a more enjoyable game for the neutrals than those invested in either nation.

Sweden vs Ukraine Pick: There will be fans of both of these nations that will already feel disrespected by the likes of England and Germany essentially speaking about their chances of reaching the Final of the Euro 2020 as long as they are able to make it through to the Quarter Final out of that Last 16 tie.

That isn't a complete disrespect to Sweden and Ukraine, but neither of these teams were really expected to contend at the tournament and yet they are on the brink of a Quarter Final. Sweden will have reached back to back major tournament Quarter Finals which would be remarkable considering it has happened in the years since Zlatan Ibrahimovic has retired and missed out.

Injury prevented Ibrahimovic playing in Euro 2020, but Sweden's squad have rallied together without their talisman and this is a team that is much greater than the sum of their parts. Beating out Spain and Poland to win this Group is no mean feat and they will be heading into the Last 16 tie with nothing to lose.

However, there is some sense of expectation around this tie which will be a new element for Sweden to deal with. They may not be big favourites, but they are favourites to beat a Ukraine team that had a negative goal difference and lost two of their three Group games and were still able to make it through to the Last 16 as one of the best third place finishers.

Ukraine had some expectations around them to have a good tournament, but they haven't played as well as they would have liked in the defeats to Netherlands and Austria. Getting through gives them another chance, but Ukraine's confidence has to be dented by those losses and the manner in which they were beaten with both Holland and Austria creating plenty of really good chances.

Andriy Shevchenko wants Ukraine to play on the front foot, but they have not been as creative as they would have liked and this is a team that has struggled for goals. They scored twice against North Macedonia, but one of those was a Penalty and Ukraine also fought back to 2-2 against the Netherlands thanks to two special finishes, but over the last twelve months it has been a real issue for them in the final third.

Before Euro 2020 began, Ukraine beat Cyprus 4-0 in a friendly to snap a run of 12 games in which they had failed to score more than a single goal. The lack of chances created in the games with the Netherlands and Austria are thus a concern and I am not sure they will get much change out of Sweden despite the fact that this team has not been as watertight at the back as they would have liked.

Sweden have given up a huge amount of chances in their Group games with Spain and Poland and I do think better teams will take advantage of that as the Euro 2020 tournament continues, but I am not convinced Ukraine will be able to do the same. And as poor as Sweden have looked at times at the back, they have been creating chances in all of their games and I think that is where they have a narrow edge over this Last 16 opponent in what looks one of the weaker ties to come at this Stage of the tournament.

Extra Time would not be a massive surprise considering the limitations of both of these teams, but I think Sweden are the overall better team and backing them to Qualify for the Last Eight makes the most appeal.

MY PICKS: Denmark to Win @ 1.85 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Italy to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 1.86 Bet365 (2 Units)

Netherlands to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 2.10 Bet365 (2 Units)

Belgium-Portugal Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Spain to Win & Under 4 Total Goals @ 2.20 Bet365 (2 Units)

France to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 2.00 Bet365 (2 Units)

England-Germany Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Sweden to Qualify @ 1.72 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Group Stage: 21-15, + 11.96 Units (71 Units Staked, + 16.85% Yield)

Match Day 3: 9-3, + 12.40 Units (23 Units Staked, + 53.91% Yield)

Match Day 2: 5-7, - 3.54 Units (24 Units Staked, - 14.75% Yield)

Match Day 1: 7-5, + 3.10 Units (24 Units Staked, + 12.92% Yield)

Euro 2020 Match Day 3 Group Picks 2021 (June 20th-23rd)

There may be four third place finishers making it through to the Last 16 of the Euro 2020 Finals, but it is still surprising to see that twenty-three of the twenty-four teams taking part still having an opportunity to make it through.

Only North Macedonia have officially been eliminated and only the Netherlands have guaranteed themselves as Group Winners.

With that in mind, the final round of Group games should have plenty on the line for all of the teams involved and there should be plenty of twists and turns to come. Things will clear up by Monday evening when three Groups are completed, but teams are still jockeying for position and there are some good looking matches to come.

Sunday 20th June

Italy vs Wales Pick: Two wins from two Group games will have won the section for many teams, but Italy still have a bit of work to do to make sure they leave Rome as Group A Winners.

Avoiding defeat will be good enough to do that and it may be a result that suits both Italy and their opponents Wales who have almost certainly secured 2nd place in the Group.

Roberto Mancini could make some changes to give some of the other squad members an opportunity, but the manager would also like to keep the momentum behind his team and I would not be surprised if the Italians put another win on the board.

Wales have played well in the tournament and the pace on the counter attack will worry an Italian team that can lack some legs at the back. However, Robert Page and his men may feel the best approach is to contain their hosts and avoid a big defeat which should be good enough for 2nd place as long as Switzerland don't batter Turkey in the other game in the Group.

The edge is with Wales though and they have put in a lot of work to secure their place in the Last 16 in all likelihood.

They do pose a threat on the break and the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are playing well, but I think Italy may just have enough to break them down and secure a narrow win. Another clean sheet would not be a massive surprise and I would not be massively surprised if both teams slow down towards the end of this fixture with Knock Out matches to come later in the week.

