WHAT'S ON EURO 2020 GUIDE

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EURO THE ULTIMATE FAN GUIDE

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Thanks to

Meet the game changers Cagey tournament clashes are often decided by a bit of magic.

These guys have done it before...

Get your kits out The summer strips we’re loving Golden Boot gunslingers The talismen who will trouble Harry Kane for individual glory “We’ll add a zero to that...”

Meet the talents performing in the shop window at Euro 2020 Interview: Raheem Sterling He’s never netted for the Three Lions at a major tournament – but only winning matters here

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Tierney: flower of Scotland “These are probably the best days of my life... but we are going out to make our mark” Aaron Ramsey on Euro 2016 The Juventus midfielder was key for Wales five years ago... and wants to do it all again Serge Gnabry’s super rise Ignored by West Brom, irked at Arsenal... but now Germany’s main man for this competition The Pogba conundrum Underappreciated in his time or unfulfilled on his promise?

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IT’S HERE!

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Interview: Diogo Jota The Liverpool man has hit top form for club and country at the perfect time. What now?

Emerson chats Italy Chelsea’s left-back heads into his first major tournament, and the Azzurri are on a high TV guide at the ready...

Track everyone’s progress with channels for each group game Team guides Group A

48 Italy • 49 Switzerland 50 Turkey • 51 Wales

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Group B

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Group C

62 66 70

52 Belgium • 53 Russia 55 Denmark • 56 Finland

57 Ukraine • 58 Netherlands 59 Austria • 61 North Macedonia

Group D

62 England • 63 Croatia 64 Czech Republic • 65 Scotland

Group E

66 Spain • 67 Poland 68 Sweden • 69 Slovakia

Group F

70 Germany • 71 France 72 Portugal • 73 Hungary

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Images Getty Images, Nike (p22), Manchester City FC (p30)

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Yes, it’s been a shoddy year – but finally, there’s light at the end of this dark old tunnel. So, what better way to celebrate the end of lockdown than a major tournament we’ve been made to wait an extra 12 months for? By the looks of things, Euro 2020 will be well worth it.

As ever, England head into a competition full of promise – only this time, things genuinely do feel different for Gareth Southgate’s side.

We’ve seen it all before, goes the popular refrain, but perhaps their Class of 2021 can change a tired narrative once and for all by proving that 2018’s run to the World Cup semi-finals was no one-off.

Looking to make life glum for the Three Lions alongside them in Group D, mind, are a Scotland side playing in their first major tournament since France 98 and thrilled with the prospect of reigniting a famous international rivalry. It’s been a painful wait, but as key man Kieran Tierney explains, they’re not here to simply make up the numbers. The Scots may well take inspiration from Wales’ incredible run to the final four in 2016, which Aaron Ramsey is only too happy to reflect on within these pages. Five years on from a halcyon summer, how do the Dragons follow that?

Beyond this, the usual big guns will be out in force again; you can see how they’re shaping up in our teamby-team guides. We also evaluate the Golden Boot candidates and Premier League transfer targets, uncover untold stories of England’s ’96 campaign and much more.

So sit back, relax and look forward to another brilliant festival of football.

We all deserve it...

MEET THE

GAME

CHANGERS THESE SUPERSTARS HAVE THRILLED AND DAZZLED THROUGHOUT A CHAOTIC 2020-21 – AND NOW THE HOPES OF THEIR EXPECTANT COUNTRIES REST ON THEM TO SHINE THIS SUMMER...

Euro 2020 guide 7

S TA R S T O S E E

/// EURO 2020

bappe has already achieved more by the age of 22 than many footballers do in their whole careers. But the Paris Saint-Germain forward isn’t satisfied yet, and neither are his French team-mates.

Les Bleus will be desperate to emulate the superb side that followed World Cup glory with continental conquest in 2000.

Mbappe didn’t dominate the 2018 World Cup from start to finish, but he did cover moments of it in glitter. Supreme discipline and diligence defined Didier Deschamps’ champions in Russia, but Mbappe was given sufficient freedom to wreak havoc in the final third. He did so to particularly devastating effect against Argentina in the last 16, outshining Lionel Messi and setting France on the path to success.

Mbappe was already a household name in 2018, but three years on he’s now every inch an established superstar. He’s become a better player, too, with a superior scoring record and more reliable decision-making.

Most worryingly for France’s opponents this summer, however, is that the young ace has lost none of the raw speed and no little skill that defined his terrifying Road Runner performances in Russia.

The cautious Deschamps may yet revert to type, but France have experimented with an attack-minded 4-3-1-2 system in recent months, tucking Antoine Griezmann in behind split strikers. The world champions now have an array of attacking talent to call upon, but Mbappe is a shoo-in for one of those roles should the manager stick with his new formation.

The starlet is widely regarded as a future Ballon d’Or winner. If he inspires France to victory this summer, he might not have too long to wait...

KYLIAN MBAPPE FRANCE

“

The world champions now have an array of attacking talent, but Mbappe is a shoo-in

”

KEVIN DE BRUYNE BELGIUM

Euro 2016 quarter-finalists and then third-place finishers at the World Cup three years ago, Belgium are finally packing punch with their promise and have silverware in sight this summer.

Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard are potential match-winners in attack, but De Bruyne is the man who makes this deadly Red Devils team tick.

The cherubic Manchester City midfielder is arguably the most complete footballer at the tournament, boasting both technical and physical gifts in abundance. De Bruyne is full of craft and creativity, pace and power, but also scores a fair amount of goals and sets up even more – in 2019-20, he equalled Thierry Henry’s all-time haul for assists in a Premier League season (20). “He can do absolutely everything,” beamed proud (and grateful) boss Pep Guardiola.

Roberto Martinez is a flexible coach who could switch between different formations at the Euros. With De Bruyne able to play as a No.10, a No.8, a wide forward or even a false nine, his versatility, intelligence and all-round quality make him Belgium’s most important asset since... Tintin?

Images Getty Images

M

Euro 2020 guide 9

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S TA R S T O S E E

/// EURO 2020

CRISTIANO RONALDO PORTUGAL

Cristiano has long been a dominant on-field presence for both club and country – but in the Euro 2016 Final, he took on a new role as a touchline conductor. Forced off with injury in the 25th minute, Ronaldo spent the remainder of the game in his gaffer’s technical area, cajoling his Portugal team-mates as they beat France 1-0 after extra time to win the first major trophy in Selecao history.

CR7’s visceral delight when the final whistle shrilled discredited the idea that individual glory is all that matters to the Juventus maestro. Sure, he knew where the cameras were at full-time, but the totemic forward had played a huge part in Portugal’s progression to the final and was justifiably elated when their triumph was confirmed.

This summer’s edition is likely to be Ronaldo’s last appearance at a European Championship finals. This most enduring of superstars will turn 39 in 2024 and, although his off-field conditioning sets the bar, there are limits to what a nearly 40-year-old body would be able to do.

If Portugal are to retain their title, they will have to do it the hard way: CR7 & Co are in the latest Group of Death with Germany, France and Hungary. While a third-place finish will probably prove enough for Fernando Santos’ team to qualify for the knockout phase, a loss or two in Group F could land them another tough draw in the last 16.

Ronaldo, as ever, will be essential to his country’s chances of success. The Juve star is very much a centre-forward these days – relentless in his stunning pursuit of Ali Daei’s all-time 109-goal international scoring record – and Portugal will look to feed him inside the penalty area as often as possible. With two of Joao Felix, Diogo Jota, Pedro Neto and Bernardo Silva deployed either side of him up top, and Bruno Fernandes just behind, his supply line should remain healthily stocked.

Ronaldo has had an extraordinary career, but leading Portugal to European glory for the second tournament in a row would be right up there with his greatest ever honours. He couldn’t… could he?

Euro 2020 guide 11

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S TA R S T O S E E

Calls for Gareth Southgate to build his team around Grealish will probably go unheeded, but there’s no question the superb Aston Villa captain has the talent, and impeccable calf game, to lead England to glory at Euro 2020.

With his dazzling footwork, carefree abandon and socks around his ankles, Grealish is something of a throwback.

His capacity to draw fouls is second only to his ability to create chances.

Grealish has crushed the doubts over his end product during the past couple of seasons, and there’s a chance that England’s opponents will be taken aback by just how good the 25-year-old is, given that he’s still yet to feature in European competition at club level.

Southgate was slow to introduce Villa’s talisman to his national team setup, and there are still some question marks over exactly where Grealish fits into the side.

But when it comes to the crunch, expect the Three Lions’ leader to make room for one of England’s difference-makers.

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI POLAND

“

Lewandowski is good enough to conjure moments of magic from thin air for the Poles

”

JACK GREALISH ENGLAND

Images Getty Images

Thomas Muller may not have a future as a comedian, but nor was the noted horse impressionist in breach of the Trade Descriptions Act when he called his Bayern Munich team-mate Robert ‘Lewangoalski’. Geddit?

Lewy’s scoring record is exceptional, and he’s showing no signs of slowing as he approaches his 33rd birthday. Not since the great days of Gerd Muller have Bayern fans witnessed a player with such an insatiable appetite for introducing ball to net – and that’s saying something.

Lewandowski is a prolific goal-getter at international level, too, averaging a goal every other game for his country. If Poland are to match their quarter-final appearance at Euro 2016, their captain will no doubt have played a huge part.

Drawn alongside Spain, Sweden and Slovakia, Poland arguably have Group E’s best individual player in their ranks. That was also the case at the 2018 World Cup, though, where Lewandowski’s lot finished bottom of a group containing Colombia, Japan and Senegal with just one win from three games.

There are lessons to be learned from that showing in Russia, where Lewy drew a blank thanks to service so poor it would make your local takeaway wince.

The striker is good enough to conjure moments of magic from thin air on odd occasions, but it’s not a game plan to be relied upon. Under the fresh management of Paulo Sousa, however, the No.9 should not fear more of the same.

The draw has been reasonably kind to Poland: finishing second in their group would land them a last-16 tie against another group runner-up. If an improved supporting cast is in place this time around, Lewandowski’s firepower could make them dark horses.

/// EURO 2020

Euro 2020 guide 13

EURO 2020 /// S TA R S T O S E E Bale’s return to Tottenham wasn’t quite the fairy tale he was hoping for, but the forward is just as crucial to his country as ever before.

At Real Madrid, Bale did little to refute suggestions that Wales was his principal focus (along with golf). A repeat of their thrilling run to the semis of Euro 2016 will be a tall order, but he relishes his role as Wales’ talisman and will no doubt rise to the occasion once more.

GARETH BALE WALES

MEMPHIS DEPAY

NETHERLANDS

On the face of it, it might not sound particularly noteworthy that a nation of 17 million people failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. But when you learn that the nation in question was the Netherlands, and that the three-time World Cup finalists also failed to reach an expanded Euros two years earlier, it becomes instantly clear how baffling those absences were.

But the Oranje are back. They finished as runners-up in the inaugural 2018-19 Nations League, and advanced to Euro 2020 with six wins from eight games in one of the trickier qualifying groups. And while Frank de Boer has yet to shake off persistent doubts about his managerial acumen, the Dutch don’t intend to merely make up the numbers this summer.

As a nominee for the Best Young Player award at the 2014 World Cup, Memphis

14 Euro 2020 guide

Depay will be champing at the bit for another chance to strut his stuff at an international finals. His development stalled after the Netherlands’ finished third in Brazil, with an underwhelming spell at Manchester United checking his progress thereafter.

Depay has since got his career back on track at Lyon, though, and he arrives at Euro 2020 as a mature, well-rounded forward. Primarily deployed through the middle these days, the 27-year-old will be his country’s main goal threat even if he shifts to the left wing to make space for Luuk de Jong, a more traditional No.9.

Adept at both dropping deep to link play and running in behind, Depay will keep defenders guessing as the Dutch seek a repeat of their triumph at Euro 88.

The tournament is considerably better for having them around.

ANDY ROBERTSON SCOTLAND Even the world’s most innovative coaches have yet to come up with a system featuring two left-backs.

That’s a shame for Scotland, whose two best players operate in the same area of the pitch. Kieran Tierney tends to play as a left-sided centre-back for his country, leaving Robertson free to patrol the flank as a wing-back. The all-action Liverpool man has endless stamina and an outstanding left foot.

S TA R S T O S E E

LORENZO INSIGNE ITALY

/// EURO 2020

CENGIZ UNDER TURKEY

Turkey have qualified for consecutive European Championships for only the second time in their history, but they’ll be hungrier than ever to improve on a dire showing in France five years ago.

Under is one of several squad members who earned their first caps straight after Euro 2016. The winger, who should feel pretty fresh after spending the domestic campaign as a bit-part player on loan at Leicester, has explosive acceleration and can turn defence into attack in an instant.

The West Ham midfielder was one of the surprise stars of the Premier League season in 2020-21.

A defensive midfielder with an eye for goal, Soucek will be looking to replicate his club form when he represents the Czech Republic this summer – the 6ft 4in man-mountain is a threat at set-pieces, but he’s also accomplished in possession and a prolific ball-winner. England, who take on the Czechs in their third group game, know exactly what he’s capable of.

Szoboszlai became the most expensive Hungarian player of all time when he swapped Red Bull Salzburg for – you guessed it – RB Leipzig in January.

The €20m attacker doesn’t turn 21 until October, but he carries a nation’s hopes on his young shoulders going into Euro 2020. The inventive winger provided nine goals and 14 assists in 27 league games in his final full season at Salzburg, and Hungary will hope for more of the same.

TOMAS SOUCEK

CZECH REPUBLIC

LEROY SANÉ

GERMANY

DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI HUNGARY

Sané is among the players to benefit from the Euros being pushed back to 2021 – injury issues and near-constant speculation over his future restricted the forward to just two appearances for Manchester City last term.

With a full season at Bayern Munich under his belt, though, the wideman is raring to go for Germany this summer.

The 25-year-old has pace to burn and can play on either wing.

Images All Getty Images except Robertson & Under (PA)

Italy didn’t qualify for the 2018 World Cup – their first such failure in 60 years.

The Azzurri have responded well to that setback, however, and Roberto Mancini’s Euro 2020 squad has a much younger, fresher feel to it. Insigne, who turns 30 at the start of June, will be one of the more experienced members of Mancini’s team. The diminutive winger’s speed off the mark and nimble footwork will pose many a problem for opposing right-backs.

Euro 2020 guide 15

EURO 2020 /// K I T S

TOP OF THE

KIT PARADE EURO 2020 ISN’T JUST A SHOWCASE FOR THE CONTINENT’S BEST PLAYERS – IT’S WHERE THE LATEST NATIONAL THREADS ARE REVEALED, TOO. YOU BEAUTIES...

GERMANY SWEDEN FRANCE

RUSSIA

Images Adidas (Germany, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Sweden), Nike (Portugal, France, Netherlands)

KITS

/// EURO 2020

PORTUGAL

BELGIUM

NETHERLANDS

SPAIN

Euro 2020 guide 17

EURO 2020 /// G O L D E N B O O T

BATTLE FOR THE

GOLDEN BOOT

1234 H ARRY KANE

ENGLAND, 27

There are several spaces still up for grabs in Gareth Southgate’s side, but Kane is one of England’s few nailed-on starters. The Tottenham striker has added a creative streak to his game this season, but he remains as lethal as ever inside the penalty area – as a seventh successive 20-plus goal season has demonstrated. The 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner stat-padded his tally in Russia with three penalties, and will be on spot-kick duty again this summer.

He should also benefit from the array of attacking talent supplying ammunition behind him.

18 Euro 2020 guide

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI

NETHERLANDS, 27

BELGIUM, 27

Had the Ballon d’Or not been cancelled in 2020, Lewandowski would have run away with the prize. The Bayern Munich and Poland frontman was utterly ruthless across the calendar year, plundering 47 goals in 44 games for club and country, and has continued to destroy everything in his path ever since. Poland aren’t among the favourites to win the tournament, which could count against Lewy for individual honours, but doubt the talisman at your peril. Spain, Sweden and Slovakia certainly won’t be.

After missing Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, the Netherlands are back at a major international tournament – and they don’t intend to just make up the numbers. Lyon’s Depay, whose disappointing stint at Manchester United earlier in his career is long since behind him, will be key to the Oranje’s challenge for the trophy.

The forward is a much more mature and efficient player these days, having evolved into an all-round centre-forward who averages a goal every three games for his country. He’s Frank de Boer’s main attacking hope.

No player in history has scored more goals for Belgium than Lukaku. Nor is it even close: he’s 20 ahead of nearest rival Eden Hazard. The deadly striker has taken his game to another level since moving to Inter, and will hope to fire his country to a first ever major trophy success this summer. The Red Devils were top scorers at the 2018 World Cup, and with Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and the two Hazard brothers loading bullets this time, Big Rom will get plenty of chances to claim the individual honours as Bobby Martinez’s men go for glory.

POLAND, 32

MEMPHIS DEPAY

ROMELU LUKAKU

GOLDEN BOOT

/// EURO 2020

EUROPE’S DEADLIEST MEN GO TOE-TO-TOE FOR THEIR NATIONS THIS SUMMER – BUT WHO’LL EMERGE WITH A SHINY TROPHY ALL OF THEIR OWN TO SHOW FOR IT? THE MAIN CONTENDERS ARE LOCKED AND LOADED…

5 67 8 SPAIN, 28

GERMANY, 25

FRANCE, 22

Ronaldo has spent the last year of his international career closing in on Ali Daei’s all-time men’s international goalscoring record of 109 – yet another jaw-dropping accolade for Portugal’s relentless superstar. He might be 36, but the Juventus marksman has lost none of his goal-getting prowess. The reigning champions meld exciting starlets (Joao Felix) with inventive schemers (Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva) – but Fernando Santos’ team will be built to serve their evergreen icon up top. CR7 wouldn’t have it any other way…

When Spain last won a trophy at Euro 2012, they used pint-sized midfielder Cesc Fabregas up front.

Not any more. Juve No.9 Morata has established himself as Spain’s go-to centre-forward, and will lead the line in a traditional sense this summer. The former Chelsea man has never been the most reliable (or confident) of goalscorers, but should benefit from a revamped Spain attack with Ferran Torres to his right and either Mikel Oyarzabal or Dani Olmo to his left. The 28-year-old has a decent record for La Roja, too, averaging a goal every other game at senior level.

Werner’s first season at Stamford Bridge was more difficult than anticipated. Class is permanent, though, and the Chelsea striker will be desperate to bounce back this summer. Germany will have to negotiate a challenging group alongside defending champions Portugal, world champions France and a resurgent Hungary, but that could actually work in Werner’s favour. An electric runner, Turbo Timo is a forward who thrives in open spaces, and you could argue that he’s better suited to playing against stronger opposition. The 25-year-old has a point to prove.

The brightest young talent in world football, Mbappe will want to add a European Championship winners’ medal to an impressively glinting collection. France are in a fearsome group, but that won’t bother the fearless PSG speedster.

With his pace, skill and cool head in front of goal, the 22-year-old will give opposing defenders headaches no matter where they hail from – Argentina’s decrepid backline still have nightmares after Mbappe’s breakthrough moment in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup. That’s if Gerard Pique has let go of his shirt, anyway...

