The group stage is not over, but the knockout matches have already started.
Euro 2020 continues this Tuesday with only two matches, but they are worth seeing.
Croatia and Scotland face each other with an obligation to win so as not to leave the tournament prematurely.
At the same time, Harry Kane's England, a striker plunged into doubt, rubs shoulders with Patrik Schick's Czech Republic, the revelation of this start to the European Championship.
Today's program
Croatia-Scotland (Group D): 9 p.m. (beIN Sports 2)
Czech Republic-England (Group D): 9 p.m. (beIN Sports 1 & M6)
Because it's urgent in England
32 matches, and not even a final.
The record of the English selection at the Euro is turning pale across the Channel.
With a few stars, promising young players and a group stage played at Wembley, England won among the favorites this year, three years after a semi-final at the 2018 World Cup. But it did not impress against the Croatia (1-0) and disappointed a lot against Scotland (0-0).
"This is a relatively inexperienced group, I believe it is the third lowest total of selections in the tournament," recalled coach Gareth Southgate.
Indeed, according to the company Opta, the average age of the starting eleven of the
Three Lions
against Scotland (25 years and 31 days) was the lowest in their history in a major tournament (World Cup and Euro).
Unless there is an incredible combination of circumstances, England will see the round of 16.
But it would be better to validate his qualification with the manner against the Czech Republic in order to relieve the pressure.
Sport on video: the training of the Blues before facing Portugal this Wednesday
Because Harry Kane has to launch his Euro
He is one of, if not the most disappointing player in this Euro 2020. Harry Kane does not have at all the influence in selection which he has had at Tottenham for several years, and this despite his captain status since 2017. “He's fundamental not only for the goals he scores, but also in the construction and everything else he brings.
He's our most important player, ”said Gareth Southgate.
Problem: Kane (27) lacks influence in the game and hasn't been decisive in two Euro matches.
In England, there is a lot of talk about his imminent departure from Tottenham.
Sky Sports reported on Monday an offer of € 116m from Manchester City which Spurs have reportedly turned down.
Because the Czech Republic is Schick
With a double including a lob of 45 meters against Scotland (2-0), Patrik Schick started very strong in this Euro 2020. Friday against Croatia, the Czech striker was satisfied with a penalty, only shot framed the match for his team (1-1), while his nose was bloody.
"He's a hungry goalscorer and it's very good for us," rejoiced his teammate and captain Vladimir Darida after the meeting.
Schick, 25-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker, is the tournament's top scorer tied with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.
An unexpected remote duel but one that it will be interesting to follow this Tuesday evening.
Like England, the Czech Republic are more or less already qualified for the knockout stages.
Because Croatia-Scotland is a final
A draw and the two teams will be eliminated from Euro 2020. Suffice to say that the Croats, in hostile land at Hampden Park, will sell their skin as dearly as the Scots on Tuesday.
It is very likely that the winner (if there is one), who would then have 4 points, will be among 4 of the 6 best thirds of the group stage, and therefore qualified for the round of 16.
It would be a surprise to see Croatia, vice-world champion in 2018, eliminated by the modest Scottish selection (see below).
“Now we have to beat Scotland to qualify,” soberly summed up Croatian midfielder and 2018 Ballon d'Or, Luka Modric, after a frustrating draw against the Czech Republic (1-1).
Luka Modric, frustrated with Croatia against the Czech Republic.
LEE SMITH / PANORAMIC
Because Scotland can write its history
Do you know what there is after the first round of a World Cup or a Euro?
If so, then you know more than the Scots.
For them, beating Croatia (and therefore reaching the knockout stages of Euro 2020) would mean writing a big page in their history.
But it will be necessary to do without Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday, three days after being elected man of the match against England (0-0).
It's a hell of a challenge that stands in front of the teammates of the left side of Liverpool and captain Andrew Robertson.
However, they can count on the home support of the Tartan Army, the nickname of the Scottish supporters.