Turkey vs Switzerland Pick: After failing to win any of the four Group games these two nations have combined to play for, the situation means both Turkey and Switzerland are in a precarious position in the tournament.

They meet in Baku on Sunday and both teams need to win the game and hope that is good enough to take them through to the next Round.

Turkey are under more pressure having lost both Group games and a win may not be enough considering the awful goal difference- they don't just need to win, but likely need to win big and that means an attacking approach has to be taken to this fixture.

They have created chances, but Turkey have been poor in the final third and they need to show better composure if they are going to have any chance of Qualifying.

Switzerland have things much simpler- if they win they move onto four points and that should be enough to take them through. They were decent against Wales and deserved more than a point, but Switzerland were awful in Rome and the travel back to Baku does not favour them at all.

I do think they will cause Turkey problems considering what we have seen defensively from the Turks, but this could develop into an open game and especially if Turkey score first. Goals have been an issue for both of these teams in this tournament, but this should be a more open encounter and I think at least three goals will be shared out.

Monday 21st June

North Macedonia vs Netherlands Pick: Beating both Ukraine and Austria and scoring five goals has given the Netherlands fans hopes of a very strong Finals to come. They have already won Group C and so should be rewarded with a good looking Last 16 match and the draw could easily open up for the Netherlands with the way the opening fixtures have gone.

Having secured all they have wanted, Frank de Boer could easily make changes to his team, but there is almost a full week before Holland will play again and so he won't want to lose some of the momentum that has been earned.

They could really go into the Last 16 with a heap of momentum as the Netherlands take on eliminated North Macedonia.

The latter have shown they came through the weakest of the Play Off paths into the Euro Finals and they have looked markedly weaker than both Ukraine and Austria and now face the best team in the section. North Macedonia have nothing to lose so they could be dangerous, but defensively they have looked off the pace and teams have created plenty of chances against them.

I do think the Netherlands will be found out later in the tournament, especially as their attack and defence look a little light, but for now they should be comfortable and I think they win this game pretty comfortably.

Momentum can be so important to teams and the Netherlands can go into the Last 16 with three wins behind them. I don't think there will be wholesale changes, although a few of the squad could be given an opportunity, and I think the depth will be enough to see off North Macedonia by a couple of goals on the day.

Ukraine vs Austria Pick: A point would likely be good enough to take both Ukraine and Austria through to the Last 16.

The layers clearly believe the two teams are more than aware of that being the potential outcome of this fixture and the draw is actually trading at odds on.

You can't really argue with the theory and I do think there will be a temptation for both of these teams to not take too many risks.

It is not often you see the draw at the prices they are for this one, but I think it is a risky play. Instead, a small interest on there being 'no goalscorer' might be the best approach as you can see both Ukraine and Austria perhaps easing off if this game is level with half an hour left, but also covers the chance of an own goal breaking the deadlock.

There might not be a lot of reason for either team to commit to attack in this one and both may shake hands on finishing 2nd and 3rd and moving through to a Last 16 tie over the next weekend.

Finland vs Belgium Pick: Only one team has managed to come from behind and win a game at Euro 2020 and Belgium's win over Denmark has taken them through to the Last 16. Avoiding defeat will be enough to take them through as Group Winners, but Roberto Martinez likes his Belgium team to play with attacking intent and even with some changes I do think they will be too good for this opponent.

They should give the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard more minutes to try and get those key players up to speed before the Knock Out Rounds begin, and Belgium have shown they have some depth when crushing Belarus 8-0 in a World Cup Qualifier in March.

Roberto Martinez is taking his team back to St Petersburg and the travel is an issue, but Belgium have momentum and five goals in two Group games has given them a boost.

They will be facing a Finland team who likely still need a point to take them through to the Last 16.

Finland work hard and will give it a go, but they are not the best defensively and you do have to worry about them if they go chasing this game. That has to be a fear for the Finnish, although a narrow defeat may not prevent them going through to the Last 16 depending what happens in the other game.

Even with that in mind, it will be difficult to contain this Belgium team despite the likelihood of one or two changes to be made to freshen up the starting line up.

A comfortable win for one of the favourites looks the most likely outcome of this final Group game.

Russia vs Denmark Pick: The Christian Eriksen incident has seriously hurt the Denmark chances at this Euro 2020, but there is still an outside chance they can work their way through to the Last 16.

Two defeats have been costly for other teams around the tournament, but Denmark are in a weak section and a win by a couple of goals may see them through as 2nd place as long as Finland are not able to avoid defeat against Belgium.

One of the stronger third place finishes will also be within Denmark's grasp with a big win and they have played well enough to earn more than what they have in this Group so far. This is a team that has been creating chances and they will believe home advantage could be the key in this final Group game against a Russia team that has been a mixed bag.

Despite playing both games at home previously, Russia still need a positive result to earn their place in the next Round and a defeat would likely see them exiting the tournament. That puts some pressure on them and travelling has usually been a weakness for this team.

It could be a fairly open game with both teams chasing the points and I think there will be goals involved.