PORTUGAL, 36

ALVARO MORATA

TIMO WERNER

KYLIAN MBAPPE

Images Getty Images

CRISTIANO RONALDO

Euro 2020 guide 19

EURO 2020 /// T R A N S F E R TA R G E T S

WELCOME TO THE

SHOP WINDOW

1

MAJOR INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN FERTILE SCOUTING GROUND FOR CLUBS ON THE HUNT FOR BIG-GAME PEDIGREE – AND THIS LOT ARE ALL LIKELY TO BE ON PREMIER LEAGUE RADARS THIS SUMMER

RAPHAEL GUERREIRO

PORTUGAL

Guerreiro and Joao Cancelo have spent their club seasons in defence, but neither Portugal star is a conventional full-back.

The Borussia Dortmund left-sider is a fine passer, dribbler and creator, has also played in central midfield and will be arguably more important to Portugal in attack than defence. Guerreiro is 27 and no stranger to the rumour mill, but with BVB in financial difficulties, they could be forced to consider offers after Euro 2020. Expect a number of English clubs to form a disorderly queue if so.

2

MANUEL LOCATELLI

ITALY

Roberto Mancini will oversee a revamped Italy squad at Euro 2020, with Locatelli among the newcomers to his line-up.

The Sassuolo midfielder made his international debut only last year, but he has already emerged as a standout player for the Azzurri after some star showings. Once considered surplus at Milan, the deep-lying playmaker has since been linked with Real Madrid, Juventus and several Premier League sides – and at 23 years of age, he will only get better.

Austria were one of the biggest disappointments of Euro 2016. Tipped as potential dark horses before the tournament got underway, they were about as deadly as a stuffed toy and fell at the first hurdle without winning a game.

Thankfully, Laimer has emerged as a key player for his country since then. A versatile performer who can play as a box-to-box midfielder, in the holding role, out wide or even in defence, the RB Leipzig man could be on the radar of several clubs this summer – if he’s fully fit.

MILAN SKRINIAR

SLOVAKIA

A former Manchester United target who was linked with Tottenham in January, the brilliant Skriniar could finally move to the Premier League after this year’s European Championship. Although he has just completed his fourth season at Inter, there are doubts about whether the centre-back, 26, fits Antonio Conte’s formation – but there’s no doubt that Skriniar will have a pick of clubs if he is made available, with Spurs and the Red Devils both likely to be in the mix. Fiiight!

20 Euro 2020 guide

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5 3

KONRAD LAIMER

AUSTRIA

JOSE GAYA

SPAIN

Last summer, Valencia made their entire first-team squad available for transfer... except for their prized, homegrown left-back.

Twelve months on, however, Gaya might be keen to move away from the troubled Spanish side – although any English suitors could face stiff competition from Barcelona. A tireless runner who will bomb up and down the flank until his legs fall off, Gaya is every inch the modern full-back.

6

T R A N S F E R TA R G E T S

/// EURO 2020

ALEXANDER ISAK

SWEDEN

Even with a 39-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic back in the fold, Sweden’s biggest threat is Real Sociedad’s Isak, who hit nine goals in his first six La Liga games of 2021. The 21-year-old is only an inch or two shorter than Zlatan, but rather than challenge for flick-ons, he prefers to run with the ball and sprint in behind – which could work very nicely indeed in Sweden’s preferred 4-4-2. Domestically, he has been linked with Manchester City, though a strong display this summer could lengthen his list of admirers.

The 24-year-old came close to joining Liverpool as a solution to their defensive horror show in January, and the Reds could go back in for Caleta-Car this summer. Marseille endured a turbulent season in 2020-21, but their promising Croatian centre-back – composed, commanding, confident – was a rare source of calm at the Stade Velodrome.

He made only one tournament outing as his country reached the World Cup final in 2018, but is a more prominent member of the squad three years on.

9

VIKTOR TSYHANKOV

8 10

FLORIAN NEUHAUS

GERMANY

Having been heavily linked with several sides throughout 2021, Neuhaus looks likely to leave Borussia Monchengladbach sooner rather than later. The midfielder was drafted into the Germany squad last September and has every chance of starting at Euro 2020, in spite of the intense competition for places.

Neuhaus, 24, is an inventive passer who can control a game’s tempo and contribute in the final third – hence the appreciative glances from Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City.

RYAN GRAVENBERCH

UKRAINE

NETHERLANDS

The son of a Ukrainian footballer, Tsyhankov became a tricky left-footed winger who can operate on either flank. Ukraine’s Player of the Year for 2020 has been tipped for pastures new in the near future, having spent his entire club career at Dynamo Kiev up to this point. While Tyshankov does have time on his side – he’s 23 – he would surely relish the chance to test himself in England. He wouldn’t find offers hard to come by.

Gravenberch is the latest teenage starlet from Ajax’s prolific production line. The midfield all-rounder heads into Euro 2020 on the back of a terrific season at club level, and even at 18 he could be an important member of the Oranje squad, having been called up last November. If you believe what you read in the papers, Manchester United reportedly view young Gravenberch – who is 6ft 3in but primarily a dynamic creator who excels at carrying the ball upfield – as a potential Paul Pogba replacement.

Images Getty Images

7

DUJE CALETA-CAR

CROATIA

EURO 2020 /// I N T E RV I E W

RAHEEM DREAM HAS A

AT 26, THE WIDEMAN IS HEADING TO HIS FOURTH MAJOR TOURNAMENT WITH ENGLAND – AND YOU CAN BE SURE HE’S LEARNED A THING OR TWO SINCE THE FIRST. AFTER MISERY IN 2014, HUMILIATION IN 2016 AND AGONY TWO YEARS LATER, THIS COULD BE THE SUMMER WHEN RAHEEM STERLING REALLY COMES TO THE FORE. OH, HE’S READY ALL RIGHT… Interview Chris Flanagan

22 Euro 2020 guide

RAHEEM STERLING

L

Clockwise from above Sterling is chasing his first tournament goal; getting the blue carpet arrival at Manchester City; standing up – or kneeling – for what he believes Below right “Are you definitely sure that didn’t go in?!”

This will be your fourth tournament with England. What have you learned from the previous three?

To come prepared for it, just like you’re at home. That’s the hardest bit for me, the time away, so come prepared like you’re going to be at home, get ready and cosy, and spend a lot more time outside of my bedroom than at previous tournaments.

The team will be staying at your regular St George’s Park training base during the Euros. Will that make it a bit easier?

Yeah, because it’s a familiar place. I just need to be more social – I’m a person who finds it hard to be away from home, like everybody else, probably. But I need to enjoy the part of it away from football more, enjoying every day being with the team. That will help me in the matches, because you’re more relaxed. Don’t be in your room stuck by yourself, thinking.

Instead, go be in a relaxed environment, having a laugh. Creating that bond with

your team-mates is the most important thing when you’re at a long tournament.

Which of your tournaments was worst for being away from home?

My first tournament, the 2014 World Cup, and also my last tournament as well, the World Cup in 2018. I prefer my personal space, so the first thing I’ll do is go up to my room and watch a series. After a while that gets a bit boring, but you bring it on yourself. It’s not that I don’t want to be with my team-mates, it’s just something I’ve always done from when I was young.

How do you assess your performance in the three previous tournaments, in terms of how they went on the pitch?

In 2014, I went in and our results weren’t what the team expected, but that was a new experience for me and I did all right.

For the second one, Euro 2016, I came off the back of a challenging season. The third one in 2018 was the hardest to take for

Images Getty Images, Manchester City FC

ike accepting man’s first steps on the Moon, there are still some England fans who are convinced that Raheem Sterling’s rocket against Italy at the 2014 World Cup went in. Sadly it didn’t, and the truth is rather more sobering: in 12 matches for England, the Manchester City man has never scored at a major tournament.

This summer more than any other, however, that is set to change. No longer is Sterling the boy wonder with his best years ahead of him; today, aged 26, he remains integral to one of the world’s greatest club sides and is more influential for his country than ever. Off the field, he has become a leader beyond football: vocal in standing up for what he believes is right, and emerging out of the shell that even he himself admits has constrained him in the past.

When England take to Wembley and kick off their Euro 2020 campaign on home soil, Sterling will approach a major tournament like never before. There will be no doubts and no fears – only a steely determination to sweep all comers away and end 50 years of hurt. As boss Gareth Southgate noted of his attacker in March, “He wants to have a big summer with us… he’s got the bit between his teeth.”

Sterling remembers all too well the heartbreak of previous campaigns; in 2014, when England bowed out miserably in Brazil after an insipid group campaign; then even worse two years later with that humiliation against Iceland in Nice. They reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, but fell just short as Sterling failed to trouble the scoresheet.

This time, he insists, things are going to be different. This time, there is true belief.

It’s win or bust for the Three Lions…

/// EURO 2020

Euro 2020 guide 23

EURO 2020 /// I N T E RV I E W Left Sterling says he is mentally stronger and more relaxed this time Below “Er, lads... little help here?”

me personally, because I thought I could have brought so much more to the team.

I was mentally in the best place of my career and had some big expectations of myself, but there were certain things I had to sacrifice for the team. But you become better with experience.

“

It’s surprising that you don’t think you had a good World Cup – you seemed to play a big part in the team’s progression to the semi-finals. Maybe all you were missing was a goal?

Exactly – ultimately that’s what I’ll judge my performances on; it’s what I’m here

If I tell myself I had a good tournament in Russia, where’s the room for improvement?

24 Euro 2020 guide

”

to do. We did really well as a team, but if I tell myself that I had a good tournament, where’s the room for improvement?

You’ve come close to significant goals in the past – a last-minute Champions League winner against Spurs that was ruled out by VAR in 2019, and a 30-yard strike which looked like it had gone in against Italy at the 2014 World Cup. Do you feel you’re close to getting that big career-defining moment?

Things happen for a reason, you know?

This summer, in my hometown, I have a good feeling. You work every day for those big moments. I’ve always believed in myself from when I was very young, but you have things that shape you and I feel like I’m mentally stronger now. I’m just more relaxed.

When someone mentions 2018 to you, is the first thing you think of the victories, or the semi-final defeat against Croatia?

The victories. They were massive, and we showed real character and togetherness.

Those matches were a great experience, and something that will be in the back of my head for the rest of my life.

Did that tournament show England are within touching distance of success?

Yeah, the team isn’t far away from where we were a couple of years ago, and since

RAHEEM STERLING

Does 2016’s defeat to Iceland motivate you still, or did the World Cup manage to erase some of that pain?

No, it’s always there and it will always be; to know if you’re not up to it at a major tournament, there can be upsets at any moment. Teams are there for a reason.

Their game plan is different to ours and they probably won’t have much of the ball, but they’ll affect you in other ways.

You’ve got to be prepared.

Clockwise from above If you don’t laugh at England’s Euros record, you might well just cry; Iceland will always be a reminder to perform your best; “Keep this up and I’ll buy you one of these waistcoats”; the Three Lions’ brotherly bonding will be essential

“

Watching the Premier League, I’m thinking, ‘He’s English’. There’s a lot of special talent out there

was getting you mentally prepared for it.

During the World Cup, that showed – his main message was about togetherness.

How did you feel after that defeat?

It literally felt like the end of the world in the moment, because we knew we should have won. When you don’t win a game you’re meant to, it’s not a good feeling.

You know what’s going to come from it.

What is England’s target this summer?

First and foremost, qualifying out of the group. In the past, I’ve heard people say, ‘let’s see how it goes’, but I always say I’m not going into a tournament without the thought of winning it. It might sound a stretch, but if you haven’t got that belief, there’s no point even going. You don’t want to shout that out because it could come back to bite you, but at the same time, as a group, as a country, it’s what we should aim for – to win. Anything less is a disappointment.

Was that game ever mentioned by the manager during the World Cup? Yeah, it was a thing he always brought up.

How do you get back from that? How do you overcome setbacks during games? It

You grew up in the Wembley area. What will it be like to play a major tournament for England there, in front of fans?

It will be a great experience, at a stadium that we know very well, with loads of fans

”

who’ll be behind us. Of course we always appreciated the fans before, but this year has shown just how much they mean to football - without them it’s pretty much nothing to me, so it will be great to have them back. There will definitely be a little bit of pressure on us, but at the same time I think that’s good.

Your opening game is against Croatia.

Will that 2018 World Cup semi-final be in the back of your mind?

We’ve played them since then, so I feel like that scar has gone. But at the same time, they’ll probably think they’ve done it to us once at a tournament already.

We’ve just got to be mentally ready, with nothing in the back of our heads, and nothing from that last tournament. We can’t be dwelling on it. It would be a great way to start the tournament, to beat the team that knocked us out of the World Cup. What more motivation do you need?

Images Getty Images, Manchester City FC

that tournament I feel like we’ve got better. You might even say that we’ve got more ability in the squad today – players that can change games at any moment.

We’ve got more of those now than before – real match-winners who have arrogance about them. When I’m watching other Premier League teams now, I’m thinking, ‘Yeah, he’s English’, and I’m really proud to say that. There’s a lot of special talent out there – and I say that with emphasis.

/// EURO 2020

Euro 2020 guide 25

EURO 2020 /// I N T E RV I E W hen he’s got some spare time on his hands, Kieran Tierney has a go-to video on YouTube that he likes to watch. He doesn’t go back to it for the football, even though the particular game in question was a ripsnorting classic with late drama at both ends.

It’s what took place beforehand that still tugs at his heartstrings: a rousing rendition of Scotland’s unofficial national anthem at Hampden Park, before their 2-2 draw against England in June 2017.

Tierney & Co were denied at the death by Harry Kane that afternoon, after Leigh Griffiths had scored what looked like a 90th-minute winning goal in World Cup qualifying, but the sense of national pride from the game hasn’t left his mind.

It’s not difficult to imagine why that particular fire has been stoked – on June 18, the same famous rivals will lock horns once again, this time at Wembley in Euro 2020’s group stage. The two countries haven’t played each other at a major tournament since Euro 96; Scotland haven’t even kicked a ball in one since France 98. Just getting here for the first time in 23 years, then, is a huge deal for Tierney and Scotland. They didn’t make it easy for themselves, having taken the play-off route to do it – including a pair of nerve-shredding penalty shootouts – but those qualification scenes from a crazy night in Belgrade will endure forever.

When the first whistles shrill in June, though, such sepia-tinged reflection will end. Scotland have waited more than two decades for another big summer and are not prepared to let England have it their way this time.

As Tierney admits, they still haven’t forgotten about what happened four years ago. Revenge would never be sweeter…

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Left Tierney hasn’t got over that 2017 draw with England Below Scots don’t often get to smile this frequently Bottom A great advert for Serbia in November

Did you quite realise the scale of your achievement straight away in Serbia?

What was going through your head?

A mix of everything: raw emotion, relief and just a weight off the shoulders. I can’t speak for everyone, but maybe the scale of it didn’t sink in properly until we saw the reaction back home. That said, we still celebrated like it had! We knew going into the game that it was so important. The thing that sticks out for me is the build-up in training through the week – it was just so calm and relaxed. It wasn’t as if we were tense or feeling the burden of expectation. You’d never have imagined that we were about to play in one of the biggest games of our careers, and that definitely helped.

It took a lot of bottle on the night, given that kick to the teeth – a Serbia equaliser – near the end of normal time…

I think everyone was surprised by how the game went. We had a lot of the ball, Serbia were sitting off us and people probably thought it would be the other way round,

26 Euro 2020 guide

KIERAN TIERNEY

/// EURO 2020

“MY MATES SAW THAT PICTURE OF ME WITH MY BOOTS IN A CARRIER BAG… AND SAID,

’YOU’VE CHANGED! ’” HE WEARS T-SHIRTS IN SNOW AND ADORES HIS COUNTRY LIKE A FAN. IS IT ANY WONDER THAT SCOTS LOVE KIERAN TIERNEY SO? THIS SUMMER, HE’S GOT THE CHANCE TO MAKE HIMSELF A HERO ALL OVER AGAIN...

Images Getty Images

Interview Kenny Millar

Euro 2020 guide 27

EURO 2020 /// I N T E RV I E W given it was their home game. We were passing the ball well, getting into the final third and creating chances. Going into extra time, though, they just had the momentum. We were tired and hanging on to an extent. The goal had given them such a boost but we were determined not to give it up. I remember before the penalties that the staff and players who were in the stand came down to talk to the boys. There was such a togetherness on the night, it wasn’t just the team on the park. You don’t often experience something like that. Boys had knocks or were cramping up, but they pushed on.

We dragged each other through it. Then we had six heroes in the shootout – the five takers and our goalkeeper.

Where were you on the list of takers?

Everyone else seems to be saying they’d volunteered to be sixth in line, so can I just say that as well?!

Honestly, how much pressure did you feel going into it?

I grew up without seeing Scotland in a major tournament, so you were conditioned not to expect it. But when you get involved with the national team, it’s a different story. That prize is there and you want it. You look at other countries that have been involved and it does sink in that we’ve historically underachieved with the players we have.

The talent and chemistry is there. I’m just glad we’ve put it to bed now.

You’re the first player from the Isle of Man to play in a major tournament, too.

That’s something I take a lot of pride in and always have done. That’s where my roots lie. It’s where I was born and I still have family there. It’s a great feeling.

I’ve heard a few stats over the years about being the first from there to do this and that, but I’ll take this one. I actually looked into maybe playing for them before, but I was never sure about what the rules were; which tournaments they were eligible for and if it would clash with my club and Scotland commitments.

It’s something I’d never rule out.

Talk to us about carrier bags and T-shirts in cold weather…

When my mates from back home saw the picture of me with my boots in a carrier bag [turning up to a game], they told me I’d changed – that I’d gone from Aldi or Lidl to Tesco. [Laughs] They slaughtered me! The rest of the people commenting were talking about how refreshing or strange it was. It wasn’t something that I thought twice about. I had a pair of boots I had to take with me, and the only thing I had in the house was a Tesco bag.

I’m still waiting on that endorsement deal. Pick up the phone, Tesco! In terms of the T-shirts, I just remember when I was coming through at Celtic as a 15-year-old

28 Euro 2020 guide

Above Serbia’s Dusan Tadic feels the play-off burn Below right McGinn’s goal, not Tierney’s – he’s yet to net for Scotland

“

It was a whole new world at Arsenal and I had it all to prove

”

KIERAN TIERNEY

/// EURO 2020

Clockwise from above June’s shot nailed for the 2022 Scotland calendar; Tierney has earned the love of his boss; surely one of 2019’s canniest signings; in Europa League action repaying his £25m transfer fee; Time to say goodbye at Celtic Park

So, that 2-2 draw against England in 2017. How disappointing was it to go 2-1 up so late, then still not win?

I’ll sometimes find myself watching the national anthems back from that game – it cuts to the fans and it was so loud. That memory will never leave me. We’ll miss that at the Euros, but playing in games like that is what it’s all about. It still hurts not to have won that one: ‘gutted’ is the only word I can use to describe it. We were sitting in the changing room with hands on heads. If we’d got a last-minute equaliser it would have been a totally different situation. We were so close and should have won. It was hard to take.

The manager, Gordon Strachan, picked us up and said how proud he was of us.

How have you enjoyed your time at Arsenal so far? Did you feel like you had something of a point to prove, arriving from Scottish football?

I’d come through the ranks at Celtic so everyone there knew me, and I’d had a long period of time to make a good impression. It was a whole new world at Arsenal and I had it all to prove. What I’d done before probably didn’t count for anything. I knew it would be hard, but it was never about going down there to prove people wrong. I wanted to play at the highest possible level, and for me, that’s the English Premier League. You’re never in a comfort zone at a club like Celtic. There’s constant pressure, but I was at home with all my family and surrounded by my friends. I was at the club for 15 years, so Arsenal was a big jump. I knew it would challenge me in ways that wouldn’t even have occurred

to me. I actually think the transition was harder off the park – that’s made me a better player and a person. That’s the main objective in life, isn’t it? To be the best version of yourself that you can be.

