With the group stage drawing to a close, Euro 2020 has proven to be just what football fans ordered after 18 months of multi-tiered lockdowns and empty stadiums. However, with plenty of football still to play, now seemed a good a time as any to look back at the good, bad and ugly of football’s first return to normality on an international scale.
Winners: Italy
Having been a notable absence from 2018’s FIFA World Cup, the Italians have regained their position among world footballs very best. Coming into the tournament, they had previously gone 27 games undefeated and have since increased this total to 30 - 5 shy of Brazil’s all time record (1993-1996). Incredibly, this run isn’t the mark of one incredible individual, but a team made of young stars and old war dogs set on returning their old school nation back to the top. 3 convincing wins out of 3 have placed Italy among the favourites to take it all the way.
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| Italy at Euro 2020 - thegaurdian.com |
Winners: Aaron Ramsey & Gareth Bale
In recent years, the Welsh have taken it upon themselves to be the Cinderella’s of the ball on the international football stage. At the heartbeat of this fairytale sits Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, both of which have been instrumental in Wales’ success thus far. Their Batman and Robin like link-ups have produced some of the most creative goals of the round and put the Welsh on the road to an appearance in the quarter finals - just as long as Batman doesn’t take anymore penalties.
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| Aaron Ramsey & Gareth Bale - skysports.com |
Winners: Belgium
The number one ranked team in world football have certainly flexed their muscles in this years group stage. With injuries to key players entering the tournament, most thought the Belgians would scrape through to the next round before showing their true strength. However, it only took 45 minutes against Belgium for De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku to show why they’re arguably the most dominant trio in world football. They are perfect thus far and are 2nd only to Italy in total goals scored, making them the red hot favourites behind the likes of France and Portugal.
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| Belgium at Euro 2020 - talksport.com |
Winners: Germany
Burdened with young and progressing talent, it’s safe to say no one expected the usual surgeon like efficiency that the Germans usually bring to international tournaments. There were glimpses of greatness in their Euro 2020 opener against tournament favourites France but ultimately fell victim to the counter attack, losing 2-1 after 90 minutes played. However, against Portugal, the Germans showed out in full force, dominating possession and creating countless chances, winning the match in a 6 goal thriller (4-2). Their brand of team football has arguably been the most impressive to watch so far and are slowly starting to turn heads as the undercover favourites of the tournament.
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| Germany at Euro 2020 - uefa.com |
Losers: Croatia
With a World Cup Final appearance under their belts, the Croatians entered Euro 2021 with a team of experienced players looking to upset the apple cart once again. However, after a disappointing loss to England and an inconclusive draw against the Czech Republic, Croatia seem more and more like a team on life support rather than a genuine contender - and its only going to take 90 minutes against the likes of France or Germany to force them to pull the plug on their ageing superstars.
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| Croatia at Euro 2020 - france24.com |
Losers: Harry Kane
Quite simply, if Harry Kane continues on this road of disappointment, it really ain’t coming home! England’s so called golden boy has managed just 2 shots on target in 3 appearances, both of which coming in fairly unconvincing fashion against the Czech Republic. His lacklustre performances have been the driving force behind England’s so-so performances so far and if he doesn’t start showing his £100 million value soon, England’s days at Euro 2020 are severely numbered. Luckily, he’s got his mates in the punditry booth to keep covering for him until he decides to finally turn up to work as England’s go-to man.
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| Harry Kane at Euro 2020 - skysports.com |
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