However, I think Denmark have been very unfortunate in this tournament so far and they may just find one big performance which helps them past this opponent and give them every chance to Qualify for the Last 16. Some eyes and ears will be looking at the game at St Petersburg, but Denmark have to focus on themselves and that means winning this game.

I think they can do that.

Tuesday 22nd June

Croatia vs Scotland Pick: The situation could not be clearer for Croatia and Scotland when they meet in the final Group games on Tuesday evening- both have a single point from the two games played so far and a draw would likely mean both are going to be exiting the Euro 2020 Finals.

A win or bust frame of mind should mean an open fixture develops at some point and the big question for both managers is whether their teams have enough goals to find a victory.

Scotland have yet to score at Euro 2020, but they have created some wonderful chances and poor finishing has really let them down. On another night they would have earned 6 points from their two games played, but Scotland's poor finishing has proved costly and they are under pressure to deliver.

Che Adams is a Premier League player with Southampton, but he has long been someone who has underperformed when it comes to conversion rates and Scotland are going to be under pressure to be much better in the final third. This Croatia team is experienced at the back, but they are an ageing team and Scotland should have enough to create chances against them.

Croatia have also struggled in legitimate away games and that has to be an encouragement for Scotland, although this is a nation that has historically found a way to find a glorious defeat from strong positions.

Teams have created chances against Scotland and I do think Croatia will be able to do that even if they are not as strong as they once were in the forward areas. They have to take risks and that means increasing the intensity of the performance, while an early goal could really open this fixture up completely.

1-1 means nothing to either team and I think that has to mean attacking players will be used and spaces could open up as this fixture hits the 70th minute mark and further along.

It is difficult to back these teams to be clinical in front of goal considering what we have seen from them in this tournament, but both Scotland and Croatia can create chances in front of goal. If a player or two can just show the composure needed, one of the teams may find the three points they need to progress and it could come from a relatively high-scoring fixture to round out what has been a low-scoring Group.

Czech Republic vs England Pick: When you plan out the draw before a tournament ball has been played it can be easy to get carried away by the possibilities and for many winning Group D would be a bad decision as it would mean facing either Germany/France/Portugal in the Second Round.

It is with that in mind that many felt finishing 2nd would be a better long-term plan for a team and I think that is influencing the odds for this fixture.

England can go through as 2nd place in the Group if they don't win this fixture and you can understand why some think playing out a draw would suit both teams. The Czech Republic's aims are to get through to the Knock Out Stage and that would guarantee they do that, while England would likely be pretty happy even if it means leaving Wembley Stadium until the Semi Final.

A weaker path helped England reach the World Cup Semi Final three years ago so this is something that would be in mind. Obviously it won't be mentioned by the management, but I also think Gareth Southgate needs a much better performance from his team than the one produced in the draw with Scotland.

It is hard to know what kind of desire England have- they are a big price if they were definitely going to play for the win, but you do wonder if that is going to be high on the agenda throughout this fixture.

What England have done of late is not give up too many goals and that may be underlined in this fixture. The Czech Republic have not exactly created a lot of chances in their opening two games and I think England can largely contain their threat, although England will have to be much better in the final third to break down a team that has overachieved defensively considering the chances they have allowed.

In usual circumstances England would look a massive price as I have said, but you can't really know for sure what they are thinking and whether playing for 2nd is the best bet for them.

In all likelihood a point suits both teams and I would not be surprised if one of the teams fails to find the net in what could be a potentially another uninspiring fixture in this Group.

Wednesday 23rd June

Slovakia vs Spain Pick: One of the big disappointments at the Euro 2020 Finals so far has to be Spain, although this is a team that has just lacked a clinical touch rather than totally underachieving.

Unfortunately it is a big part of football to find a way to convert chances into goals and Luis Enrique may make more changes in a bid to lift his team. A missed Penalty against Poland means Spain are almost certainly going to need to win this game to have any chance of making it through to the Last 16.

Draws with Sweden and Poland have come about through poor finishing, but Spain do finish up with the weakest team in the section.

Slovakia have three points on the board and another may be good enough to take them through to the Last 16, but they have not really been as strong as they would have liked. A lack of goals was a concern before the Finals began and Slovakia have created very little so far, which should be encouraging for the Spain fans that have been vocal in their disgust with the results so far.

Defensively Spain have not been at their best and I do think that will encourage their visitors, but I do think Spain will have the edge in the match. A narrow defeat for Slovakia may not be the worst result when the entire Group Stage shakes out, but that may be the best they can hope for against a Spain team that are surely going to punish someone soon.

Sweden vs Poland Pick: The layers have placed Poland as the favourites for this final Group game because they 'need' to win, but I think that offers up an opportunity to oppose them here.

The draw with Spain was a positive result, but Slovakia's win over Poland has put them in a difficult spot and a draw is likely going to mean elimination. They will have to take risks and Poland have a player in Robert Lewandowski that has proven himself a lethal finisher in the top European Leagues, but you can't discount the motivation that Sweden may have.