Does it feel different now as a Scotland player now, having finally qualified?

It does. We went into the last camp and everyone was happy. There was a feeling that we’d achieved something together and there was something to look forward to, even if we tried to push it aside to concentrate on the World Cup qualifiers [in March]. I’m going to try to take in as much of it as I can – you never know when you’ll get the opportunity again.

We want to be a country that does it consistently, but you have to enjoy the moment. These are probably the best days of my life. I won’t talk about qualifying from the group, but we’re not going there to make up the numbers.

You want to get off to a good start and make your mark.

Images Getty Images, Arsenal Football Club

– I always trained like that. I remember wearing a jumper once and just felt too warm – it’s as simple as that. I think it was snowing that night as well and it’s stuck; a bit of a superstition. It’s too late for me now, anyway – I’d be absolutely slaughtered if I suddenly wore a snood or a pair of gloves...

Euro 2020 guide 29

EURO 2020 /// I N T E RV I E W

“IN EVERY GAME AT EURO 2016, WE WERE THINKING,

‘ WE’RE WALES...

WE’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE DOING THIS!’”

AARON RAMSEY HAS ENDURED AN INJURY-HIT EXISTENCE LEADING UP TO THE DRAGONS’ SECOND CONSECUTIVE EUROS, BUT THE FIGUREHEAD OF THEIR SENSATIONAL 2016 TOURNAMENT IS FIT, FIRING – AND READY TO ENSURE IT WAS NO ONE-OFF… Interview Chris Flanagan

30 Euro 2020 guide

AARON RAMSEY

hen Wales ensured their place at Euro 2020 with a 2-0 win over Hungary in their decisive final fixture, it was Aaron Ramsey who scored both goals. The midfielder has long been pivotal for the Dragons, producing some of the best form of his life as Wales shocked everyone by reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016, in their first major tournament for 58 years.

As well as scoring in the 3-0 win over Russia, Ramsey laid on four assists at that Euros – only equalled by Eden Hazard, who was part of the Belgium side that Wales famously sunk in the last eight.

Ramsey’s performance earned him a spot in UEFA’s team of the tournament – not even Gareth Bale could say the same – although there was heartbreak when he was suspended for the semis against Portugal, after picking up two yellow cards during the campaign.

Now 30 and one of Wales’ senior stars, Ramsey departed Arsenal in 2019 after 11 years at the Emirates Stadium, heading

W

to Serie A with Juventus. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of two other famous Welshmen who represented the Italian side: Ian Rush and John Charles.

The latter was a Juventus player when he helped Wales to the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup. After an injury-hit couple of seasons, Ramsey will be hoping to have a similar influence this summer, as he bids to repeat his heroics of 2016...

Just how special was Euro 2016 for you?

It was an amazing experience. Being with your mates, beating some big teams, it was just the best time. It couldn’t have gone any better.

Was playing at a major tournament for Wales something you’d always dreamed about, even though the country hadn’t qualified for anything since 1958?

That was always a huge goal of mine. As Welsh fans, we’d been starved of that for many years, but we knew we’d got a great team with a lot of good youngsters coming

Images Getty Images

Above Rambo’s double against Hungary qualified Wales for 2020 Top right Just in case the snappers needed reminding Below right Hanging out with some Juve mates

/// EURO 2020

Euro 2020 guide 31

EURO 2020 /// I N T E RV I E W

“

We outplayed Belgium… they just ran out of ideas

through, and if we developed in the right way, with the right mentality, we could achieve it.

Before Euro 2016 started, what would you have regarded as success for Wales?

Not to be embarrassed! [Laughs] No, our target was to win one game, then see what happened. We did that in the first game against Slovakia, putting us in a great spot.

In your last group match, Wales beat Russia 3-0 after you scored early on.

How big was that goal, for the team and for you personally?

It was something I really wanted to do before the tournament started – to score in the finals. I had family at every game, so when I went over to celebrate, I knew they were all up there in a little section in the stand. To a man, we played unbelievably well in that game.

At 1-0 down against Belgium in the quarter-finals, did you fear they might be too good for you?

They started like a house on fire… For the first five minutes, they could have scored twice, we were making last-ditch tackles,

32 Euro 2020 guide

”

clearing off the line. Then one of their shots flew into the net from 30 yards – you were thinking, ‘This could be a long night’. But something happened in that moment – it was as if we were free then to go and express ourselves. I don’t know... there was no pressure then. We outplayed Belgium for long periods of that game and they just ran out of ideas. We thoroughly deserved it in the end. I felt like their goal helped us in a way, to just relax and have a go.

You set up the first two goals. So what were you thinking after that, then, when Hal Robson-Kanu put you in front?

It was such a good feeling – I can’t really explain it. It was just such a high, like: ‘We’re actually beating Belgium in the quarter-finals of the Euros, we’re not too far away from going through to the semi-finals... what’s going on here?!’

What do you remember about that evening after you won?

Every game we were winning, we were just thinking, ‘What are we actually doing?

We’re Wales, we’re not supposed to be doing this!’ But we were going further and further. Going back to the hotel, they

Bottom left Four players versus one? No problem Below left Not such a bad pair Below Not official Census information Bottom Blondie punishes Belgium in 2016’s stunner

AARON RAMSEY

“

/// EURO 2020

The aim is to get into decent shape and show what I’m capable of again

Together Stronger was the slogan of the Wales team. How key was that unity?

That togetherness is what we’re built on.

We’re not a nation who can choose from 26 or 30 players, so we have to work very hard for each other and stay compact.

Then we do have a few players who can create things and some exciting young players coming through. We’re dangerous, but the foundation is that we work hard for each other. That’s definitely been the secret to our success.

You managed to get four assists at Euro 2016, though – the joint-highest with Eden Hazard – and were named in the team of the tournament.

Before, I just wanted to show what I was capable of doing against the best players in the world – to show I could compete at that level, on the big stage. I felt like I did that – it was a huge honour to get into the team of the tournament, to have the most assists, but without the team none of that would have been possible.

What was it like when you got back to Wales after the tournament?

That was crazy. We got off the plane, onto the bus and there was a drive from the

Above A little more of this would suit Ramsey & Co nicely Above, right That scoreboard might need updating

airport into Cardiff. You could quickly see people lined up along the streets. You got closer to Cardiff and there were even more people – I think it was about a quarter of a million people who turned up to show appreciation, which was just unbelievable, to be there and feel that energy from your fellow Welshmen. It was an amazing moment. For future generations, 2016 will be talked about, and now it’s up to us to back it up and do it again. Talking about it to some of the younger players who didn’t experience it, you can see their hunger to achieve it too. Welsh football is in a good place now – to do back-to-back European Championships is a fantastic achievement.

After missing a lot of Wales matches through injury in the last two or three years, what was it like to score the two goals against Hungary that sealed qualification for Euro 2020?

It’s been a pretty frustrating couple of years for me, picking up little injuries and not being able to get back to full fitness.

It’s been a strange time in general, which hasn’t helped – arriving at Juventus with an injury, trying to get my fitness back, then you’re hit by a pandemic and we had to start again. It’s been difficult to get any consistency going, and that’s had an effect on me playing for Wales. I’m very proud to play for Wales and want to play for them as much as I can, but it’s been limited in the last few years. It was so

”

great to be a part of that camp where we had to beat Azerbaijan away and did, then took it to the last game and won.

To grab a couple of goals that night to send us into another finals was just perfect, a proud moment. I’d missed a lot of games in that campaign, so for me to feel like I contributed and helped the team was important.

After missing more games for Wales recently, how eager are you to make a similar impact at the Euros now?

Very, of course. The aim is to get back into decent shape and show what I’m capable of again. I still feel like I have many years ahead of me, and it’s just about getting my body back into a decent place where it can perform regularly again. I’m confident that I can do that.

Wales have a lot to live up to after 2016 – can you hope to reach the semi-finals again?!

The final this time! [Laughs] No, we’ve got a completely different team now, a young team, but who knows what can happen?

We’ve proven that when we’re together, we can give anyone a game. We want to get out of the group and see how far we can go. Wales got to the semi-finals last time and nobody would have imagined that. As long as you’re on the same page and heading in the same direction, then stranger things have happened.

Images Getty Images, Arsenal Football Club

thought we were only staying for the first 10 days, then we’d be off! We ended up only missing five days of the tournament.

We were just enjoying every minute of it.

Euro 2020 guide 33

: s ’ n a g i t t e G c M

s o r u E e h T f o e Hom 11th June – 11th July

Catch all the Euros live on screens at McGettigan’s nationwide.

Enjoy every game with award winning food and an array of perfectly poured drinks.

Pre-book, or arrive early to secure your seat.

For more info visit: mcgettigans.com/euros

S E R G E G N A B RY

/// EURO 2020

SERGE IGNORED BY WEST BROM, FRUSTRATED AT ARSENAL… ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT AT BAYERN MUNICH. EVEN IF GERMANY HEAD INTO EURO 2020 WITH SLIM HOPES OF SUCCESS, STAR MAN SERGE GNABRY GIVES THEM AN EDGE – AND HIS STUNNING ASCENT TO THE TOP ISN’T OVER YET Words Greg Lea

hen Germany named their squad for Euro 2016, Serge Gnabry wasn’t exactly hanging by the telephone.

After all, the winger had made just one Premier League appearance in the 2015-16 season: loaned out to West Bromwich Albion by parent club Arsenal, Gnabry couldn’t get in a team that spent most of the campaign bouncing between 12th and 15th place. Tony Pulis claimed he wasn’t “at that level” required to play for the battling Baggies, and chose to field Craig Gardner or James Morrison out wide instead. Across five months, Gnabry played 12 league minutes. Representing his country was the last thing on his mind.

Fast-forward five years to the following European Championship, and things are just a tad different now. Gnabry looks well-positioned to be among the stars of Euro 2020, having soared to new heights since those peculiar struggles at The Hawthorns. A European champion with Bayern Munich at club level, Gnabry now seeks the equivalent prize with Germany.

To say that their last major tournament appearance didn’t go well, however, is akin to saying COVID-19 has been a slight inconvenience. Joachim Löw’s side went out in the 2018 World Cup’s group stage – the first time since 1938 that Germany,

Above Disgruntled German faces are far more common than they used to be Left Gnabry grew tired of warming the bench with Arsenal Right A rare outing in a Baggies shirt

Images Getty Images, Arsenal Football Club

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Euro 2020 guide 35

EURO 2020 /// P L AY E R P R O F I L E

“

Left Making the impossible possible at Werder Bremen Right Who needs Thomas Muller?

Bottom Welcome to Bayern Munich – no ties required

He has quickly become Germany’s main hope of silverware this summer

Europe’s most successful nation, had failed to advance beyond the first phase of world football’s biggest competition.

Understandably, miffed supporters and pundits back home called for a shake-up of their dishevelled national side. Instead, the DFB backed the under-fire Löw, and their faith in the long-serving manager – in charge of Die Mannschaft since 2006 – hardly wavered afterwards, even as Germany finished bottom of their UEFA Nations League group in 2018-19 and were thrashed 6-0 by Spain in November 2020. Only in March of this year was a date set for Löw’s eventual departure, after the rearranged Euro 2020.

All of this means there hasn’t been a great deal for Germany’s fans to cheer over the past three years – but Gnabry’s emergence has been a rare highlight. The winger left Arsenal for Werder Bremen

36 Euro 2020 guide

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seeking regular first-team football in 2016, and it proved to be a good call: by November that year, he had already made his international debut. After just a single season with Werder – a hugely successful one, featuring 11 Bundesliga goals – Gnabry joined Bayern Munich for a cut-price €8 million. If the fee looked good then, it has since turned out to be one of the past decade’s biggest bargains.

After a season-long loan at Hoffenheim, Gnabry spotted his moment. With Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben in their final seasons at Bayern, the former Gunner grabbed the baton and ran. His 13 goals and half-dozen assists helped Bayern to win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double, and Gnabry the club’s Player of the Year gong. A penny for some Pulis thoughts.

When Robben and Ribery departed Die Roten the following summer, Gnabry took

centre stage. The bustling wideman had bulked up and become much harder to knock off the ball, while his decision-making was much improved from those difficult days in England.

He had also developed a handy knack of remaining ice-cool in front of goal.

Gnabry was by now regarded as one of the most dangerous forwards on the planet, and he bagged 23 goals and set up 13 more in all competitions as Bayern retained the Bundesliga and became European champions for the sixth time. Things were, it’s safe to say, going pretty well.

But while the Stuttgart-born star hasn’t experienced much adversity in the club game over recent seasons, the same can’t be said for him at international level, where Löw has struggled to get a grip on Germany’s predicament. Having initially been accused of excessive loyalty to his 2014 World Cup winners following the debacle in Russia four years later, the manager surprisingly – and very suddenly – jettisoned Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng into enforced international retirement in 2019. If the idea was to come back stronger with a refreshed team, then that 6-0 beating by Spain – Germany’s worst defeat since 1931 – suggests there is still work to do.

Without Gnabry, however, things would have been even worse. The 25-year-old has been excellent in his outings for the national team, and he went into 2021 with his first 17 caps having yielded a whopping 14 goals.

He has quickly become his country’s leading light, and their main hope of silverware this year. If Gnabry doesn’t shine, Germany are highly unlikely to add a fourth European Championship trophy to their collection – or, worse, they may barely make it through the Group of Death into the knockouts.

Gnabry is now very much the modern attacker. He can terrorise defenders on either wing or playing through the middle, and he has featured in all three positions for Bayern this campaign. While naturally right-footed, he has vastly enhanced his left – improvements that didn’t go unseen by his former manager.

“Serge is creative, he can score goals, right-footed, left-footed, [he has] good power, good penetration, [he’s] very, very clever with the timing of his runs,” said Arsene Wenger last year, highlighting the catalogue of qualities held by a player he’d had to sell against his wishes years earlier. “He can be a No.9, a No.10… he’s a very intelligent player.”

That versatility could help Germany. At Bayern he’s primarily deployed on the left,

Top right Gnabry is now a big deal back in his home nation Above Masked man makes off with cup!

Above right France may have their work cut out on June 15

but Gnabry tends to start up front for his country. He hit a brilliant hat-trick from that position in a 6-1 demolition of Northern Ireland in 2019 – one of the team’s best displays since the World Cup. “I’ve always had the highest possible opinion of Gnabry,” beamed Löw after that game. “Right from the start, it was obvious to me that he’d be a fantastically important player.” As Euro 2020 finally approaches, that statement represents an even more accurate assessment of Gnabry’s status within the squad.

Germany find themselves in an unusual position this summer: they are not among the three or four favourites heading into an international tournament. Most of the bookmakers rank Die Mannschaft as the fifth-likeliest victors, behind England,

/// EURO 2020

Belgium, France and Spain. A gruesome group stage draw is part of the reason for that, even though a third-place finish could be enough to send one of Germany, France, Portugal or Hungary through to the knockout stages. Löw’s side will open their campaign with a match that could set the tone for their tournament, one way or the other: they face France, the world champions who knocked them out of Euro 2016 in the semi-finals.

Gnabry wasn’t around for that tussle, having just completed his miserable final season in England. It’s testament to the progress he has made since that he goes into Euro 2020 not only as a member of Germany’s squad, but as their star player.

He might even get a game at West Brom these days, too.

Images Getty Images

S E R G E G N A B RY

Euro 2020 guide 37

EURO 2020 /// P L AY E R P R O F I L E

THE

POGBA

PUZZLE PAUL POGBA’S TALENT HAS NEVER BEEN IN DOUBT, AND HIS MEDAL COLLECTION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF – BUT THERE’S ALWAYS THAT NAGGING SENSE HE MIGHT HAVE HAD A WHOLE LOT MORE. COULD EURO 2020 CHANGE EVERYTHING?

Words Greg Lea o footballer on the planet divides opinion quite like Paul Pogba. To those who worship him, he is one of the most gifted players in the world: a true all-round midfielder who excels in every area of the game. To his growing list of detractors, the French ace is a long-time underachiever who has never truly made the most of his undisputed and considerable talents.

First, the facts: Pogba is a World Cup winner, four-time Serie A champion and formerly the world’s most expensive footballer of all time. He remains one of the sport’s most marketable faces, and continually coveted by the elite.

And yet the Frenchman has also left those at Manchester United scratching their heads more than once – so much so, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even dropped him for a short stint in 2020-21, prompting France boss Didier Deschamps to speak out on a bleak situation “where he cannot

N

38 Euro 2020 guide

“

/// EURO 2020

Pogba’s performances in 2018 rubbished suggestions that he was incapable of putting his talent at the service of the team

centre of it all is his agent Mino Raiola, who declared his client’s time at Old Trafford “over” in a December 2020 interview. “Paul is unhappy with United as he is no longer able to express himself in the way that he would like,” sniffed Raiola. He changed tack in February this year, saying, “I can’t speak about Pogba because people are nervous – they don’t sleep at night. I have to work quietly...

If I speak, someone gets offended.”

Finding truth amid the bluster isn’t so straightforward, but the speculation itself is a sign that things haven’t exactly gone to plan for Pogba since his return to the Red Devils, when he declared his intention to win the Premier League, Champions League and Ballon d’Or. Perhaps the club is equally deserving of blame, however. While Pogba has failed to claim any of the three big honours he mentioned at his Old Trafford unveiling five years ago – or come anywhere close, for that matter – he has lifted football’s greatest prize of all, with France.

The midfielder’s performances at the 2018 World Cup rubbished suggestions that he was incapable of putting his individual talent at the service of the

Below left Deep in thought... we think Below Pogba was a sensation at Juve Below right One manager who does seem to understand what Pogba offers Bottom Yeah, sure, but what has Paul really achieved, eh?

”

team. Pogba was excellent as Les Bleus triumphed in Russia; he was disciplined and diligent, as well as inventive and expressive. Team-mates praised his leadership skills, as they often do.

Deschamps will be hoping for more of the same at Euro 2020. The France manager has experimented with several different midfield configurations over the past 12 months, with Pogba featuring alongside Adrien Rabiot in a 4-4-2, next to Rabiot and N’Golo Kante in a 4-3-1-2, and sometimes on the bench to assess other options such as Moussa Sissoko, Steven N’Zonzi and Corentin Tolisso.

If he’s fit, though, there’s no doubt that Pogba will be in France’s starting XI when the world champions meet Germany on June 15, aiming to replicate their lauded predecessors of two decades ago who followed up World Cup glory in 1998 with continental conquest in 2000. Deschamps was, of course, France’s captain for both.

If Pogba can inspire Les Bleus to Euros success this summer, the Manchester United man will be remembered as an integral part of one of the most successful international teams of all time. Just don’t expect it to end the debate about him.

Images Getty Images

be happy”. Rumours about an uncertain future refuse to go away, fuelled as they are by an agent who seems keen (and that’s putting it mildly) to move him on.

So, as Les Bleus aim to pocket major honours for the second tournament in a row, there’s still one question swirling: will the real Paul Pogba please stand up?

Leaving Old Trafford for Juventus in 2012 was certainly no bad call. A hugely ambitious Pogba was equally successful in Turin, winning that aforementioned string of Serie A crowns and two Coppas Italia, as well as reaching a Champions League final. Alongside Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, he helped to form one of the world’s most lauded midfield trios, rocketing in status from talented prospect to the most in-demand young footballer on planet Earth.

