June 27th 2024.
The thrilling group stage of Euro 2024 has come to an end, and the knockout rounds are just around the corner. It has been a rollercoaster of a ride so far, with unexpected results and nail-biting matches. Unfortunately, eight teams have already said their goodbyes, including Hungary, Scotland, Croatia, Albania, Serbia, Ukraine, and Poland. These nations failed to make it through to the next round and extend their stay in Germany.
On the other hand, we have seen some impressive performances from teams like the hosts, Germany, who have advanced from Group A along with Switzerland. Spain and Italy also secured their spots in the knockout stages by topping Group B. Despite some lackluster performances, England managed to finish at the top of Group C under the guidance of Gareth Southgate. Denmark and Slovenia also made it through from England's group, while Austria surprised everyone by topping Group D ahead of powerhouses France and the Netherlands.
Group E was the definition of a tight race, with Romania, Belgium, and Slovakia all advancing with the same number of points. Group F saw Portugal, Turkey, and Georgia successfully make it to the next round. The first knockout game of Euro 2024 will see reigning champions Italy take on Switzerland, while hosts Germany will also be in action on Saturday against Denmark in a highly anticipated match.
On Sunday night, England will face Slovakia in their last-16 game, while Spain will try to overcome surprise qualifiers Georgia. The following day, France will face a tough challenge against Belgium, while Portugal will take on Slovenia, who held England to a goalless draw to secure their spot in the knockout stages. The last two last-16 games will see Romania facing off against the Netherlands and Austria going head to head with Turkey.
Despite their struggles in the group stage, England is still considered the favorites to win Euro 2024, according to Opta's Supercomputer. The Three Lions have a 19.98% chance of lifting the trophy, and an 81.63% chance of making it to the quarter-finals at the expense of Slovakia. Close behind are Spain with a 17.17% chance, and Germany and France with decent chances of making a deep run, despite being in the tougher side of the draw.
However, England will need to step up their game significantly if they want to become European champions, according to former England striker Alan Shearer. "The stats are pretty damning in terms of England creating chances," he said on The Rest is Football podcast. "When you look at the talent we have got in forward positions - which we all thought was going to be one of our strengths - actually, that hasn't fired at all yet. We can massively improve, and we are going to have to."
When asked about any positives from the underwhelming group stage, Shearer pointed out that England finished at the top of their group, avoiding some of the big hitters on the other side of the draw. He also praised goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who hasn't had to make many saves so far. "I don't think defensively is a problem," Shearer added. With their star-studded squad, England still has a chance to turn things around and make a strong push for the title.
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