A defeat coupled with a Spain win would mean Sweden are going to be hoping to be one of the best third place finishers and that would also mean a very difficult Last 16 tie. However, a win and they can top the Group which means facing a third place team in the next Round and that would present Sweden a real chance to reach the Quarter Final of back to back major international tournaments.

The Swedes defend well enough to frustrate Poland and I do think they have some pace and quality in the final third which could see them find a way to secure a positive result. If Poland begin to chase, who would discount a Swedish counter attack to win the Group and I certainly think they are being disrespected as the slight underdog in this match.

Sweden have arguably looked better than Poland in the tournament with a solid base from which they can build. That is superior to Poland who do give up chances and have conceded three goals in two Group games and I think Sweden may be the surprising Group E Winners.

A draw would likely mean things coming down to goal difference assuming Spain finally get things right, but Sweden should be motivated to try and win this game and the Group. With an opponent that may have to take risks in front of them, much could come down to how effective Sweden are on the counter attack late in the game and I think they will find a way to the victory when all is said and done.

Germany vs Hungary Pick: The situation will be very clear to all of the teams in Group F by the time they kick off the final Group fixtures at Euro 2020 on Wednesday evening, but you do have to feel the permutations are more likely to affect the other fixture in the Group.

Both Germany and Hungary are much clearer in their ambitions and that is namely a win should be good enough to take them through to the Last 16.

The media may have been sharpening their knives in Germany on Saturday as the national team fell 0-1 behind against Portugal and the fear of a repeat of the World Cup 2018 failure certainly came to the fore. However, Joachim Low's team feel they are being underestimated and turned on the style in thumping the European Champions 4-2 and earn some vital momentum to take towards the Group Stage.

With France failing to win in Budapest, Germany have every chance of topping this section and they will be targeting one more win in Munich.

Germany have been a hard team to get a read on since the World Cup with inconsistent results and poor defensive performances holding them back. However, some of the younger players have provided an attacking spark and Germany have been scoring goals for fun and especially in home games which makes them very dangerous.

They created a lot of chances against Portugal and were in some promising positions against France which bodes well now they take on the weakest team in the Group.

Hungary showed resiliency in their 1-1 draw with France, but they have given up huge chances in both games played in the Group and those came in Budapest. Now they have to travel to Munich and I do think Hungary will struggle to contain their hosts and eventually will have to take risks to try and earn the positive result they need to have an opportunity to play in the Knock Out Rounds.

That could leave them exposed to a Germany team that does like to get forward and score goals and I think they can sign off at Munich with a big Group Stage win.

It wouldn't be that surprising if Hungary can cause problems of their own against a vulnerable German defence, but I don't think they will be able to contain their hosts. An early goal could really set Germany on their way in this one and I think they can cover what is perhaps the biggest Asian Handicap of the tournament so far.

Portugal vs France Pick: I am writing this out on Monday but the situation for both Portugal and France will be much clearer by the time this match kicks off on Wednesday evening.

While Portugal are not going to have a guaranteed place in the Last 16 of the Euro 2020 Tournament by then, they will know how many more points they need.

Assuming Hungary will not win in Munich, 3 points could be enough for Portugal if two of the following situations comes true: Finland lose to Belgium, Croatia and Scotland draw or Poland fail to beat Sweden.

Even then it would come down to goal difference if Portugal were to lose to France on Wednesday, but they have a positive one now and a narrow defeat may not prevent passage through to the Last 16.

It clouds the approach Portugal may take, although they will finish in the top two of the Group if they can win this game. The World Champions also have plenty of motivation knowing a win will top the section, and with the knowledge that a defeat may force France to need one of the best third place finisher spots and a potentially very difficult Last 16 tie.

The permutations can drive you mad at times, but the feeling is that both of these teams will not want to give too much away. Those permutations will be very clear by kick off, but the two Nations League meetings suggest this will be another tight fixture and I do think goals will be tough to find.

Portugal have looked good going forward, but the 4-2 loss to Germany may have spooked a manager who is more cautious than cavalier, while France have struggled to put a finishing touch to some of their football. Defensively the World Champions have looked pretty solid, and I do think you have to factor in that there have been two goals scored in the last 4 between these nations in normal time.

Backing one of the teams to fail to score is my suggestion, but I do think you should keep a real eye on how the other results are going. It could mean this fixture could potentially open up if news filters through that a team needs to chase a result, but it feels the pressure is all on the Portuguese before kick off regardless.

They showed how vulnerable they can be to the counter attack against Germany and this France team is more than capable of blowing past opponents. However, I think this is a fixture in which the two managers will be looking to set up to prevent the other team from picking up some steam and so it may be one where there is very little between them.