Manchester United won the fight for his signature in 2016, and announced their world-record €105 million deal in typically low-key fashion, with a video alongside grime megastar Stormzy that broke the Twittersphere. Having originally left due to frustration with a lack of opportunities, United’s prodigal son knew he’d have no such concerns upon his return.

And yet, while Pogba’s profile has grown over the past five years, so too has the debate about his career. The mercurial Frenchman turned 28 in March and is no longer that thrilling youngster with his peak years ahead of him – regardless, speculation linking him with a move away from Manchester is just as fervent. At the

PAU L P O G B A

Euro 2020 guide 39

EURO 2020 /// I N T E RV I E W

hen Portugal lifted the last European Championship trophy, Diogo Jota was watching on from home.

Aged 20, and newly transferred to Atletico Madrid where he wouldn’t actually make a first-team appearance, the chance to play for his country at a major tournament was very much a distant dream for the boy from Porto.

Five years is a very long time in football, however. Jota only made his debut for Portugal in November, but the Liverpool forward is already a key member of the team hoping to retain their title. He has enjoyed a superb debut season at Anfield following his Dhs212m move from Wolves last summer, and now the clamour to get the 24-year-old into Fernando Santos’ starting XI is practically febrile. Whisper it quietly, but some supporters would even prefer him to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jota had bagged 12 goals for Jurgen Klopp’s side by December before a knee injury halted his fine progress for as many weeks. In March, though, he simply picked up where he left off and ended the season strongly for both club and country – see three goals for Portugal in their World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Luxembourg.

Liverpool may have relinquished their Premier League title, but Jota won’t give up Portugal’s crown easily, despite being drawn in this tournament’s scary-looking Group of Death alongside the last two world champions in France and Germany,

W

40 Euro 2020 guide

Above Jota proved 2020 could be good, in joining Liverpool Top right Portugal pals bridge a divide Above right The forward bagged 44 goals in 131 games at Molineux

plus a resurgent Hungary who held CR7 & Co to a surprise 3-3 draw at Euro 2016.

But why wouldn’t Portugal be confident going into this tournament? With Ronaldo preparing to play in his fifth Euros, plus a deadly arsenal of stars that includes Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City duo Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, not to mention former Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves, many regard this as Portugal’s strongest crop of players for some time. You can see why.

For the first six iterations of the Euros, Portugal didn’t even qualify – then made the semi-finals at their first attempt in 1984. Since then, they’ve at least made that stage in four of their last six tries.

Make no mistake: 2016’s victors have some serious chops in this competition.

But what does Jota make of Portugal’s chances of repeating their success of 2016? How has he enjoyed his stint at Liverpool so far? And is he really like Ronnie? We asked him that and more...

What do you remember about Euro 2004 that was held on home soil?

It’s my first football memory! It was a big thing across the country. Portugal had reached the Euros final for the first time ever, but lost to Greece. I still remember watching the quarter-final game against England and not believing how Ricardo managed to stop a penalty without his gloves on. That was such a remarkable moment for me – I was in the living room

with my dad and my brother, and we were all so happy. We obviously weren’t expecting the Greek team to pour cold water on our dreams.

But at least you managed to celebrate the title in 2016...

That was different for me. I had just made it to Atletico Madrid [from Paços de Ferreira], and so I was already in pre-season in Spain and had to follow our whole campaign from there. I was so proud – I really think we deserved to be European champions in the end.

Could you already picture yourself at the next Euros tournament?

Not really, it didn’t cross my mind back then – making long-term plans isn’t for me. I enjoy thinking about my future, but only the immediate future. So much can happen in four years – I obviously had the dream and ambition of getting to the national team as soon as possible, though, and fortunately that ended up happening.

I was supposed to play my first Euros last year but it was postponed, so now I’m looking forward to representing Portugal for the first time in a major tournament.

Many people in Portugal criticised your move to Wolves back in 2017, but it seems to have paid off, doesn’t it?

A short while ago, I saw a Transfermarkt study that had the Championship as the sixth-most valuable league in Europe. The

D I O G O J O TA

/// EURO 2020

“ I WAS STILL

PAYING TO PLAY WHEN I WAS

16...

Interview Marcus Alves

WHAT I’VE ACHIEVED

” IS UNUSUAL

Images Getty Images (dressing room, Wolves), PA (main, Bernardo), Liverpool FC

FIVE YEARS AGO, DIOGO JOTA WATCHED PORTUGAL AS A FAN – THIS SUMMER, HE’S ONE OF THEIR MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS AS THEY GO FOR GLORY. LIVERPOOL’S NEW HERO HAS GOT HERE THE LONG WAY AROUND… BUT NOW HE’S VERY MUCH HERE TO STAY

Euro 2020 guide 41

EURO 2020 /// I N T E RV I E W d’Or. Being Portuguese, I’ve always looked up to him as an example to follow. I made my international debut coming on for him against Lithuania [in November 2019], which made that moment extra special.

I can only be grateful for playing with him.

Many consider this to be Portugal’s best crop of players ever. What’s the secret behind it?

Honestly, I can’t find an explanation, but that’s not for me to answer either, so that’s all right! [Laughs] What I do know is that Portugal have been doing a very good job in terms of youth football for years, and we are now reaping the fruits of it. A generation of players like the one we have doesn’t come out of nowhere, which means that we were already doing things well 15 years ago.

“

What did you think when you saw the draw – Portugal, France and Germany all in the same group?

I’ve already been asked this question and always stress that Hungary are also part of our group. It’s worth remembering that when Portugal won Euro 2016, we failed to beat them [in a 3-3 draw]. Obviously we were handed a very difficult draw, but this is the Euros – it was never meant to be easy. Regardless of that, we know the quality we have, so if we’re able to build a good team in the true sense of the word, we’re capable of getting through.

It was a really proud moment to have my name associated with Cristiano Portuguese league, meanwhile, was listed fifth. From that perspective you may say moving there was a step back at that moment, but I found the Championship very competitive. It’s not just that, it’s about the project too – and in my opinion, Wolves have the right people running the club. Sometimes, you need to take a step back to take two steps forward. In the end, things went well and it was the right decision, even if it sounded risky then.

Is it true that even your family doubted your move to Molineux?

I had an uncle who asked why I was doing it. But he agrees with me now! I must admit that even when I first heard about it from my agent Jorge Mendes, I wasn’t totally sold on the idea. He eventually convinced me and now says, “See how I was right all along?!” [Laughs] Along with Bruno, you’re a remarkable case of an elite Portuguese player who never spent time at a big academy in the country. How tough was that?

I have no doubt it was more challenging.

If it’s already difficult to make it as a pro having played in one of the country’s top

42 Euro 2020 guide

”

academies [Benfica, Sporting and Porto], imagine if you come from outside them – the percentage of players who achieve it is even smaller. I was still paying to play when I was 16 years old, so I’m pretty aware that what I’ve managed is quite unusual. It’s not every day that you see someone who has never featured for a big side growing up and getting to the national team.

How did you react when one of your former coaches once compared you to Cristiano Ronaldo?

[Laughs] Obviously, I was a bit surprised to hear those words from mister Jorge Simao, because I didn’t realise he rated me that highly [at Paços de Ferreira] and wasn’t expecting him to say it publicly.

But at the same time, it made me think that if he believes in that, why can’t I? It was a proud moment to have my name associated with a footballer like Cristiano – it gave me confidence to do my work.

And what’s it like playing with him?

Cristiano was an idol for me – I watched him playing at the highest level with Manchester United, winning the Ballon

Above Who needs Porto when you could have Wolves?; Clockwise from top, centre “Is this how you do it, Ronnie?”; Jota debuted for Portugal in 2019; ...and replaced his hero in doing so; Wolves’ (then) four Portugeezers bask in their fine 2019 Nations League win; Diogo feels the love from gaffer Klopp

D I O G O J O TA

We’re reaping the fruits of what we have been doing in youth football

”

How do you rate England’s chances at the tournament?

In the last World Cup, they managed to go all the way to the semi-finals, were very excited about it and decided to keep their manager [Gareth Southgate] after.

I believe they will have a say again in this tournament.

How difficult was that spell out injured for you earlier this season, particularly as Liverpool were struggling?

I was sidelined for almost three months – it was the longest time I’ve been out since I became a professional footballer.

And possibly at one of the worst times ever too, because things were going well for me. I just wanted to continue what I was doing, but I couldn’t help the team; then results on the pitch weren’t the best and my frustration was growing. But now I’m back and it’s pointless to think about that – I’d rather focus on what I can do to improve the situation. That’s what I’ve been doing since.

In terms of preparation, do you do anything special ahead of the Euros?

Not really, I work the same way I always have. Obviously, everybody knows we’ve got this competition around the corner, but I don’t like to put the cart before the horse – I take a game at a time because that’s how I got this far. I’ll only be able to keep my place with this mentality.

Images all Getty Images, except Ronaldo (PA)

“

/// EURO 2020

Euro 2020 guide 43

EURO 2020 /// I N T E RV I E W

“ MANCINI IS OUT OF THIS WORLD AS A COACH.

ITALY’S RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES” CHELSEA LEFT-BACK EMERSON PALMIERI IS DESPERATE TO HELP THE AZZURRI GET OVER THE IGNOMINY OF FAILING TO QUALIFY FOR A FIRST WORLD CUP IN 60 YEARS IN 2018. HE EXPLAINS WHY THE RECORD-BREAKING ITALIANS ARE NOW A DIFFERENT PROPOSITION... ow much are you looking forward to your first major tournament with Italy this summer?

I can’t wait for the Euros – all the hard work I’ve put in over the years has been for moments like this. Unfortunately it was postponed 12 months ago – our confidence was sky-high back then, we had won 11 games in a row, which beat Italy’s record for consecutive victories, and were in great form. We can’t go back in time, though, so all we can do is find a silver lining in the middle of this – that our young players could gain more experience ahead of the tournament.

You grew up in Brazil and moved to Italy in 2014, with Palermo and later Roma.

Your mother has Italian heritage – did you always want to play for the Azzurri?

It took me five months after receiving the invitation. Over that period, I woke up many times during the night thinking, ‘Should I accept it?’ The Brazilian Football Confederation had never spoken to me, though – it’s not like I’d asked them to call me up, but sometimes when we’re doing our work we need to hear some feedback, something positive. Although the Brazilian coaching staff had travelled to watch me play a couple of times, they never said a single word about what they thought. So when I chose to play for Italy, I felt assured that I was making the right decision. The country has embraced me.

What have been your highlights so far in an Italy shirt?

The greatest one has to be finishing the qualifiers for Euro 2020 with a perfect record, achieving 10 victories from 10 games. After failing to make it to the last

Other Brazil-born players, like Thiago Motta, have also played for Italy and there are others in this squad. What’s it like in the dressing room?

We’ve got a very good group, so they received me very warmly. It certainly

Interview Marcus Alves

H

44 Euro 2020 guide

World Cup, those matches were really important for us – it was a moment of both relief and joy when we were able to reach that goal.

E M E R S O N PA L M I E R I

/// EURO 2020

helps that not only me, but also Rafael Toloi and Jorginho can communicate very well in Italian. But obviously when the three of us are together, we speak Portuguese, too – that’s never been a problem. Our dressing room is great.

What’s it been like to work with Azzurri boss Roberto Mancini?

The first time I came to the national team was with Gian Piero Ventura, but I didn’t get to spend much time with him. When I got back in the squad, Roberto Mancini was in charge and that has been a huge change – results speak for themselves.

He’s clearly someone who knows very well what he’s doing: he’s very intelligent, an out-of-this-world coach. If I go off to spend 10 days with the team, I always know they’re going to be 10 wonderful days – we’ll have fun, laugh and chat. He makes you feel comfortable. I believe that much of the credit for our recent results has to be given to him – he’s managed to create an atmosphere that no one could imagine after we failed to secure a place at the last World Cup. Just how good is Ciro Immobile, who’s been scoring goals for fun at Lazio?

If you blink, make no mistake: he will score. Back in my time with Roma, we always worried a lot about him in the derbies against Lazio. He has a nose for

Top The Brazil-born left-back plumped for the Azzurri after shining for Roma Middle “Coming through!”; Mancini “makes his players feel comfortable” Right Shutting out Northern Ireland Left He scored with his very first touch to help Chelsea see off Atletico Madrid

“

I can’t wait – all the hard work I’ve put in is for moments like this

the goal and is very dangerous inside the box, so I’m really glad to have him by my side now. Without the ball, he marks the opposition and is responsible for the initial line of pressure. He’s one of the world’s best forwards at pressing from the front.

You’re in Group A with Wales, Turkey and Switzerland. How do you view those three opponents?

We haven’t given it too much thought yet, but no team qualifies for a tournament by accident – they’ve all got players who can make the difference in any game.

”

As someone who plays club football in the Premier League with Chelsea, how do you rate England’s chances at this summer’s tournament?

England are a very strong team – they’ve brought in some new faces and are now rejuvenated. I don’t say this because he’s my Chelsea team-mate, but a player who has been very impressive is Mason Mount.

He’s been growing a lot since last season.

Despite his age, he’s quickly establishing himself as a strong influence off the field.

I’m sure England will give their opponents a hard time over the next few years.

Images All Getty Images except main (PA)

Everton midfielder Allan could also have been part of it, is that right?

That’s true. He’s a close friend of Jorginho and they played together at Napoli. A little while back, Jorginho and I were in our room at the national team camp and we had a FaceTime call asking Allan when he would join us. I believe that he was really interested in becoming Italian, but then he received a call-up from Brazil and that was his decision to make.

Euro 2020 guide 45

ALL GAME TIMES BST

GROUP A

Italy • Switzerland • Turkey • Wales

TURKEY

vs

ITALY

June 11 • 11pm

WALES

vs

SWITZERLAND

June 12 • 5pm

TURKEY

vs

WALES

ROUND OF 16

June 16 • 8pm

ITALY

vs

QUARTER-FINALS

MATCH 1

SWITZERLAND

QUARTER 2

June 26 • 8pm

June 16 • 11pm

SWITZERLAND

vs

July 2 • 11pm

TURKEY

2A

ITALY

vs

WALES

W4

vs

June 20 • 8pm

vs

2B W2

June 20 • 8pm

GROUP B

MATCH 2

Belgium • Russia • Denmark • Finland

QUARTER 3

June 26 • 11pm

DENMARK

vs

FINLAND

July 3 • 8pm

1A

June 12 • 8pm

W3

vs BELGIUM

vs

RUSSIA

June 12 • 11pm

FINLAND

vs

W1

RUSSIA

June 16 • 5pm

DENMARK

vs

vs

2C

MATCH 3

BELGIUM

SEMI-FINALS

SEMI 1

June 27 • 8pm

June 17 • 8pm

RUSSIA

vs

DENMARK

1C

vs

June 21 • 11pm

FINLAND

vs

BELGIUM

July 6 • 11pm WQF2

3 D/E/F

vs

June 21 • 11pm

WQF1

GROUP C

MATCH 4

Ukraine • Netherlands • Austria • North Macedonia

THE FINAL

June 27 • 11pm

AUSTRIA

vs

N MACEDONIA

1B

June 13 • 11pm

vs NETHERLANDS

vs

UKRAINE

WSF1

3 A/D/E/F

June 13 • 11pm

UKRAINE

vs

N MACEDONIA

June 17 • 5pm

NETHERLANDS

vs

AUSTRIA

June 17 • 11pm

N MACEDONIA

vs

WANT MORE?

NETHERLANDS

June 21 • 8pm

UKRAINE

vs June 21 • 8pm

46 Euro 2020 guide

v

AUSTRIA

WHATSON.AE

TWITTER.COM/ WHATSONDUBAI

YOUTUBE.COM/ WHATSONDUBAI

ALL GAME TIMES BST

EURO 2020

GROUP D

England • Croatia • Czech Republic • Scotland

ENGLAND

CROATIA

vs June 13 • 5pm

SCOTLAND

CZECH REP

vs June 14 • 5pm

ROUND OF 16 QUARTER-FINALS

MATCH 5

QUARTER 1

June 28 • 8pm

CROATIA

CZECH REP

vs June 18 • 8pm

ENGLAND

SCOTLAND

vs June 18 • 11pm

July 2 • 8pm

2D W6

vs

vs

2E

CROATIA

June 22 • 11pm

CZECH REP

W5

SCOTLAND

vs

ENGLAND

vs June 22 • 11pm

MATCH 6

QUARTER 4

GROUP E

Spain • Poland • Sweden • Slovakia

June 28 • 11pm

July 3 • 11pm

POLAND

1F W8

vs

vs

SPAIN

3 A/B/C

SWEDEN

MATCH 7

SEMI-FINALS

SEMI 2

SWEDEN

vs June 14 • 11pm

W7

June 29 • 8pm

SLOVAKIA

vs June 18 • 5pm

SPAIN

POLAND

vs June 19 • 11pm

1D

July 7 • 11pm

vs

WQF4

2F

vs

SLOVAKIA

SPAIN

vs June 23 • 8pm

SWEDEN

POLAND

vs June 23 • 8pm

WQF3

MATCH 8

JULY 11 • 11PM

s

SLOVAKIA

vs June 14 • 8pm

GROUP F

Germany • France • Portugal • Hungary

June 29 • 11pm

HUNGARY

1E

PORTUGAL

vs June 15 • 8pm

vs WSF2

3 A/B/C/D

FRANCE

GERMANY

vs June 15 • 11pm

HUNGARY

FIND US HERE...

FRANCE

vs June 19 • 5pm

PORTUGAL

GERMANY

vs June 19 • 8pm

PORTUGAL

FRANCE

vs June 23 • 11pm

INSTAGRAM.COM/ WHATSONDUBAI

FACEBOOK.COM/ WHATSONDUBAI

GERMANY

HUNGARY

vs June 23 • 11pm

Euro 2020 guide 47

GROUP A /// I TA LY / S W I T Z E R L A N D / T U R K E Y / WA L E S

ITALY

KEY PLAYER

Words Alasdair Mackenzie

oberto Mancini could quite reasonably claim to be the man who saved the Italian national team.

When he took the Azzurri reins in May 2018, one of international football’s most successful sides was at rock bottom after their failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia: a catastrophe unheard of in 60 years. But Mancini meticulously rebuilt the shattered ruins to create a team with a clear identity and an exciting generation of youngsters competing for selection.

The atmosphere couldn’t be any more different. National pride in Italy’s football team has been restored, sparking hope for the future and a cautious belief they can challenge at Euro 2020.

In qualifying, Mancini broke double World Cup-winning manager Vittorio Pozzo’s record from the 1930s by leading the Azzurri to 11 consecutive victories.

Italy qualified with three games to spare – another record – and won every game to top their group with a goal difference of +33. Only Belgium performed better.

Then they won last year’s UEFA Nations League group, beating Poland, the Netherlands and Bosnia and Herzegovina along the way. After March’s round of

2022 World Cup qualifiers, Italy were unbeaten in 25 games – a joint record.

The main cause of concern is with their forward line. European Golden Shoe winner Ciro Immobile hasn’t yet replicated his superb Lazio form in an Azzurri shirt, and no one else has made the No.9 spot their own. Italy have overcome the problem thus far by spreading the load: 19 different players scored during qualifying, but Torino’s Andrea Belotti topped the charts with just four.

Nevertheless, a new generation of talents – all 24 and under – such as Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella, goalkeeping sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma (below), Juventus’ on-loan wideman Federico Chiesa and Roma playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo make the Italians an engaging side to watch.

“With an extra year, the young guys will have a chance to improve by playing important matches,” Mancini said after the tournament’s postponement.