MY PICKS: Italy Win to Nil @ 2.20 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Turkey-Switzerland Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.80 William Hill (2 Units)

Netherlands - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.96 Bet365 (2 Units)

Ukraine-Austria No Goalscorer @ 5.50 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Belgium - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.05 Bet365 (2 Units)

Denmark to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 2.15 Bet365 (2 Units)

Croatia-Scotland Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Czech Republic-England Both Teams to Score- NO @ 1.72 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Spain Win to Nil @ 1.77 Bet Victor (2 Units)

Sweden 0 Asian Handicap @ 2.05 Bet365 (2 Units)

Germany - 2 Asian Handicap @ 1.89 Bet365 (2 Units)

Portugal-France Both Teams to Score- NO @ 1.91 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Match Day 2: 5-7, - 3.54 Units (24 Units Staked, - 14.75% Yield)

Match Day 1: 7-5, + 3.10 Units (24 Units Staked, + 12.92% Yield)

Euro 2020 Match Day 2 Group Picks 2021 (June 16th-19th)

Teams won't be panicking after one round of fixtures has been played, but there will be a little more urgency and pressure on those that wish to go deep into the Euro 2020 Tournament when Match Day 2 rolls around.

It has already been a tournament filled with drama, but there should be plenty more to come and hopefully it will be solely concentrated on the football and not more scenes like most would have witnessed in the Denmark-Finland game last Saturday.

Games on Match Day 2 will be played from Wednesday through to Saturday evening and the final round of games will start on Sunday. These middle fixtures can be hugely pivotal to the way the Groups and subsequent draw for the Knock Out Rounds may pan out so there are some big fixtures to come.

Wednesday 16th June

Finland vs Russia Pick: Most of the attention in the United Kingdom may be on the upcoming 'derby' game between England and Scotland, but for fans of Finland they have a chance to bloody the noses of their neighbours Russia in the opening fixture of Match Day 2.

A 0-1 win over Denmark was a huge result for Finland, but the match and the result were overshadowed by the Christian Eriksen situation which saw the Danish midfielder fortunate to escape with his life after collapsing on the field just moments before half time.

On the field, Finland took their limited chances and were a little fortunate at the back, but the victory is one that puts them in a strong position to earn a surprising spot in the Last 16.

They rode their luck at times on Saturday though and Finland will have a tough test travelling to St Petersburg with all the emotions out of that win likely to affect the Group. An angry Russia team will be waiting for them having been embarrassed by Belgium in their opening Group game at home, but the manager may point out individual mistakes which effectively saw the hosts punished.

Russia have tended to have better success against teams of this level rather than Belgium too and I am expecting them to be a lot better than they were last time out. While they are not really amongst the elite of Europe, Russia have been very difficult to beat here and they may have just enough to edge past a Finland team that are still not a great traveller despite the win in Copenhagen.

A heavy loss to open the tournament means Russia will likely be searching for goals in this one just in case they have to rely on being one of the best of the third place finishers and I think Finland can also play their part.

My feeling is that Russia will edge past Finland in a relatively high-scoring fixture.

Turkey vs Wales Pick: The last time Turkey and Wales met came in the 1998 World Cup Qualifiers and it ended in a 6-4 win for Turkey in what can only be described as a topsy-turvy game.

It would be a massive surprise if we even get half that number on Match Day 2 of the Group Stage- Turkey are coming off an extremely disappointing performance when losing 3-0 to hosts Italy, while a late goal was enough to earn Wales a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

The three points look to be vitally important for two teams that did not show the kind of bite they would have liked in the final third in their opening games. Neither defended that well either, but Italy were ruthless where Switzerland were not, while I am not sure either of these teams are capable of creating the same kind of chances against the other.

Turkey are perhaps the better of the two teams having been seen as a 'dark horse' before the tournament began, but they will be the first to admit they need to be a lot better. This team is capable and it will feel like a home game in Baku which could be key, although Turkey have been travelling from Rome while Wales have been waiting here after the draw with the Swiss.

There is a feeling that both teams will feel they have the quality in the final third to show better than they did in the opener, and I do think Turkey definitely have more to offer.

Wales don't create a lot of chances and I do think Turkey can largely contain the threats, although set pieces may be a problem for them. There is more pressure on Turkey to win the game which could leave them vulnerable to a late counter attack if they are chasing the game, but I think they are the better of the two teams and may edge to the valuable points.

Having the fans behind them will be a big help and Turkey are a team that can blow hot and cold- my feeling is we've see the ice cold and that the heat is ready to go on Wednesday in Baku.

Italy vs Switzerland Pick: We have seen all twenty-four teams that are playing at Euro 2020 this summer and there haven't been too many you would say have performed better than Italy in their opening fixture.

A comfortable 3-0 win over Turkey showed a confident and vibrant side that is capable of scoring goals, but one that has an experienced backline that can also make Italy very difficult to beat. Roberto Mancini will be looking for his team to take this game by the scruff of its neck as they did against Turkey and I do think Italy will be very difficult to stop.

Switzerland may feel differently as a well organised team that has shown they are no walkover even for the very top sides in European Football. Some of the players will be disappointed with the 1-1 draw against Wales considering the chances Switzerland created, and it has made it a touch more difficult in the Group knowing they are travelling from Baku to Rome and then back to Baku for the final fixture in the section.

I expect them to try and frustrate Italy, but Turkey tried the same and it was only a matter of time before the hosts broke them down and ultimately won the fixture with room to spare.

Finding the balance going the other way may make Switzerland more dangerous to the hosts than Turkey were, but I do think that could also leave spaces for a talented Italy team to exploit and eventually secure another victory.

Italy have scored more than two goals at a European Championship for the first time, and they certainly played with a freedom and confidence that suggests they will have too much for Switzerland too.

I do think Switzerland are a little more experienced than Turkey though and this should be a tighter victory for Italy compared with the first game of the tournament. The Swiss have lost tight games at Spain and Denmark since the World Cup and I think the main ambition will be to try and keep things as tight as possible for as long as possible.

They should have some success, but Italy look a strong team and a narrow win will likely see them top the Group regardless of the final round of fixture outcomes.

Thursday 17th June

Ukraine vs North Macedonia Pick: Neither of these teams were at their very best in the opening fixtures played at Euro 2020 and both Ukraine and North Macedonia conceded three times in defeats to the Netherlands and Austria respectively.

That means another defeat for either could be costly and should produce a decent game of football on Thursday afternoon to open the days play.

Both Ukraine and North Macedonia will feel they are better going forward and I do think Ukraine are a potential dark horse in the tournament if Andrey Shevchenko can just find the right balance in his team. Defensively they lacked against the Netherlands, but Ukraine showed they can score goals when going forward and I think they will be a little too good for the rank outsiders North Macedonia.

However, you cannot take anything for granted from the minnows who were level with Austria with less than 15 minutes remaining. North Macedonia did struggle defensively which is a concern for them, but they may give Ukraine something to think about the other way too.

The quality should be with Ukraine and losing the opener should mean Shevchenko looks for an attacking performance to make sure they are back in contention to Qualify for the Last 16 before the game against Austria.

Ukraine should have the goals to edge past North Macedonia as they bounce back from the valiant fightback that ultimately came up short against the Netherlands.

Denmark vs Belgium Pick: All thoughts with the nation have to be with talisman Christian Eriksen after the awful scenes in Copenhagen on Saturday.

Losing the game was the least concern for most inside the Stadium, but Denmark have to pick themselves up after being able to talk to Eriksen and hopefully knowing the midfielder is on the mend.

The defeat to Finland has put Denmark under the cosh and the feeling is that they can't really afford another one here if they want to make it through to the Last 16. Merely for the confidence point of view the Danes need to rally together and fight for their team-mate, but it has been an emotional few days and it will be very difficult for the Danes.

It doesn't help that they are facing one of the favourites to win Euro 2020 and Belgium are fresh off a convincing 3-0 win over Russia which has put them in a strong spot in the Group. The fact that victory was produced without Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne shows the kind of strength in depth that Belgium can call upon and they did the double over Denmark last year in the Nations League.

This won't be an easy game for those in the Belgium camp considering many of them have close ties with Eriksen themselves, but their performance in Russia was ominous for the rest of the nations involved in the Tournament.

A draw would actually be a half-decent result for both teams, but Belgium are an aggressive, attacking line up that will want to secure their path through to the next Round as soon as possible. Their two wins over Denmark last year will back up the confidence earned from the win in St Petersburg and I think Belgium can make it two out of two.

Netherlands vs Austria Pick: Frank de Boer is still considered a manager under pressure with the Netherlands as fans expect far more from the national team than they are currently seeing.

The second half performance against Ukraine was very encouraging and the Netherlands were deservedly 2-0 up, but the absence of Virgil Van Dijk and the impact it would have on the team was clear to see as that lead evaporated. A late goal was enough for Holland to beat the Ukraine and another three points on Thursday will put the Netherlands on the brink of winning the Group.

They are likely to be tested by Austria on Thursday, but I am not sure what you could have learned from the win over the North Macedonia. Late goals secured the 3-1 win over the minnows in the Group and means Austria are in a very good spot in the section with two Group games to be played, but the remaining games should be much tougher for them.

The 0-4 home loss to Denmark in March is hard to forget and I do think the Netherlands will likely have too much for Austria too.

Playing games at Amsterdam is another boost for the Netherlands and I think the momentum from the late winner over Ukraine will carry over to this fixture too. They created enough to be vastly encouraged by the performance and I think Holland are likely to win this fixture in which at least two goals are shared out.

Friday 18th June

Sweden vs Slovakia Pick: Some may have been critical of the Sweden style of play in their goalless draw with Spain, but the result would have been one that the visitors would have been happy to accept before the match took place.

A point against the favourites has set Sweden up for a place in the Last 16, but they will have to be more clinical in the final third in this fixture.

They created chances against Spain despite the limited time on the ball, but the expectation has shifted and that also means the style of play has to change. Instead of looking to be overly defensive, Sweden have to get on the front foot and try and earn a three points that would set them well on the way to the Last 16.

Defensively Sweden are going to have to be better, but they will be aided by Slovakia despite the confidence the outsider in this Group of four would have earned from their last result. A win over Poland has given Slovakia a huge opportunity to progress, but they benefited from the breaks on the day and they will know they need to be better against Sweden and Spain to round out the section.