He wasn’t wrong: yet more promising youngsters – such as Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni and Atalanta midfielder Matteo Pessina – have since emerged as contenders for a place in the squad.

A group featuring Turkey, Wales and Switzerland should launch the Azzurri into the knockout stages.

Once there, you can never rule them out – but most of all, it’s just nice to have them and their bona fide banger of a national anthem back.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

FORMATION

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MARCO VERRATTI The PSG midfielder, 28, is in his prime and at his best is one of the classiest operators in Europe. His blend of technical proficiency, creativity and aggression makes him crucial to Mancini’s 4-3-3 system. It’s time for Verratti – and his lovely blue eyes – to step up as a leader for the Azzurri on the biggest stage.

FIXTURES June 11: Turkey, 11pm June 16: Switzerland, 11pm June 20: Wales, 8pm

LW

CF

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CM

CM

CM

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group J winners vs Finland (H) 2-0 / vs Liechtenstein (H) 6-0 vs Greece (A) 3-0 / vs Bosnia & Herz (H) 2-1 vs Armenia (A) 3-1 / vs Finland (A) 2-1 vs Greece (H) 2-0 / vs Liechtenstein (A) 5-0 vs Bosnia & Herz (A) 3-0 / vs Armenia (H) 9-1

Images Getty Images

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD 1960 DNE 1964 DNQ 1968 Winners 1972 DNQ 1976 DNQ 1980 Semi-finals 1984 DNQ 1988 Semi-finals

48 Euro 2020 guide

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LB

CB

CB

RB

GK

PREDICTED XI GK Donnarumma RB Florenzi CB Bonucci CB Chiellini LB Emerson CM Barella

CM Jorginho CM Verratti RW Chiesa CF Immobile LW Insigne

4-3-3

“

National pride in the team has been restored, sparking hope for the future

THE MANAGER

”

ROBERTO MANCINI

The 56-year-old former Manchester City boss’ progressive style has transformed the fortunes of his national team. If he can take Italy deep into the tournament, hero status surely awaits back home.

I TA LY / S W I T Z E R L A N D / T U R K E Y / WA L E S

/// GROUP A

SWITZERLAND Words Matthew Walthert

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 12: Wales, 5pm June 16: Italy, 11pm June 20: Turkey, 8pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group D winners vs Georgia (A) 2-0 / vs Denmark (H) 3-3 vs ROI (A) 1-1 / vs Gibraltar (H) 4-0 vs Denmark (A) 0-1 / vs ROI (H) 2-0 vs Georgia (H) 1-0 / vs Gibraltar (A) 6-1

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

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the relentless Ricardo Rodriguez, should at least still be capable of holding most opponents at bay, assuming the continued solidity of Newcastle’s Fabian Schar plus Bundesliga regulars Nico Elvedi and Manuel Akanji.

Meanwhile, a new generation is building on the success of its 2009 Under-17 World Cup winners like Rodriguez, and have acted as the Nati’s heart across recent years. Rangers striker Cedric Itten top-scored with three goals in qualifying, despite only having made his senior debut in the penultimate game of the campaign. And what a debut: Itten came off the bench to score the only goal in a crucial win over Georgia, plundering a 77th-minute strike which kept them in command of their group. The 24-year-old – dubbed “patient and superb” by Gers boss Steven Gerrard recently – will likely remain a sub this summer, however.

Between Itten, Benfica striker Haris Seferovic (lethal for club, if not country), Borussia Monchengladbach speedster Breel Embolo, Dinamo Zagreb’s Mario Gavranovic and the simmering brilliance of Xherdan Shaqiri, the Swiss will try to cobble together an attack worthy of the quarter-finals.

At least that way they’ll have at last won a knockout game...

THE MANAGER VLADIMIR PETKOVIC After seven years in charge, Petkovic is the most successful manager in Swiss history, both by number of victories and winning percentage – surpassing even the legendary Ottmar Hitzfeld. Now’s the time for the Bosnian-Swiss boss to take his team to the next level.

KEY PLAYER YANN SOMMER Talent-wise, this should be Shaqiri, but his inconsistent play means he cannot always be counted upon. Therefore, Gladbach keeper Sommer’s displays will be the bellwether of Swiss success or failure this summer. The first choice netminder since 2014, Sommer (above) must steal a win or two for his low-scoring side.

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FORMATION

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PREDICTED XI

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GK Sommer RB Elvedi CB Akanji CB Schar LB Rodriguez RM Zuber

CM Freuler CM Xhaka LM Shaqiri CF Embolo CF Seferovic

The Swiss will try to cobble together an attack worthy of the quarter-finals

”

Images Getty Images

witzerland haven’t won a knockout fixture at a major tournament since the 1938 World Cup, before the group stage was invented. Even then, they needed a replay to dispose of Germany. Will this finally be the year?

After hovering around the top 10 of the FIFA world rankings for the past decade, the Swiss could use a deep run at Euro 2020. They made it out of their group at Euro 2016 and topped the table in qualifying this time around, but that moderate success has been tempered by a stretch of seven games without victory following the COVID-19 shutdown.

Still, that run did include two draws against Germany and one with Spain, leading self-assured coach Vladimir Petkovic to declare last December that, “We don’t need to be scared of anybody.”

Since then, confidence-building wins over Bulgaria and Lithuania to launch World Cup qualifying in March, plus a friendly win over Finland, have helped to reset summer expectations.

The retirement of wing-back and captain Stephan Lichtsteiner leaves big holes defensively and further forward, where his tireless runs helped spark what little attacking play the Swiss usually muster. The backline, meanwhile, led by

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Euro 2020 guide 49

GROUP A ///

I TA LY / S W I T Z E R L A N D / T U R K E Y / WA L E S

TURKEY

Words Emre Sarigul

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 11: Italy, 11pm June 16: Wales, 8pm June 20: Switzerland, 8pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group H runners-up vs Albania (A) 2-0 / vs Moldova (H) 4-0 vs France (H) 2-0 / vs Iceland (A) 1-2 vs Andorra (H) 1-0 / vs Moldova (A) 4-0 vs Albania (H) 1-0 / vs France (A) 1-1 vs Iceland (H) 0-0 / vs Andorra (A) 2-0

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

he coronavirus pandemic couldn’t have come at a better time for Turkey.

This time last year, they were heading into Euro 2020 with Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak, Yusuf Yazici and Cenk Tosun all out injured, handing coach Senol Gunes a grim nightmare scenario following his side’s terrific qualification campaign.

This year is different: all four have been back in action for their respective sides – Kabak at Liverpool, following his January loan switch from Schalke. With his team back at full strength, Gunes will be hoping to get Turkey right back to business... and fast. They endured a troubling dip in their woeful 2020-21 Nations League campaign, winning just one of their six matches, and finished bottom of the group. In between, they drew 3-3 with both Germany and Croatia, highlighting their capacity for both the sublime and ridiculous. The recent 2022 World Cup qualifiers did nothing to alter that: a 4-2 demolition of the Dutch was followed by a 3-3 draw with Latvia.

Turkey cruised through Euros qualifying with a solid defence that leaked a paltry three goals in 10 encounters. After that, Gunes experimented and clearly didn’t

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take the Nations League very seriously – or at least that’s the hope for Turks who watched their side lose twice to Hungary and fail to beat Serbia en route to relegation. It’s Jekyll and Hyde stuff.

With Kabak and Juventus’ Demiral returning, plus Leicester’s Caglar Soyuncu in tow, Turkey do boast quality in defence.

Curiously, though, it’s in France – Lille, specifically – where Gunes has been casting delighted glances this year. His right-back Mehmet Zeki Celik has been in fine form for the Ligue 1 title challengers; so too 24-year-old playmaker Yazici and veteran striker Burak Yilmaz, who bagged a brilliant hat-trick in that thumping victory over the Netherlands. Elsewhere, Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu has looked like a player reborn in Italy.

Turkey’s Super Lig has been in turmoil amid COVID-19, with many of the league’s giants plagued with crippling debt. On the flip side, it’s hard to remember a time when so many Turkish internationals played in Europe’s best leagues.

Right now, then, there’s every reason for optimism. Turkey’s expectations may still be tempered in a tough group – if that’s possible in this most fanatical of football nations – but the outsiders have what it takes to cause an upset.

THE MANAGER Images Getty Images

SENOL GUNES

50 Euro 2020 guide

Turkey’s former national team goalkeeper has history for steering his country to success, having guided them to third place at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea.

The straight-talking, no-nonsense manager boasts an impressive CV in knockout competitions. Handy, really.

KEY PLAYER CAGLAR SOYUNCU With his floppy hair and Shrek’s Lord Farquaad-esque looks, the Leicester stopper (above) is one of the most recognisable players in this team.

The former Freiburg man also happens to be one of the most important, too: ‘Cags’ is the defensive rock upon which Turkey will aim to build their success this summer.

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4-2-3-1

FORMATION

CF LW

LB

AM

RW

CM

CM

CB

CB

RB

GK

PREDICTED XI

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GK Cakir RB Celik CB Demiral CB Soyuncu LB Meras CM Yokuslu

CM Tufan RW Under AM Calhanoglu LW Yazici CF Yilmaz

There’s reason for optimism: Turkey have what it takes to cause an upset

”

I TA LY / S W I T Z E R L A N D / T U R K E Y / WA L E S

/// GROUP A

WALES

Words Huw Davies

ive years ago, Wales reached a European Championship semi-final.

Five years before that, they were officially 116th in the world. What expectations can you base on that?

With their FIFA ranking’s sine wave flattening near its peak, recent success looks sustainable. Wales’ four best centre-backs are all 20-23 and their attack has youthful promise, while the FAW’s coaching setup earns nothing but praise.

The present is less rosy. Wales played their World Cup qualifiers in spring not knowing who’d lead them at Euro 2020, with Rob Page in temporary charge since Ryan Giggs’ November arrest on suspicion of assault (his bail was subsequently extended to May). Meanwhile, Jonathan Ford’s 11-year reign as chief executive ended with a no-confidence vote in March. It’s not ideal preparation.

On the pitch, Wales live on tight margins despite their attacking talent. Having

reached Euro 2016 by scoring 11 goals in 10 qualifiers, they made Euro 2020 with 10 in eight. Their 2020-21 Nations League results were 1-0, 1-0, 0-0, 1-0, 1-0 and an incongruous 3-1 overseen by Page.

Under Giggs, after thumping Ireland 4-1 in his first competitive fixture, Wales played 20 matches and scored 18 goals, also conceding 18. Terrace murmurs of ‘doing a Greece’ are only part-joking.

Injuries haven’t helped. Aaron Ramsey has featured in just three of Wales’ last 21 fixtures. Joe Allen must reclaim a starting berth from understudy Joe Morrell. But the upside is a newfound depth: while Wales can be wondrous when their stars are aligned, the likes of Morrell, Danny Ward, Rhys Norrington-Davies and Harry Wilson – a false nine now, apparently – have made the starting XI genuinely difficult to predict. Goodbye, David Cotterill; bore da, David Brooks. The 2016 cohort wasn’t old, yet a mere half-dozen are sure of a squad place five years later. Even a hero such as Chris Gunter, the first Welshman to 100 caps and still only 31, may miss out.

Fans will be sorely missed, however. The bond between players and The Red Wall was evident on qualification day, in Gareth Bale’s delight at seeing the ‘Wales. Golf.

Madrid.’ flag, and in Allen and Sam Vokes chanting that and Allen’s own ‘Wales.

Chickens. Stoke.’ (don’t ask) at 3am on Caroline Street, AKA Chippy Lane. The ‘Together Stronger’ motto inspired Wales in France; this summer’s mood is more subdued. As Gunter would say: chin up.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

FORMATION

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KEY PLAYER ETHAN AMPADU Since qualifying, Wales have experimented in different ways to hurt teams: at No.9 may be 6ft 5in Kieffer Moore or 5ft 7in Dan James. One constant, in defence or in midfield, is Ampadu.

His fine reading of the game stops attacks; his great range of passing starts new ones; and his flexibility enables Wales to switch system mid-game. At 20, he has 22 caps. Scary.

FIXTURES CF LW

RW

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group E runners-up vs Slovakia (H) 1-0 / vs Croatia (A) 1-2 vs Hungary (A) 0-1 / vs Azerbaijan (H) 2-1 vs Slovakia (A) 1-1 / vs Croatia (H) 1-1 vs Azerbaijan (A) 2-0 / vs Hungary (H) 2-0

CM

RWB

LWB

CB

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CB

CB

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD 1960 DNE 1964 DNQ 1968 DNQ 1972 DNQ 1976 DNQ 1980 DNQ 1984 DNQ 1988 DNQ

CM

PREDICTED XI GK Hennessey CB Rodon CB Ampadu CB B. Davies RWB C. Roberts CM Allen

CM Ramsey LWB N. Williams RW Bale (above left) LW James CF Moore

“

3-4-2-1

While Ramsey and Allen have barely played, the injuries have created depth

THE MANAGER

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RYAN GIGGS / ROB PAGE

As this issue went to press, it still wasn’t clear who’ll be the boss this summer. With Giggs absent, Page – the ex-defender who replaced the influential Osian Roberts as assistant manager – took charge of Wales’ last six games and impressed greatly.

Images Getty Images

June 12: Switzerland, 5pm June 16: Turkey, 8pm June 20: Italy, 8pm

Euro 2020 guide 51

GROUP B /// B E L G I U M / R U S S I A / D E N M A R K / F I N L A N D

BELGIUM

Words Samindra Kunti

lowly, things have been building to a crescendo for Belgium. The Red Devils reached the last eight of the 2014 World Cup, then topped that achievement by claiming third place at the World Cup in Russia – but their last Euros experience in France was a stark reminder that tournament football can be unforgiving. One bad game, and you’re done.

Belgium and a magnificent Eden Hazard obliterated Hungary 4-0 in the last 16, but they were dumped out by a clinical Wales.

Manager Marc Wilmots was accused of lacking the tactical acumen to respond to Chris Coleman’s 3-5-2 formation; in the second half, he resorted to the physicality of substitute Marouane Fellaini in a flailing, desperate bid to rescue the tournament.

It didn’t work.

Thankfully, Wilmots’ replacement Roberto Martinez has enjoyed much more success when the chips are down – like against Japan at the 2018 World Cup, for example, when Belgium rescued a late

victory in frustrating circumstances.

Under Martinez, the team has improved and matured. Every player is in tune with the demands of his 3-4-3 formation, resulting in a unit that concedes few goals and is devastating up front. They breeze past smaller opponents and, crucially, can be imposing against the big guns, too – Belgium enjoyed their best ever qualifying campaign and swatted England aside in the Nations League to progress as group winners.

Yet not everything is hunky dory. In January, Axel Witsel – sometimes criticised for slowing down Belgium’s play, but crucial to their balance – ruptured his Achilles tendon with Borussia Dortmund.

Thankfully for Martinez, the emergence of Youri Tielemans (below) as a dependable force means he has a superb, ready-made replacement. When it comes to Eden Hazard, though, it’s not so straightforward: there’s simply no like-for-like alternative.

Belgium’s talisman has struggled with a series of depressing injuries and poor form since joining Real Madrid for £150m two summers ago, and has come nowhere close to rekindling his imperious Chelsea form at the Bernabeu.

Belgium can cope without him – they’ve proved that before – but a fit and in-form Hazard would add a sprinkle of stardust to Martinez’s in-form side. The Spaniard continues downplaying Belgium’s title credentials, but he’s fooling no one – this really is the perfect moment for their golden generation. It’s now or never.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

FORMATION

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KEY PLAYER KEVIN DE BRUYNE King Kev has endured a season truncated by injury at Manchester City, but he remains the Red Devils’ uncontested leader who plays a pivotal role in the verve and forward thrust of Martinez’s system.

Above all, Belgium’s prime playmaker cultivates a winning mentality: he won’t settle for third place once again.

FIXTURES June 12: Russia, 11pm June 17: Denmark, 8pm June 21: Finland, 11pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group I winners vs Russia (H) 3-1 / vs Cyprus (A) 2-0 vs Kazakhstan (H) 3-0 / vs Scotland (H) 3-0 vs San Marino (A) 4-0 / vs Scotland (A) 4-0 vs San Marino (H) 9-0 / vs Kazakhstan (A) 2-0 vs Russia (A) 4-1 / vs Cyprus (H) 6-1

Images Getty Images, PA (Martinez)

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD 1960 DNE 1964 DNQ 1968 DNQ 1972 Semi-finals 1976 DNQ 1980 Runners-up 1984 Group stage 1988 DNQ

52 Euro 2020 guide

1992 DNQ 1996 DNQ 2000 Group stage 2004 DNQ 2008 DNQ 2012 DNQ 2016 Quarter-finals

CF LW LM

RW

CM

CB

CM

CB

RM

CB

GK

PREDICTED XI GK Courtois CB Alderweireld CB Denayer CB Vertonghen RM Meunier CM Dendoncker

CM Tielemans LM T. Hazard RF De Bruyne CF Lukaku LF Mertens

3-4-3

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This really is the perfect moment for Belgium’s golden generation

THE MANAGER

”

ROBERTO MARTINEZ The astute former Wigan boss has got Belgium playing at their best, combining flair with proficiency. He was questioned tactically in the Premier League, but now has the perfect chance to prove his nous.

BE LG I U M / RU SS I A / DE N M A R K / F I N L A N D

/// GROUP B

RUSSIA Words Michael Yokhin

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 12: Belgium, 11pm June 16: Finland, 5pm June 21: Denmark, 11pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group I runners-up vs Belgium (A) 1-3 / vs Kazakhstan (A) 4-0 vs San Marino (H) 9-0 / vs Cyprus (H) 1-0 vs Scotland (A) 2-1 / vs Kazakhstan (H) 1-0 vs Scotland (H) 4-0 / vs Cyprus (A) 5-0 vs Belgium (H) 1-4 / vs San Marino (A) 5-0

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

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they were thrashed 5-0 by Serbia in their last game of 2020 (six days after a strong team drew a friendly in Moldova) and that wins in their first two World Cup qualifiers were followed by a defeat to Slovakia.

Transfers of major stars to Europe’s top leagues haven’t really worked out.

Despite moments of sparkle, Aleksandr Golovin has failed to establish himself at Monaco, and the same can be said of Aleksei Miranchuk, who was mostly a bench-warmer at Atalanta last season.

The likes of Daler Kuzyaev and Roman Zobnin could have tried their luck abroad, too, but such moves failed to materialise.

Coach Cherchesov took the reins after Russia’s miserable Euro 2016 campaign, but having eventually won round his doubters, he’s now under intense scrutiny again amid rapidly diminishing popularity.

Some of his squad decisions have been baffling – and his public criticism of CSKA Moscow forward Fyodor Chalov was particularly unhelpful.

Russian supporters are used to seeing their country underachieve at this tournament; while they did reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008, Russia failed to make it out of the group stage with decent squads in 1996, 2004 and 2012.

Their efforts in 2016 proved to be a total disaster – and expectations this time around aren’t much better.

THE MANAGER STANISLAV CHERCHESOV The former goalkeeper changed his image completely during the 2018 World Cup, overcoming countless problems to build a team that captured hearts in Russia.

Sadly for Cherchesov, a disappointing performance here could mean that the honeymoon is well and truly over.

KEY PLAYER MARIO FERNANDES Once described as the new Lucio in his native Brazil, the 30-year-old (above) has developed into a magnificent attack-minded right-back rather than a stopper. Fernandes has learned to lead, and his naturalisation in 2017 after five years at CSKA Moscow was applauded around the country... even though he still struggles to speak fluent Russian.