Sweden have won three of the five previous matches against Slovakia and there was enough encouragement from their performance against Spain to give them something to build on. Travelling from Sevilla to St Petersburg is not ideal for Sweden and they did play after Slovakia, but this is a team that is confident in their systems and can earn the victory here.

Slovakia will have to be stronger defensively to keep Sweden at bay, but they are also likely to allow Sweden to dictate the tempo of the match which should give the favourites enough of the play to earn the win.

It would be a surprise if there are a lot of goals in this one considering the way the first matches were played and a narrow Swedish win is the most likely outcome.

Croatia vs Czech Republic Pick: These two teams will begin play in the second round of Group matches in Group D of the Euro 2020 Finals and the feeling is that the pressure has all shifted to Croatia.

While some would have expected them to lose to England, Croatia cannot really afford another setback on Friday and the manager is scrambling around looking for answers.

They were largely ineffective against England and need to find plenty more in the final third if they are going to avoid a surprising exit in the Group Stage. Changes are likely going to be made to make Croatia a more dangerous side going forward, but they will also have to be aware of the confident side they are facing.

The day after England beat Croatia, Czech Republic beat Scotland at Hampden Park and the difference on the day was the quality that Patrick Schick showed in the final third. A strong header was followed by an outrageous lob from the halfway line and in Schick the Czech Republic that can make the difference in the tight games.

However, they were also extremely grateful to Tomas Vaclik and some errant Scottish finishing and on another day the Czech Republic would not have been comfortable winners. Improving defensively will be key if they are going to match their previous runs once getting out of the Euro Finals Group Stage, but I expect the Czech Republic to be tested by a Croatia team that can't be nearly as poor as they were on Sunday.

It won't be an easy game and there is pressure on Croatia, while the Czech Republic would likely be pretty happy with a point. That may see them just allow Croatia to come onto them and I do think they won't be as wasteful as Scotland were in the final third which ultimately should mean Croatia can bounce back from the opening loss.

Backing the favourites here on the Asian Handicap looks the way to go as Croatia will then shift all the pressure to Scotland to respond when facing England later in the day.

England vs Scotland Pick: The rivalry between England and Scotland is one that will have plenty of people around the United Kingdom watching on with interest on Friday evening.

Expect to see plenty of highlights of David Seaman saving Gary McAllister's Penalty followed by Paul Gascoigne's memorable chip and finish to held England beat Scotland twenty-five years ago when they met in the Euro 1996 Group Stage.

They have had some memorable fixtures against each other since then including a Play Off to reach Euro 2000 which was narrowly won by England despite a 0-1 defeat to Scotland at Wembley Stadium in the Second Leg. The last meetings came in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers and it was England who took four points from Scotland which included a routine win over them at Wembley Stadium.

Games like this can see the form guide thrown out of the window, but there is some pressure on Scotland after losing 0-2 to the Czech Republic.

Most fans would tell you that it would not be a huge surprise if Scotland win this game, but were then beaten by Croatia and Knocked Out of the Euro 2020 Finals. Valiant exits have been part and parcel of Scotland in major international tournaments in the past, but they are going to need to be much better in this one if they are going to improve on the result against the Czech Republic.

Scotland were far from poor on the day, but finishing let them down and they can't afford to do that against this England team.

England were comfortable and deserved winners against Croatia and another home game will give them confidence. They have won plenty on home soil since the World Cup and the likes of Wales and the Republic of Ireland have been dismissed in friendly games too as Gareth Southgate has found a decent balance between defence and attack.

You do have to think Scotland will put in a huge effort to dent the Auld Enemy, but the quality is with England and the squad has enough depth to find another win for the home team. Scotland have not been the best travellers, but Steve Clarke will look for his team to be organised and try to frustrate England.

It may work, but you would worry for Scotland if they fall behind in the first half and I do think England will be a touch too good for them. They met at Euro 1996 and seven matches beginning with that one has seen England win four by two or more goals.

After looking pretty good going forward against Croatia and finding a couple of really nice positions, England can follow up by doing the same against Scotland.

I expect better from the Scots in the final third, but they may still come up short and England can put a good looking win on the board as they move into the Last 16.

Saturday 19th June

Hungary vs France Pick: Both of these teams played on Tuesday, although Hungary may have a slight edge being at home while France have to travel from Munich to Budapest.

That shouldn't really make a big difference to the World Champions who will have seen the kind of chances that Portugal were able to create against Hungary. Late goals were needed, but Portugal were more than deserved winners and The Magyars will know it is a big test for them in this Group considering the strength of the opponents in front of them.

It was wonderful to see a full, passionate crowd in Budapest and I expect another vibrant atmosphere which will give the Hungary players a push. However, Marco Rossi has to find a way for his team to do more than defend deep and the pressure is on for a result after the heavy defeat to Portugal put Hungary on the back foot.

Opening up against the World Champions is a recipe for disaster and only a couple of tight offside calls prevented France from really taking Germany to the cleaners. In general it was a tight fixture with very little between them, but the late goals that were chalked off would have made a big statement for France.