1992 Group stage 1996 Group stage 2000 DNQ 2004 Group stage 2008 Semi-finals 2012 Group stage 2016 Group stage

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FORMATION

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LB

AM

RW

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CM

CB

CB

RB

GK

PREDICTED XI

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GK Shunin RB Fernandes CB Dzhikiya CB Kudryashov LB Zhirkov CM Zobnin

CM Ozdoev RW Kuzyaev AM Golovin LW Aleksei CF Dzyuba

The Russians are used to their team underachieving at this tournament

”

Images Getty Images

efore Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup, morale could barely have been lower. However, against all expectations, Stanislav Cherchesov’s side reached the quarter-finals and completely changed attitudes towards the national team. Their popularity instantly mushroomed, and even moderately positive results were accepted with enthusiasm. In previous years, being totally outclassed in both qualifying clashes with Belgium would have seen the team slaughtered in the press, but fans were appeased with four wins over Scotland and Cyprus instead.

In that respect, the delay to Euro 2020 hasn’t been good for Russia. Momentum ground to a halt, as memories of that heroic last 16 performance against Spain in the World Cup gradually faded away.

In the intervening year, key veterans have grown even older, while Russia’s young talents have yet to make a serious impression. Zenit striker Artem Dzyuba, meanwhile, the nation’s darling in 2018, was temporarily left out of the side last autumn after an... intimate video was embarrassingly leaked onto social media.

Gradually, Russians have become more realistic: their national team is once again seen as a bunch of average players. It’s not without good reason, considering that

1960 Winners 1964 Runners-up 1968 Semi-finals 1972 Runners-up 1976 DNQ 1980 DNQ 1984 DNQ 1988 Runners-up

Euro 2020 guide 53

HEAD OVER TO @THEIRISHVILLAGE INSTAGRAM FOR MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO ENTER. A Trip to Anfield, Liverpool

A table for 4: 16 pints & snacks

1 WINNER

for Euro 2020 Finals 2 WINNERS

UEFA

2020 EURO FINALS

5 Pints 8 WINNERS

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DUBAI STUDIO CITY

Winners to be announced on 20 th June 2021

...probably the HAPPIEST place in DUBAI

BE LG I U M / RU SS I A / DE N M A R K / F I N L A N D

/// GROUP B

DENMARK

Words Johan Lyngholm-Bjerge

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 12: Finland, 11pm June 17: Belgium, 8pm June 21: Russia, 11pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group D runners-up vs Switzerland (A) 3-3 / vs ROI (H) 1-1 vs Georgia (H) 5-1 / vs Gibraltar (A) 6-0 vs Georgia (A) 0-0 / vs Switzerland (H) 1-0 vs Gibraltar (H) 6-0 / vs ROI (A) 1-1

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

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tactician going 24 matches without experiencing defeat (unless you count the 2018 World Cup exit to Croatia on penalties, or a 3-0 reverse to Slovakia when the entire squad was replaced by futsal players over a contract dispute).

The Danish FA has chosen a more offensive approach under head coach Kasper Hjulmand, whose stylistic flourishes since taking over last July have been as promising as the continued results, despite kicking off with a Nations League defeat to Belgium in September.

October’s 1-0 victory against England at Wembley was one of five straight wins sandwiched between defeats against top-ranked Belgium.

Although there was some unrest within the squad regarding the circumstances surrounding the likeable Hareide’s exit, the players have moved on and developed impressively under Hjulmand’s guidance.

With a mix of those experienced star players and young talents with great technical ability – not least exciting striker Jonas Wind and 23-year-old Atalanta full-back Joakim Maehle, the Danes look strong, resilient and fun.

There’s every chance of them springing a surprise, even if matching that famous win in 1992 may be asking too much.

THE MANAGER KASPER HJULMAND Hjulmand has been considered one of Denmark’s most talented coaches for years, after turning unfashionable FC Nordsjaelland into Danish top-flight champions back in 2012. A progressive thinker, the 49-year-old will face his biggest challenge in the dugout to date this summer.

KEY PLAYER KASPER SCHMEICHEL The name Schmeichel is synonymous with the Euros and, like his father Peter, the 34-year-old Kasper (above) always performs for the national team. A born leader and brilliant shot-stopper, the Leicester legend and two-time Danish Footballer of the Year loves the big stage. He will need to be on top form if Denmark are to reach the latter stages of the competition.

“

4-3-3

FORMATION

CF LW

RW CM

CM CM

LB

CB

CB

RB

GK

PREDICTED XI GK Schmeichel RB Wass CB Kjaer CB Christensen LB Maehle CM Hojbjerg

CM Eriksen CM Delaney RW Olsen CF Wind LW Braithwaite

A repeat of 1992 is unlikely, but this fun side shouldn’t be underestimated

”

Images Getty Images

wenty-nine years after lifting the trophy as the most sensational of European champions, Denmark will be looking at the past to ignite their future. The Danish Dynamite won Euro 92 in Sweden after being given just 10 days’ notice when Yugoslavia were excluded as the Balkans disintegrated into war. A mass of red-and-white flags celebrated conquering the continent in their Scandinavian neighbours’ back yard.

A repeat of 1992 seems unlikely – even with Copenhagen set to host the team’s three group stage games against Finland, Belgium and Russia – but a talented side dotted with Premier League, Serie A and La Liga experience certainly should not be underestimated. The spine is strong – goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is a fine last resort behind centre-back pair Simon Kjaer and Andreas Christensen, while a midfield of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Christian Eriksen load the bullets for Barcelona’s Martin Braithwaite in attack.

Expectations are high. So high, in fact, that former boss Aage Hareide’s deal – due to expire last summer after the Euro 2020 tournament that never happened – wasn’t renewed, despite the Norwegian

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Euro 2020 guide 55

GROUP B /// B E L G I U M / R U S S I A / D E N M A R K / F I N L A N D

FINLAND

Words Ronan Browne

he year-long delay to Finland’s first appearance at a major tournament was initially greeted with heavy-sighed frustration by Finnish football’s long-suffering fans – but it may actually work in their favour.

The Huuhkajat’s (Eagle-owls’) impressive autumn sent confidence rocketing to new heights in late 2020, after home and away wins over the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria in the Nations League. Then came the cherry on top: a stunning friendly victory at reigning world champions France. A tighter defence, busier midfield and rejuvenated strike force have made Markku Kanerva’s team an altogether different proposition than 12 months ago.

Most notably, a number of key players have benefited from the unwelcome wait.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Lukas Hradecky has used the time to establish himself as one of the Bundesliga’s best goalkeepers, midfield lynchpin Glen Kamara (below) helped Rangers to their first Scottish title for 10 years, while talismanic striker Teemu Pukki has rediscovered some of

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FIXTURES & RESULTS

the form and confidence which appeared to abandon him during Norwich’s sorry relegation season in the Premier League.

And while the resurgence of Finland’s GOAT (yes, that’s literally what pukki means in Finnish) is welcome, the team has become less reliant on his goals: Augsburg attacker Fredrik Jensen was their top scorer in the Nations League and twice the match-winner against the Republic of Ireland. Emerging talents Onni Valakari and Brentford’s Marcus Forss, Finland’s goalscorers in Paris, have weighed in with their share to prove the squad’s strength in depth.

Yet there are some clouds of caution gathering on the horizon. Their Nations League campaign was bookended by home and away defeats to Wales, and though they put out a second-string XI, an October 2020 5-1 friendly pummelling at the hands of Poland was a setback.

You might say the silver lining of those defeats was that they keep Finnish fans firmly on the ground, although it’s highly unlikely they were getting carried away in the first place.

There’s a strong sense of camaraderie coursing through this squad, but Kanerva – himself a former international, along with assistant Mika Nurmela and his goalkeeper coach Antti Niemi – also has talent and ambition to call upon within this impressive group who are ready to represent their country with pride.

On this historic first venture into the Euros, it’s banners out for a Pukki party…

KEY PLAYER TEEMU PUKKI While his star is arguably waning, the Norwich striker was prolific in qualifying, smashing 10 goals in 10 games – including two in the 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein that secured qualification. He remains the focal point both of Finnish attacks as well as the nation’s hopes. Finland are largely dependent on the mood of a goalscorer who seems to either thrive or flounder according to his level of confidence.

FORMATION

FIXTURES June 12: Denmark, 8pm June 16: Russia, 5pm June 21: Belgium, 11pm

CF AM

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group J runners-up vs Italy (A) 0-2 / vs Armenia (A) 2-0 vs Bosnia-Herz (H) 2-0 vs Liechtenstein (A) 2-0 vs Greece (H) 1-0 / vs Italy (H) 1-2 vs Bosnia-Herz (A) 1-4 / vs Armenia (H) 3-0 vs Liechtenstein (H) 3-0 / vs Greece (A) 1-2

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD Images Getty Images

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CM

LWB

CB

CM

CB

RWB

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PREDICTED XI GK Hradecky CB Toivio CB Raitala CB Arajuuri RWB Granlund CM Kamara

CM Sparv LWB Uronen AM Taylor CF Lod CF Pukki

3-5-2

“

This impressive group is ready to represent their country with pride

THE MANAGER

”

MARKKU KANERVA

Nicknamed ‘Rive’, the former school teacher is virtually unknown outside his home country, but hugely popular with Finnish fans who will be hoping he can continue his ‘Rivelution’ at Euro 2020. Either way, he can do no wrong.

U K R A I N E / N E T H E R L A N D S / AU S T R I A / N O R T H M A C E D O N I A

/// GROUP C

UKRAINE

Words Michael Yokhin

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 13: Netherlands, 11pm June 17: North Macedonia, 5pm June 21: Austria, 8pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group B winners vs Portugal (A) 0-0 / vs Luxembourg (A) 2-1 vs Serbia (H) 5-0 / vs Luxembourg (H) 1-0 vs Lithuania (A) 3-0 / vs Lithuania (H) 2-0 vs Portugal (H) 2-1 / vs Serbia (A) 2-2

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

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bold and attractive style that their playing hero has implemented as a coach.

Qualifying handed Shevchenko’s charges a tough draw but they finished top, ahead of both Portugal and Serbia, and thrashed the latter 5-0 in one of their greatest ever performances. Ukraine were unbeaten in their eight matches and leaked just four goals despite an emphasis on attack.

Politics still plays a significant role, and tensions around the team can be high.

Defender Yaroslav Rakitskiy has been left out of the side since his decision to join Russian outfit Zenit in 2019. However, the squad has become united and coherent – perhaps more than ever. Old hands such as Andriy Yarmolenko and Andriy Pyatov are supported by the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Viktor Tsyhankov and Viktor Kovalenko.

The past 12 months have been more disappointing, bringing Nations League relegation and a pair of stalemates with Kazakhstan and Finland in World Cup qualifying, but Ukraine also held France and beat Spain last October.

After a favourable Euro 2020 draw, an upbeat nation is holding on to the belief that this time, Sheva & Co can make it out of the group stage.

Third time’s the charm, right?

THE MANAGER ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO Two years ago, Sheva appeared to be on his way out, as many called for the Ukraine legend to be fired. But he stuck to his principles and the team’s luck turned. Now, he leads his country on the big stage once again – this time as coach.

KEY PLAYER OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO Although Andriy Yarmolenko is Ukraine’s most talked-about star, the West Ham winger has struggled for fitness in recent years. Zinchenko (above), though, has become integral to his team. A left-back for Manchester City, the 24-year-old is a central midfield general for his country, making up for his slight build with quick thinking and precise passing. More than that, he’s a leader.

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4-3-3

FORMATION

CF LW

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CM

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PREDICTED XI GK Pyatov RB Karavaev CB Kryvtsov CB Matviyenko LB Sobol CM Malinovskyi

CM Makarenko CM Zinchenko RW Yarmolenko CF Yaremchuk LW Tsyhankov

A nation is holding on to the belief that they can make it out of the group stage

”

Images Getty Images

nly Oleg Blokhin can rival Andriy Shevchenko as Ukraine’s greatest player of all time – but it was Sheva there for all three of their major tournaments as an independent nation.

In 2006, Shevchenko was among the world’s best players as he fired Ukraine to the World Cup quarter-finals, before he postponed retirement in order to lead the co-hosts at Euro 2012 – then bagged a brilliant brace against Sweden. Ukraine didn’t survive that group, though, and the same fate befell them in France four years later, when the former Ballon d’Or winner served as Mykhaylo Fomenko’s assistant.

Shevchenko took over as the national team manager immediately after that disappointing Euro 2016 campaign, but there were significant doubts about his abilities. Critics were merciless at times, and following Ukraine’s failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, there were plenty of calls for him to be sacked. But the former striker stayed to prove them wrong, and now Ukraine are heading into Euro 2020 with their confidence soaring.

Few people expected them to become a force so soon after missing out on that World Cup, but a country torn apart by a draining civil war is excited about the

1996 DNQ 2000 DNQ 2004 DNQ 2008 DNQ 2012 Group stage 2016 Group stage

Euro 2020 guide 57

GROUP C /// U K R A I N E / N E T H E R L A N D S / AU S T R I A / N O R T H M A C E D O N I A

NETHERLANDS

Words Arthur Renard

id you miss them? It would certainly be cruel if the sea of Oranje were prevented from seeing their beloved national team play this summer, after successive failed attempts at qualifying for the past two major tournaments.

Whatever the fan situation, the Dutch will be determined to recompense for lost time. They’ve got some making up to do.

Inspiration lies in 1988, the year when Gullit, Van Basten and Rijkaard shone – and Ronald Koeman got up close and personal with Olaf Thon’s shirt – to win the Euros, having failed to reach the three previous major tournament finals.

That eight-year absence has parallels with the seven which have passed since World Cup 2014, when Robin van Persie turned a diving header into a piece of art in that 5-1 pummelling of Spain, and Tim Krul became a penalty-saving shaman.

A new generation took time to replace the retired Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, but with the appointment of shirt-wiper extraordinaire Koeman in

2018, results quickly improved. Koeman struck the right chord with his squad, implementing both discipline and fun in a setup where things began to gel. Proof of their rapid resurgence was topping a 2018-19 Nations League group which contained France and Germany.

In contrast with the usual intra-squad meltdown, there have been no stories of discontent within the team, where a more united feeling dominates. The national side’s relocation to headquarters in Zeist – with all facilities and their hotel in one place – has fostered a community.

Euro 2020 qualification went well, but then the Oranje suddenly had to find a replacement for Koeman, who was lured to Barcelona last summer. Frank de Boer – his six-year spell in charge of Ajax at the start of his managerial career still front of mind within the Dutch FA, not his 77 days in charge of Crystal Palace – was soon installed to develop a young team defined by Frenkie de Jong (left).

After a short adjustment period, De Boer continued Koeman’s attacking ethos but has also embraced a more defensive wing-back system at times, echoing Louis van Gaal’s pragmatism of 2014.

But life isn’t perfect. It’s not yet clear if Virgil van Dijk will be fit, making results like March’s World Cup qualifying bashing from Turkey (2-4) rather more troubling.

With Total Football no longer demanded like it once was, however, the Dutch may yet shake off their outsiders’ status to surprise again. We’ve missed ’em, all right.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

FORMATION

D

FIXTURES June 13: Ukraine, 11pm June 17: Austria, 11pm June 21: North Macedonia, 8pm

LW

CF

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HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group C runners-up vs Belarus (H) 4-0 / vs Germany (H) 2-3 vs Germany (A) 4-2 / vs Estonia (A) 4-0 vs N Ireland (H) 3-1 / vs Belarus (A) 2-1 vs N Ireland (A) 0-0 / vs Estonia (H) 5-0

LB

CB

Images Getty Images

58 Euro 2020 guide

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD 1960 DNE 1964 DNQ 1968 DNQ 1972 DNQ 1976 Semi-finals 1980 Group stage 1984 DNQ 1988 Winners

CB

PREDICTED XI GK Cillessen RB Dumfries CB De Vrij CB De Ligt LB Wijndal CM F. de Jong

CM Klaassen CM Wijnaldum RW Berghuis CF L. de Jong LW Depay

KEY PLAYER MEMPHIS DEPAY Now 27, Memphis’ development since leaving Old Trafford for Lyon in 2017 has been spectacular. He is the personification of his nation’s resurgence; a leader by example whose regular supply of goals and assists have finally given the Netherlands hope of silverware once more.

With his creativity, speed and eye for goal, the attacker is deadly in his free role up front, terrifying opposition as their chief tormentor.

“

4-3-3

Inspiration lies in ’88, the year when Gullit, Van Basten and Rijkaard shone

THE MANAGER FRANK DE BOER

”

Despite challenging times in Serie A and the Premier League, De Boer restored some of his reputation with Atlanta United in MLS. Four successive league titles at Ajax, though, prove his suitability at nurturing homegrown stars.

U K R A I N E / N E T H E R L A N D S / AU S T R I A / N O R T H M A C E D O N I A

/// GROUP C

AUSTRIA

Words Thomas Middler

performing admirably at Austrian teams.

That changed towards the end of 2020 as the coach experimented a little, but mixed results – like getting devoured by Denmark – may have tempted him to double down on his conservatism.

Haunted by the wasted potential of those 2016 finals, Austria will have to find a way to break off the shackles quickly if they’re going to make an impact at Euro 2020, especially with a game against the Netherlands sandwiched between two winnable encounters against familiar foes North Macedonia and Ukraine.

A cruciate ligament injury for regular captain and midfield stalwart Julian Baumgartlinger was a nightmare start to 2021, and fingers (or thumbs, as is the Austrian way) will be crossed that the Bayer Leverkusen man regains fitness before the tournament begins.

Question marks also remain about the form and fitness of main striker Marko Arnautovic, despite a decent scoring return in the Chinese Super League with Shanghai SIPG. West Ham supporters will be familiar with his talent, but also his curious mixture of planetary-sized ego and general sense of ennui.

Can Foda’s charges find their feet (and their shooting boots) fast enough to earn themselves a longer stay at the finals this time? And will David Alaba (left) show his world class ability in a more attacking role than he’s used to at club level with Bayern Munich? The stage is all set for a national hero to emerge.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

FORMATION

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FIXTURES June 13: North Macedonia, 8pm June 17: Netherlands, 11pm June 21: Ukraine, 8pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

CF LW

Group G runners-up vs Poland (H) 0-1 / vs Israel (A) 2-4 vs Slovenia (H) 1-0 / vs N Macedonia (A) 4-1 vs Latvia (H) 6-0 / vs Poland (A) 0-0 vs Israel (H) 3-1 / vs Slovenia (A) 1-0 vs N Macedonia (H) 2-1 / vs Latvia (A) 0-1

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD 1960 DNQ 1964 DNQ 1968 DNQ 1972 DNQ 1976 DNQ 1980 DNQ 1984 DNQ 1988 DNQ

1992 DNQ 1996 DNQ 2000 DNQ 2004 DNQ 2008 Group stage 2012 DNQ 2016 Group stage

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AM

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DM

DM

CB

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RB

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PREDICTED XI GK A. Schlager RB Lainer CB Hinteregger CB Dragovic LB Alaba DM Baumgartlinger

DM Ilsanker RW Sabitzer AM X. Schlager LW Baumgartner CF Kalajdzic

KEY PLAYER MARCEL SABITZER The RB Leipzig midfielder has established himself as one of the finest all-round attackers in the Bundesliga. With some sensational strikes on the big stage in the Champions League, and the knack for a fine free-kick, the 27-year-old possesses just the kind of technical quality and flair that this Austria team sorely lacks.

“

4-2-3-1

Das Nationalteam qualified with as much creativity as their nickname

THE MANAGER FRANCO FODA

”

The first German to manage Austria, former Sturm Graz boss Foda fulfilled his primary duty in qualifying for the finals. However, his conservative style has done little to muster enthusiasm among either fans or pundits.

Images Getty Images

ustria went into Euro 2016 as dark horses after an understated but impressive unbeaten qualifying campaign where they won nine, drew once and beat Russia home and away.

Hopes were swiftly dashed, however, with a tame group-stage exit and only a solitary point – albeit from eventual champions Portugal.

This time around, Das Nationalteam qualified with about as much creativity as their nickname would suggest, but then, keeping expectations in check is probably a wise policy for 2021 anyway.

To partially misquote John Cleese in Clockwise, it’s the hope that kills you.

Franco Foda’s side recovered from a slow start in their qualifying group, thanks to some attritional and uninspiring victories over Slovenia and North Macedonia, but fans were left to rue their lack of goal threat and reluctance to bring through more younger players – not least those

Euro 2020 guide 59

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U K R A I N E / N E T H E R L A N D S / AU S T R I A / N O R T H M A C E D O N I A

NORTH MACEDONIA

/// GROUP C

Words Michael Yokhin

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 13: Austria, 8pm June 17: Ukraine, 5pm June 21: Netherlands, 8pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Play-off Path D winners vs Latvia (H) 3-1 / vs Slovenia (A) 1-1 vs Poland (H) 0-1 / vs Austria (H) 1-4 vs Israel (A) 1-1 / vs Latvia (A) 2-0 vs Slovenia (H) 2-1 / vs Poland (A) 0-2 vs Austria (A) 1-2 / vs Israel (H) 1-0 vs Kosovo (H) 2-1 / vs Georgia (A) 1-0

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memories of future West Brom midfielder Artim Sakiri beating David Seaman directly from a corner in 2002.

North Macedonia’s players know they’ve been fortunate to reach Euro 2020, but they did at least show some promise in qualifying. They won each of their home matches against the three teams below them – Slovenia, Israel and Latvia – and were unbeaten on their travels against that trio, too. Opposition this summer will be a very different proposition, however, and the Red Lynxes will simply be hoping to avoid souring their summer of love.

Ultimately, they’ve shown togetherness and a strong will to fulfil this fairy tale. In Pandev (above), they have a great leader; Napoli’s 21-year-old midfielder Eljif Elmas is a rising star who could grab attention at the tournament; Levante schemer Enis Bardhi is a top dead-ball specialist; and while Leeds winger Ezgjan Alioski might be inconsistent, he’s capable of brilliance.

Finally, Stole Dimitrievski is a reliable keeper who has proved a calm presence in his country’s most important fixtures.

North Macedonia are the weakest team at Euro 2020, but they have absolutely nothing to lose. Just being here is already a victory – everything else is a bonus well worth celebrating.

THE MANAGER IGOR ANGELOVSKI In charge of his country since 2015, the 44-year-old is understandably popular, but his tactical skills are still unproven and Angelovski is yet to find an optimal formation heading into the tournament. The Skopje native has never managed a side outside Macedonia.

KEY PLAYER GORAN PANDEV The versatile striker, who mostly plays as an attacking midfielder nowadays, moved to Italy in 2001, won the Champions League with Inter in 2010 and enjoyed some brilliant campaigns with Lazio and Napoli either side.

Pandev is arguably the greatest Macedonian star of all time, their most capped player and top scorer by a massive distance.

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1996 DNQ 2000 DNQ 2004 DNQ

4-2-3-1

FORMATION

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PREDICTED XI

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GK Dimitrievski RB Ristovski CB Velkovski CB Musliu LB Alioski CM Nikolov

CM Ademi RW Elmas AM Pandev LW Bardhi CF Nestorovski

They’ve shown togetherness and a strong will to fulfil this fairy tale

”

Images Getty Images

orth Macedonia didn’t have a chance of success in the traditional qualifiers, yet took full advantage of UEFA’s remarkable generosity to reach their maiden major tournament as an independent nation.

The decision to let a relatively weak national team get through the play-offs via League D in the Nations League was controversial, but the Macedonians were thrilled with their unique opportunity – and striker Goran Pandev was rewarded for his patience in the best way possible.

But aren’t we all in this for the romance?

The 37-year-old veteran made his debut two decades ago and had considered retiring from international duty, but instead stayed put to lead his country to their greatest moment with a memorable winner against Georgia.

North Macedonia finished a distant third behind Poland and Austria in qualifying, but only needed to overcome Armenia, Gibraltar and Liechtenstein in the Nations League – then Kosovo and Georgia in the play-offs – to make history. Pandev wept after scoring the winner in Tbilisi, and an entire nation cried with him. To English supporters, their place at this tournament might finally oust those uncomfortable

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

Euro 2020 guide 61

GROUP D /// E N G L A N D / C R O AT I A / C Z E C H R E P U B L I C / S C O T L A N D

ENGLAND

Words Mark White

n their first Euros finals appearance back in 1968, England finished third out of four teams. They’re still waiting to improve on that finish.

Only Belgium and the old Yugoslavia can claim to have performed better at European Championships without ever winning one. England are international football’s nearly men; underachievers since ’66, from home soil heroes to their failed Golden Generation. The Three Lions haven’t even won a knockout game at the Euros since 1996’s sepia summer.

Five years ago, they crashed out to Iceland; as the song goes, we’d seen it all before. What followed was an unofficial restructuring of English football, led by some of the greatest minds in the game.

Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Marcelo Bielsa all arrived, followed by a cast of club legends making early forays into management – together, they’ve helped reshape the country’s tactical make-up into something more modern.

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What’s risen from the rubble of English football is unprecedented, and there’s a sense of hope with the class of 2021.

England’s current pride isn’t an empty collection of Hollywood names – there are still titans of elite European sides, but most importantly there’s a balance that seems to have evaded the Three Lions for a lengthy 55 years. England finally have defensive midfielders and left-footers, while a smattering of the current XI captain their clubs. Youth level champs of recent times such as Phil Foden (below) are coming of age, providing genuine selection migraines for Gareth Southgate.

For many, England’s mouth-watering talent reserves are the envy of Europe.

Since 2018, though, the pragmatism of Southgate’s World Cup semi-finalists has come to the fore – they’re prepared to win ugly even if a squad packed with attacking verve suggests otherwise. If anything, the 12-month postponement of Euro 2020 has particularly worked in England’s favour, what with so many young Lions getting an additional year’s education before the big tournament.

Could the stars align? We haven’t seen a crop like this for some time, and while England doesn’t quite expect, there’s plenty of serious promise.

Euro 2020 might be a bridge too far for Southgate’s men, but their journey over the last five years shows his side are very much on the right track. If the nearly men can finally shake the unwanted tag, then immortality awaits.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

KEY PLAYER HARRY KANE A consistent scorer, leader by example and still the first name on Southgate’s team-sheet. With the Tottenham man having added playmaking to his tasty repertoire of talents this season, England now have even more options to play alongside Kane in their frontline. The Three Lions’ shape will likely bend to their skipper’s supreme ability.

FORMATION

FIXTURES June 13: Croatia, 5pm June 18: Scotland, 11pm June 22: Czech Republic, 11pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

CF LW

Group A winners vs Czech Rep (H) 5-0 / vs Montenegro (A) 5-1 vs Bulgaria (H) 4-0 / vs Kosovo (H) 5-3 vs Czech Rep (A) 1-2 / vs Bulgaria (A) 6-0 vs Montenegro (H) 7-0 / vs Kosovo (A) 4-0

LB

AM DM

DM

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Images Getty Images

62 Euro 2020 guide

1992 Group stage 1996 Semi-finals 2000 Group stage 2004 Quarter-finals 2008 DNQ 2012 Quarter-finals 2016 Second round

RB

GK

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD 1960 DNE 1964 DNQ 1968 Semi-finals 1972 DNQ 1976 DNQ 1980 Group stage 1984 DNQ 1988 Group stage

RW

PREDICTED XI GK Pickford RB Walker CB Stones CB Maguire LB Shaw DM Henderson

DM Rice RW Rashford AM Mount LW Sterling CF Kane

4-2-3-1

“

While England doesn’t quite expect, there is plenty of serious promise

THE MANAGER

”

GARETH SOUTHGATE

Twenty-five years ago, he missed the penalty that sent England out of Euro 96; now, he’s exorcising personal demons. Sensible Southgate squeezes goals from set-plays – so could pragmatism be the difference after a long, draining campaign here?

/// GROUP D

E N G L A N D / C R O AT I A / C Z E C H R E P U B L I C / S C O T L A N D

CROATIA Words Ivan Tomic

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 13: England, 5pm June 18: Czech Republic, 8pm June 22: Scotland, 11pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group E winners vs Azerbaijan (H) 2-1 vs Wales (H) 2-1 / vs Azerbaijan (A) 1-1 vs Wales (A) 1-1 /

/ vs Hungary (A) 1-2 vs Slovakia (A) 4-0 / vs Hungary (H) 3-0 vs Slovakia (H) 3-1

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

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Petkovic. Similar to Olivier Giroud in many ways, the hulking Dinamo forward offers Croatia a hitherto unavailable tactical variant in a sea of pint-sized technicians.

It’s of paramount importance that the striker is in optimal condition when the tournament kicks off.

Even more crucial is captain Modric’s ability to be at his highest level and not tire of playing in the famous checkered jersey, after yet another fine Real Madrid campaign. Another major question mark is Sime Vrsaljko’s fitness. The Atletico Madrid right-back has not completed a full season without persistent muscle injuries since 2018, and Dalic doesn’t have an adequate replacement on the right-hand side of his defence. It remains a huge worry.

Croatia’s group is extremely demanding because it contains two hosts (England and Scotland) and the reawakened Czech Republic, whose players increasingly recall previous generations. That being said, reaching the knockout stages should not be a problem. That this is now the minimum expectation from the Croatian public is proof of just how far this team has come. The big names may lack their forebears’ stardust, but the talent is still there to go deep in this competition.

THE MANAGER ZLATKO DALIC Dalic showed great man management in taking a team which struggled to qualify for Russia all the way to the World Cup final.

Although evolution since has been mixed, the 54-year-old is beloved by his players.

KEY PLAYER LUKA MODRIC Who else? That Modric (above) has been the team’s beating heart for more than a decade and shows no sign of fatigue is nothing short of miraculous, even with Zinedine Zidane’s careful managing of the Madrid midfielder’s workload at club level.

After Ivan Rakitic’s retirement from the international scene, Croatia depend on the 35-year-old’s leadership skills more than ever.

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FORMATION

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PREDICTED XI GK Livakovic RB Vrsaljko CB Lovren CB Caleta-Car LB Barisic CM Modric

CM Brozovic RW Rebic AM Vlasic LW Perisic CF Petkovic

Croatia’s group is extremely demanding because it contains two hosts

”

Images Getty Images

roatia will face this finals tournament in an unusual new role. The 2018 World Cup runners-up carry the weight of expectation like never before – after finishing third at France 98, the Vatreni failed to even qualify for Euro 2000 two years later.

In the past three years, Croatia have had to make a partial shift of generations – never an easy task for a country with so small a talent pool. The situation was hardly helped by Ivan Rakitic’s sudden retirement last September, the midfielder following forward Mario Mandzukic and goalkeeper Danijel Subasic in saying goodbye to the national team in the aftermath of that heady summer of 2018.

That said, the perennial dark horses – still led by skipper Luka Modric’s effortless brilliance – remain strong, if a little green around the edges.

Some squad members have already shown great maturity in stepping up, particularly 23-year-old former Everton midfielder Nikola Vlasic and Dinamo Zagreb keeper Dominik Livakovic, 26, who both represent the excellent present of Croatian football. Coach Zlatko Dalic can also depend on one player that the wider public has yet to meet, in striker Bruno

1996 Quarter-finals 2000 DNQ 2004 Group stage 2008 Quarter-finals 2012 Group stage 2016 Second round

Euro 2020 guide 63

GROUP D /// E N G L A N D / C R O AT I A / C Z E C H R E P U B L I C / S C O T L A N D

CZECH REPUBLIC

Words Karel Haring

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 14: Scotland, 5pm June 18: Croatia, 8pm June 22: England, 11pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group A runners-up vs England (A) 0-5 / vs Bulgaria (H) 2-1 vs Montenegro (H) 3-0 / vs Kosovo (A) 1-2 vs Montenegro (A) 3-0 / vs England (H) 2-1 vs Kosovo (H) 2-1 / vs Bulgaria (A) 0-1

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD ack in England for a major tournament a quarter of a century after their extraordinary run to the Euro 96 Final, the Czechs travel to the United Kingdom with a buoyant mood and settled squad. Unencumbered by expectation, and with a team full of promising young players and hungry seasoned pros from Europe’s top five leagues, another underdog showing remains a distinct possibility for coach Jaroslav Silhavy.

Perhaps more than most, Silhavy has benefited from the tournament’s year delay. Tomas Soucek – he of the granite forehead and Marouane Fellaini-esque elbows – and Vladimir Coufal already delivered solid performances for Slavia Prague, but not even the most ardent red-and-whites fan would have expected the level that both have reached during West Ham’s excellent Premier League campaign in 2020-21.

Meanwhile, the Czechs’ best forward, Patrik Schick – on loan at RB Leipzig last season – has finally sorted out his future by signing a permanent deal with Bayer Leverkusen. The 25-year-old looks settled and had scored 13 goals in 29 games for his new club by early April.

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Then there’s the youngsters, many only on the verge of the squad last June, who have progressed rapidly over the past 12 months. Sparta wideman Adam Hlozek ended the 2019-20 season in goal-hungry form and earned a first senior cap during September’s Nations League defeat of Slovakia, before fracturing a metatarsal a month later. Ruled out until the spring, the highly rated winger – who is being monitored by West Ham, obviously – has time to rediscover his best performances.

That being said, no Czech side has ever been about individuals, not even in the Pavel Nedved era – the blond assassin moved after, not before, Euro 96 along with Berger, Poborsky, Smicer and later Baros. Team spirit, tactical preparation, good organisation and a well-balanced squad trump all.

Boosted by their promotion to Nations League A, Silhavy’s troops also know exactly what to expect. They managed to beat England 2-1 in qualifying – and play the Three Lions again in their third group stage game – and faced Scotland in that successful Nations League campaign towards the end of 2020. Their football is unlikely to be easy on the eye, but they are far from easy to beat. Just ask anyone who’s faced Soucek (above) this season.

THE MANAGER Images Getty Images

JAROSLAV SILHAVY

64 Euro 2020 guide

Calm, diligent and respected, Silhavy has stopped the team’s freefall under predecessor Karel Jarolim since 2018. The 59-year-old former defender has restored his players’ pride in wearing the shirt and fans no longer die of boredom watching their country. Which is nice.

KEY PLAYER

1996 Runners-up 2000 Group stage 2004 Semi-finals 2008 Group stage 2012 Quarter-finals 2016 Group stage

TOMAS SOUCEK A year ago it would have been Patrik Schick, with Soucek one to watch, but such has been the midfielder’s stunning 12 months it could be no other. The tireless 26-year-old covers every blade of grass without fail, wins aerial duels and scores vital goals. His importance for the Czechs is as totemic as for the Hammers.

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FORMATION

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AM

RW

CM

CM

CB

CB

RB

GK

PREDICTED XI

“

GK Vaclik RB Coufal CB Kalas CB Celustka LB Mateju CM Soucek

CM Kral RW Masopust AM Darida LW Jankto CF Schick

Many youngsters have progressed rapidly over the past 12 months

”

E N G L A N D / C R O AT I A / C Z E C H R E P U B L I C / S C O T L A N D

/// GROUP D

SCOTLAND

Words Kenny Millar

D

FIXTURES & RESULTS

And, yes, the rejuvenated hosts pushed hard in extra time. But Scotland stood firm, before David Marshall guaranteed legendary status with a magnificent save from Aleksandar Mitrovic to settle the penalty shootout. Back home, there was utter pandemonium.

Football can’t do much to make up for a year of loss and sacrifice, but it has at least reaffirmed its status as the most important of the least important things.

And, for one November night, Christie, Marshall & Co gave their country the gift of a priceless distraction.

Scotland’s hard-fought win in Belgrade lengthened their unbeaten stretch under Clarke to nine encounters – their best run in 44 years. “It’s been a very difficult time for everyone,” said the former Newcastle and Chelsea assistant, with just a hint of understatement. “We spoke about trying to make the nation smile, and hopefully we’ve done our bit.”

Clarke and his team have learned a few painful lessons on the way to Euro 2020, having tweaked the system and handed some previously unheralded players their chance to shine, based on merit rather than reputation.

For all that qualification represented to Clarke, however, he is far too proud for his side to simply make up the numbers this summer. Even without the Tartan Army taking over any host venue, Scotland will be out to make one heck of a noise.

Whatever happens, Christie is on the post-match summaries...

FIXTURES CF

Play-off Path C winners

1960, 1964 DNE 1968 DNQ 1972 DNQ 1976 DNQ 1980 DNQ 1984 DNQ 1988 DNQ

1992 Group stage 1996 Group stage 2000 DNQ 2004 DNQ 2008 DNQ 2012 DNQ 2016 DNQ

CF AM

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

ANDY ROBERTSON This summer marks another chapter in one of football’s great tales.

Released by Celtic as a kid, Robertson clawed his way to the top after a stint working in the offices at Hampden Park while playing for part-time Queen’s Park. Now, the Liverpool left-back wears the Scotland captain’s armband with pride.

FORMATION

June 14: Czech Republic, 5pm June 18: England, 11pm June 22: Croatia, 11pm

vs Kazakhstan (A) 0-3 / vs San Marino (A) 2-0 vs Cyprus (H) 2-1 / vs Belgium (A) 0-3 vs Russia (H) 1-2 / vs Belgium (H) 0-4 vs Russia (A) 0-4 / vs San Marino (H) 6-0 vs Cyprus (A) 2-1 / vs Kazakhstan (H) 3-1 vs Israel (H) 0-0 (5-3p) / vs Serbia (A) 1-1 (5-4p)

KEY PLAYER

CM

CM

LWB

RWB

CB

CB

CB

GK

PREDICTED XI GK Marshall CB McTominay CB Gallagher CB Tierney RWB O’Donnell CM McGregor

CM Jack LWB Robertson AM McGinn CF Christie CF Adams

“

3-4-1-2

Clarke and his team have learned a few painful lessons on the way to Euro 2020

THE MANAGER STEVE CLARKE

”

He led West Brom to their highest Premier League finish, Reading to their first FA Cup semi-final since 1927, and Kilmarnock to a club-record points tally. Ending 23 years in the wilderness for Scotland tops the lot.

Images Getty Images

on’t let anyone tell you international football is a modern-day irrelevance.

If they persist, just point them in the direction of Ryan Christie’s post-match interview with Sky Sports on the night that Scotland ended their 23-year wait to appear at a major international tournament.

For one minute and 46 seconds, Christie did his best to juggle obvious exhaustion, joy and sheer relief while the tears flowed.

Even the most stoic Scotland supporter would have welled up as they watched the attacker’s outpouring of emotion. It had been a long time coming.

The night of their play-off in Serbia was about as ‘Scotland’ as it gets. Even though Steve Clarke’s charges put in a confident, composed performance against visibly shaken opposition, and duly led through a Christie goal that looked to be enough for victory, Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic delivered a sucker-punch equaliser in stoppage time. Long-suffering Scots at home feared the worst.