Despite that, most of Europe should have taken notice of France winning in Munich and there is no doubt that topping this Group offers an 'easier' route to the Final. Avoiding England in the Last 16 would be important and so Didier Deschamps will be looking for his team to back up their victory over Germany with another here.

France are solid defensively, but he will want his team to be more dominant in attacking areas against this Hungary team. I think that will be the case for a team that has won 9 away competitive fixtures in succession and even a couple of rotations should not mean a really good looking French team takes to the field.

They can be a team that plays up and down to the level of competition and France have not been one that presses to finish teams off. Breaking down Hungary early is the key for France, but I think they will be very hard to stop if they get their noses in front.

Hungary will be well backed from the stands, but they looked pretty average in their loss to Portugal which could have been decided much earlier than it was. If they do push a little more forward in this one, I think France will be able to pick them off and there is enough quality in the squad to see them win by a couple of goals on the day.

Portugal vs Germany Pick: These two nations will meet in another big Euro 2020 Group Stage fixture on Saturday and there will be differing feelings going into the second round of games.

Portugal were comfortable winners over Hungary and only poor finishing meant they had to wait until the 84th minute to make the breakthrough before late goals completed the win.

On the other side, Germany were a little unfortunate to lose 0-1 to France as poor finishing let them down. The pressure is on the hosts who know they need some kind of positive result to give themselves a chance of progressing to the Last 16 of the Tournament.

3 points were enough for teams to Qualify for the Last 16 at Euro 2020, but Germany will likely be targeting at least four points from their remaining two Group games. Hosting those gives them every chance, but Germany have lost their last 2 competitive games that they have hosted and scoring goals has been something of an issue for this team.

I think Fernando Santos will take a pragmatic approach to the fixture and that means Portugal looking to contain their hosts and try and hit them on the break. There is enough talent and pace to think that is a workable approach for Portugal who beat Sweden and Croatia away from home in the Nations League Group last year, while also earning a tight draw with France.

Portugal did score three goals in Budapest, but in the last two major international tournament Finals, the side have scored six goals in two Group games and a total of three goals in the other four. I think the approach will be one where they won't want to overcommit in this fixture, unless chasing the game of course, and instead will be focused on the defensive shape to prevent Germany taking control.

Germany are a capable attacking unit, but they do look vulnerable at the back.

That may open this fixture up with an early goal, but the feeling is that this will be similar to the game we saw on Tuesday in Munich. Both teams will give it a go, but there may also be a resistance to overcommitting and it could lead to a game with few chances.

While an early goal may really open things up as I have said, I do think Portugal are a team that force opponents to play their style of game and that suggests this will be a tight fixture. They would likely take a point if offered to them now, while Germany might also feel a point is not the worst result with Hungary at home to come next week.

Germany have dominated Portugal in recent meetings with 4 straight wins over them at Tournaments between 2006 and 2014. They are not the team they were and Portugal look stronger, but picking a winner looks difficult.

No matter the result I will be surprised if this is a massively open game and it may be a fixture with two or fewer goals shared out on the day.

Spain vs Poland Pick: Poor finishing proved costly for Spain in their opening Group game against Sweden and the locals were far from impressed by what they had seen. Alvaro Morata was the guiltiest of the attacking players, but others can't be too happy with their own performances and there is some pressure on Spain.

Winning the Group is quite important with the way the draw has panned out and I do expect a better reaction from Spain. The football was largely pleasing, but they have to find an end product to their play.

Defensively there are some questions about Spain, but I expect them to be too strong for Poland who were surprisingly beaten 1-2 by Slovakia in their own opening fixture. A sending off in the second half proved an obstacle too far for Poland and the defeat puts them under immense pressure with a fixture against Sweden to come.

They need a result in all likelihood, but Poland are travelling from St Petersburg and they just look a little short all over the pitch bar Robert Lewandowski. Getting enough possession to feed their top player may be the challenge for Poland and this is a nation that has struggled when facing the top European teams.

You can't really trust Spain after their opening performance, one which has become quite common over the last few years since they were dominating international football.

However, Spain looked good enough for all but the final pass/shot and I think they are too good for the remaining teams in this Group. This is a big step up for Poland who largely disappointed in their first game and I think Spain will have enough to narrowly get the better of them here.

MY PICKS: Russia & Over 1 Total Goal @ 2.25 Bet365 (2 Units)

Turkey - 0.25 Asian Handicap @ 2.10 Bet365 (2 Units)

Italy & Under 3.5 Total Goals @ 2.05 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Ukraine & Over 1.5 Total Goals @ 2.15 Bet365 (2 Units)

Belgium - 0.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.75 Bet365 (2 Units)

Netherlands & Over 1.5 Total Goals @ 1.83 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Sweden & Under 5 Total Goals @ 1.95 Bet365 (2 Units)

Croatia - 0.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.88 Bet Victor (2 Units)

England - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.83 Bet Victor (2 Units)

France - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.98 Bet365 (2 Units)

Portugal-Germany Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.80 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Spain & Under 3.5 Total Goals @ 2.00 Bet365 (2 Units)

Match Day 1: 7-5, + 3.10 Units (24 Units Staked, + 12.92% Yield)