Euro 2020 guide 65

GROUP E /// S PA I N / P O L A N D / S W E D E N / S L O VA K I A

SPAIN Words Andrew Murray

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 14: Sweden, 11pm June 19: Poland, 11pm June 23: Slovakia, 8pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group F winners vs Norway (H) 2-1 / vs Malta (A) 2-0 vs Faroe Islands (A) 4-1 / vs Sweden (H) 3-0 vs Romania (A) 2-1 / vs Faroe Islands (H) 4-0 vs Norway (A) 1-1 / vs Sweden (A) 1-1 vs Malta (H) 7-0 / vs Romania (H) 5-0

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

f history has taught Spain anything – apart from the suitability of tightly-packed streets to outrun a bull – then it’s not to read too much into qualifying form before World Cups and European Championships.

La Roja won eight matches and drew two in reaching Euro 2020 – their ninth unbeaten route to a major tournament in 13 attempts, going back to 1996. Sure, they won Euro 2008, Euro 2012 and the 2010 World Cup, but going undefeated before the next two World Cups hardly foresaw the calamities that followed.

At least this time Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales did his managerial hiring and firing well in advance, as opposed to three years ago, when he discarded a Real Madrid-bound Julen Lopetegui in a fit of pique just two days before their opening fixture against Portugal. The current incumbent, Luis Enrique, returned to Spain’s dugout in November 2019, five months after giving up the post to care for his nine-year-old daughter, who tragically died afterwards of bone cancer.

What should have been a moment of understated celebration turned instead into a soap opera. Enrique’s long-time

Images PA (Ramos), Getty Images (Enrique)

I

assistant Robert Moreno was cast aside, as the returning manager accused his former friend of being “disloyal”, adding: “I don’t want anyone like that on my staff.” Moreno, who’d taken charge of nine of Spain’s 10 qualifiers, wanted to lead La Roja into Euro 2020 and then go back to his previous role. Such naked ambition convinced Enrique to take pre-emptive action last November, after his perceived Brutus recorded a 5-0 win over Romania.

If anything, the pandemic did Spain a favour by putting distance between that furore and the tournament. With Enrique reinstalled, La Roja’s recent form has been patchy – they won just three of their eight matches in 2020, and lost 1-0 in Ukraine – but they did top their 2020-21 Nations League group. Having scored only three goals in their previous five games, Spain signed off with a 6-0 shellacking of Germany, as Ferran Torres hit a hat-trick.

Spain are now regenerated from their Euro 2012 zenith – only Sergios Busquets and Ramos (above) remain from that era – but they’re still capable of inflicting death by a thousand passes at their fluid best.

Unfortunately for them, they’re also just as capable of struggling to break down the low blocks which await in Group E.

THE MANAGER

66 Euro 2020 guide

LUIS ENRIQUE Assuming Spain have now put their managerial hara-kiri behind them, the former Champions League-winning Barcelona boss will lead his nation in a major tournament for the first time. He’s an intense, tactical thinker, certain to wring the most from his selection of talented players.

KEY PLAYER

4-3-3

SERGIO RAMOS World football’s ultimate antagonist is Spain’s most-capped player – soon to be the most-capped player of any nation, ever – and the single-minded leader that this gaggle of technically-proficient waifs needs. Part panto villain, part torero, the 35-year-old defender’s mobility shows no sign of waning, while that pathological will to win is the driving force behind an attempt at his record-breaking third Euros crown.

“

1992 DNQ 1996 Quarter-finals 2000 Quarter-finals 2004 Group stage 2008 Winners 2012 Winners 2016 Second round

1960 DNQ 1964 Winners 1968 DNQ 1972 DNQ 1976 DNQ 1980 Group stage 1984 Runners-up 1988 Group stage

FORMATION

CF

LW CM

RW CM

CM LB

CB

CB

RB

GK

PREDICTED XI GK Simon RB Roberto CB Ramos CB Garcia LB Gaya CM Canales

CM Rodri CM Koke RW F. Torres CF Morata LW Olmo

At their fluid best, they’re still capable of inflicting death by a thousand passes

”

S PA I N / P O L A N D / S W E D E N / S L O VA K I A

/// GROUP E

POLAND

Words Ryan Hubbard

crafting a response that still managed to indirectly criticise his boss.

With a breakdown in relationship between the team’s undisputed star man and its coach, unsurprisingly it was the latter who came off worse; FA president and former Poland forward Zbigniew Boniek wielded the axe in mid-January, replacing Brzeczek with Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa. Following the appointment, Sousa immediately reached out to his skipper and heavily praised his recent individual successes on social media – no doubt keen to avoid the tensions that cost his predecessor a job.

The litmus test, though, will come in the performances, and given his late arrival, the former QPR, Swansea and Leicester manager hasn’t got much time to get the team singing from his hymn sheet. It meant that March’s World Cup qualifiers (a win, a draw and a defeat) had to be partly treated as trials for the Euros, with the added jeopardy that Sousa’s job could have been at risk had he failed.

For some older members of the squad – Lukasz Fabianski, Kamil Glik, maybe even Lewandowski himself – this tournament might be the final opportunity to attain something special with the White Eagle on their chest. Others will see it as their chance to stake a claim as the future of the team. Either way, it’s hard to argue against the fact that, on paper, this is the strongest Polish side in years.

That’s on paper, though. On the pitch, there are still many hurdles to overcome.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

FORMATION

T

FIXTURES June 14: Slovakia, 8pm June 19: Spain, 11pm June 23: Sweden, 8pm

CF

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group G winners vs Austria (A) 1-0 / vs Latvia (H) 2-0 vs N Macedonia (A) 1-0 / vs Israel (H) 4-0 vs Slovenia (A) 0-2 / vs Austria (H) 0-0 vs Latvia (A) 3-0 / vs N Macedonia (H) 2-0 vs Israel (A) 2-1 / vs Slovenia (H) 3-2

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD 1960 DNQ 1964 DNQ 1968 DNQ 1972 DNQ 1976 DNQ 1980 DNQ 1984 DNQ 1988 DNQ

1992 DNQ 1996 DNQ 2000 DNQ 2004 DNQ 2008 Group stage 2012 Group stage 2016 Quarter-finals

CF AM

CM

LWB

CB

CM

CB

RWB

CB

GK

PREDICTED XI GK Szczesny CB Bereszynski CB Glik CB Bednarek RWB Jozwiak CM Krychowiak

CM Klich LWB Rybus AM Zielinski (above left) CF Piatek CF Lewandowski

KEY PLAYER ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI Multiple-time Bundesliga top scorer?

Tick. All-time record Polish goalscorer? Tick.

FIFA Player of the Year?

Tick. The only place that Lewandowski has yet to properly show his class is at a major international finals. At 32, he may not get many more chances, so will be desperate to make this one count.

“

3-5-2

On paper, it’s hard to argue against this being the strongest Poland side in years

THE MANAGER PAULO SOUSA

”

The least experienced international manager at the finals – Sousa will have still only presided over three competitive matches by the time Poland get underway against Slovakia. His playing experience should earn him respect from the squad, though.

Images Getty Images

hree years have passed since Poland’s disastrous showing in Russia, and it’s difficult to say whether that confidence has yet returned.

Poland topped their qualifying group with a couple of matches to spare, but an underwhelming Nations League campaign has tempered expectations somewhat. Narrow victories against Latvia, Israel and North Macedonia were achieved, but collecting results against the stronger sides in the latter event – Italy and the Netherlands, in particular – proved to be a far more challenging proposition altogether.

It wasn’t necessarily the defeats, but rather the manner of the performances which failed to inspire fans. They didn’t inspire much confidence among the players, either: when asked about coach Jerzy Brzeczek’s tactics after November’s 2-0 defeat to the Italians, captain Robert Lewandowski stood in deafening silence for a full nine seconds, before eventually

Euro 2020 guide 67

GROUP E /// S PA I N / P O L A N D / S W E D E N / S L O VA K I A

SWEDEN

Words Lee Roden

he delay to Euro 2020 has caused something of a headache for Sweden, confusing a team that previously struck success with a clear defence-first, counter-attacking style.

Now they’re struggling to transition towards a new identity, provoked by the emergence of a much more attacking generation of talent.

The Euro 92 semi-finalists strolled to Euro 2020 qualification with a solitary defeat, but results since then reflect the ongoing battle of coach Janne Andersson in figuring out his latest crop of players.

Having previously been a nightmare for top teams to break down, Sweden were steamrolled by France and Portugal in the Nations League; their only victory came at home to Croatia, the rest ending in losses.

Yet if Andersson can balance better forward play with some of their old quality at the back, then there’s a huge amount of potential to be tapped into. Alexander

Isak’s encouraging second campaign at Real Sociedad – where he is now first choice up front and has been scoring freely in 2020-21 – offers major cause for optimism, while young playmaker Dejan Kulusevski has stepped up at Juventus to prove his capabilities at the highest level.

Sweden could yet have a joker up their sleeve, too, in the form of a lesser-known frontman who has banged home the goals in Serie A this season and almost single-handedly revived a dormant Milan.

Whereas his previous flirtations with a return to the national team proved to be nothing more than PR stunts, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s change of heart was shown to be legitimate when Andersson flew to Italy last December for a meeting with the talisman, hearing first-hand how Sweden’s record goalscorer yearned for the yellow shirt. Having missed the 2018 World Cup and only once in four attempts helped Sweden to escape a European Championship group, there’s a sense of unfinished business for the 39-year-old.

Now playing the role of a wiser and more mature footballing elder, Ibra has proved at San Siro that he can galvanise a group of younger players, using his vast experience and enduring quality to help transform a work in progress into something much closer to the finished form. If he could do the same for Sweden, alongside the country’s best attacking talent since the days of Henrik Larsson and Freddie Ljungberg, who knows how far they could go?

FIXTURES & RESULTS

FORMATION

T

FIXTURES June 14: Spain, 11pm June 18: Slovakia, 5pm June 23: Poland, 8pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group F runners-up vs Romania (H) 2-1 / vs Norway (A) 3-3 vs Malta (H) 3-0 / vs Spain (A) 0-3 vs Faroe Islands (A) 4-0 / vs Norway (H) 1-1 vs Malta (A) 4-0 / vs Spain (H) 1-1 vs Romania (A) 2-0 / vs Faroe Islands (H) 3-0

Images Getty Images

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD 1960 DNE 1964 DNQ 1968 DNQ 1972 DNQ 1976 DNQ 1980 DNQ 1984 DNQ 1988 DNQ

68 Euro 2020 guide

1992 Semi-finals 1996 DNQ 2000 Group stage 2004 Quarter-finals 2008 Group stage 2012 Group stage 2016 Group stage

LM

LB

CF

CF

CM

CM

CB

CB

RM

RB

GK

PREDICTED XI GK Olsen RB Lustig CB Lindelof CB Helander LB Augustinsson RM Kulusevski

CM Ekdal CM K. Olsson LW Forsberg CF Isak CF Ibrahimovic

KEY PLAYER ALEXANDER ISAK Whether he’s alongside Ibrahimovic or not, a pacy and consistent forward is essential for Sweden to go far. Isak’s continued success in La Liga shows that the 21-year-old is not to be taken lightly, so finding the way to unlock his ability at international level will be crucial – it has been slow and steady progress with the Blagult up to now.

“

4-4-2

Ibra has proved at Milan that he can galvanise a group of younger players

THE MANAGER

”

JANNE ANDERSSON

Andersson raised the bar by taking Sweden to a World Cup quarter-final. Fans hope he can achieve even more this time, with new attacking talent, a potentially favourable draw and the return of a certain someone.

S PA I N / P O L A N D / S W E D E N / S L O VA K I A

/// GROUP E

SLOVAKIA Words Martin Rendek

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 14: Poland, 8pm June 18: Sweden, 5pm June 23: Spain, 8pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Play-off Path B winners vs Hungary (H) 2-0 / vs Wales (A) 0-1 vs Azerbaijan (A) 5-1 / vs Croatia (H) 0-4 vs Hungary (A) 2-1 / vs Wales (H) 1-1 vs Croatia (A) 1-3 / vs Azerbaijan (H) 2-0 vs Republic of Ireland (H) 0-0 (4-2p) vs Northern Ireland (A) 2-1

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

S

So, they’re here at least, but now it’s all guesswork. Since both coaches have used several combinations of players, only a few of whom can claim to have performed well throughout, it’s tough to predict how Slovakia will look at Euro 2020.

Tarkovic has become the permanent head honcho since that brief yet successful caretaker stint. He hasn’t had much time to make his side tournament-ready, and there’s a fear that the Falcons will make relatively easy fodder for their trio of tricky opponents in Group E. With a squad lacking in star names, Slovakia need their key players to continue delivering when things get tough. Martin Dubravka is reliable in goal, although his lack of football at Newcastle this term is as unfortunate as it was unexpected, while Milan Skriniar (above) and Marek Hamsik bring quality and top-level experience.

In Euro 2020 qualifying, as well as in the 2020-21 Nations League, Slovakia often lacked ideas at the sharp end – though that is hardly surprising, considering their shortage of options up front. Competing among the best national teams in Europe, there will be no place for such feeble football here. Courage, invention and unity will be vital if Slovakia hope to outfox their other group rivals.

THE MANAGER STEFAN TARKOVIC At Euro 2016, the 48-year-old was an assistant coach to Jan Kozak – now, having steered them to the finals himself, Tarkovic will be Slovakia’s mastermind. He likes to analyse his opponents and prefers a somewhat methodical approach.

KEY PLAYER MILAN SKRINIAR Hamsik was always considered Slovakia’s leading light, but his successor is also Martin Skrtel’s positional successor: 26-year-old centre-back Skriniar.

The Inter defender is in fine form for club, and his organisational skill is crucial for his country: he will have to be at the peak of his powers if the Falcons are to compete in any real sense this summer.

“

4-2-3-1

FORMATION

CF LW

LB

AM

RW

CM

CM

CB

CB

RB

GK

PREDICTED XI GK Dubravka RB Pekarik CB Valjent CB Skriniar LB Hubocan CM Lobotka

CM Kucka RW Duda AM Hamsik LW Mak CF Duris

Slovakia often lack ideas at the sharp end – unsurprising, given their options

”

Images Getty Images

lovakians can enjoy the fact that their team has made it to consecutive European Championships – not least as 2016 was their first appearance in this competition – but, in truth, the past two years have hardly been inspiring.

The good news is that their main target of reaching Euro 2020 was accomplished, via play-off victories over the Republic of Ireland and their northern neighbours.

The bad news is that their overall form is far from hot. Slovakia began the qualifying campaign with former Czech international Pavel Hapal in charge, but a monotonous style of play resulted in some depressing results across 2020: Nations League home defeats to the Czech Republic (1-3) and Israel (2-3) led to League B relegation.

Under Hapal’s hapless guidance, they squeezed through their Euro 2020 play-off semi-final on penalties, but it was clear that the team was struggling. So, four weeks before the final away to Northern Ireland, the Slovakian FA made the bold decision to sack Hapal and appoint Stefan Tarkovic as interim manager. The match in Belfast was more of a battle than a sexy footballing display, but crucially, Slovakia prevailed thanks to a strike in extra time from substitute Michal Duris.

1996 DNQ 2000 DNQ 2004 DNQ 2008 DNQ 2012 DNQ 2016 Second round

Euro 2020 guide 69

GROUP F /// G E R M A N Y / F R A N C E / P O R T U G A L / H U N G A RY

GERMANY

Words Jonathan Harding

f one man was particularly grateful for Euro 2020 being delayed by a year, it was Joachim Löw. As Germany trudged glumly towards the tournament last summer, before COVID-19 intervened, there were serious concerns about a harrowing repeat of their 2018 World Cup display.

Despite having access to a reliable production line of talent, Die Mannschaft spent far too much of their post-Russia rebuild spluttering. That’s partly because the German FA left themselves no other choice, having awarded Löw a juicy new contract before that World Cup, but also because of their long-serving manager’s insistence in his ability to still do the job.

Other than a defeat to the Netherlands, Germany’s 2019 was largely a step in the right direction on the field. Off it, Löw’s bold move to retire three stalwarts in Thomas Muller (29 years old at the time), Mats Hummels (30) and Jerome Boateng (also 30), all with immediate effect, was

accompanied by the resignation of embattled FA president Reinhard Grindel, as drama became the norm. The delay of the Euros seemed to give them time to take stock, but Löw spent most of 2020 persisting with a back three, adamant Germany needed to be tactically flexible against top sides. His team, meanwhile, kept drawing and conceding easy goals.

Then came the nadir, as their year finished with an emphatic hammering

by Spain. That shocking 6-0 defeat was Germany’s worst since 1931, and led to questions being asked of Löw’s future.

“Now Jogi is wobbling!” squealed the headline in tabloid Bild, who pondered alternative candidates seven months out from the tournament.

As Euro 2020 drew ever nearer, the DFB announced that Löw will step down after the tournament, amid all the destablising speculation about his future. Weeks later, though, they lost to North Macedonia in World Cup qualifying, and big questions remain. Will Löw recall Muller, or his other exiles? Will he go for three at the back, or opt for a four? Will Germany make the most of this summer’s competition?

That’s the biggest question of all.

They’re less likely than ever to challenge for the trophy, but this team can still take a step forward in its development ahead of the World Cup. That’s the optimistic view at home, anyway. Plenty more, however, fear Germany will go down in flames for the second major tournament in succession.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

FORMATION

I

KEY PLAYER JOSHUA KIMMICH You can make a case to say Manuel Neuer’s form really holds the key for this Germany team, but if there’s one player who gives his side the best chance of success when he’s on song, it’s Kimmich. The Bayern Munich man has become one of the most complete players in the game – whatever his position.

FIXTURES June 15: France, 11pm June 19: Portugal, 8pm June 23: Hungary, 11pm

CF

LW

RW

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group C winners vs Netherlands (A) 3-2 / vs Belarus (A) 2-0 vs Estonia (H) 8-0 / vs Netherlands (H) 2-4 vs N Ireland (A) 2-0 / vs Estonia (A) 3-0 vs Belarus (H) 4-0 / vs N Ireland (H) 6-1

Images Getty Images

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD 1960 DNE 1964 DNE 1968 DNQ 1972 Winners 1976 Runners-up 1980 Winners 1984 Group stage 1988 Semi-finals

70 Euro 2020 guide

1992 Runners-up 1996 Winners 2000 Group stage 2004 Group stage 2008 Runners-up 2012 Semi-finals 2016 Semi-finals

CM

LB

CM

CB

CM

CB

RB

GK

PREDICTED XI GK Neuer RB Klostermann CB Sule CB Ginter LB Max CM Kimmich

CM Kroos CM Goretzka RW Sané CF Gnabry LW Werner

“

4-3-3

Germany are less likely than ever to challenge for the trophy this summer

THE MANAGER JOACHIM LÖW

”

Löw’s 15-year stint as Germany manager is ending whatever happens this summer, but first he must make sure he doesn’t take his team’s development back a few cycles. His successful legacy is on the line.

G E R M A N Y / F R A N C E / P O R T U G A L / H U N G A RY

/// GROUP F

FRANCE

Words Fabien Fougeray

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 15: Germany, 11pm June 19: Hungary, 5pm June 23: Portugal, 11pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Group H winners vs Moldova (A) 4-1 / vs Iceland (H) 4-0 vs Turkey (A) 0-2 / vs Andorra (A) 4-0 vs Albania (H) 4-1 / vs Andorra (H) 3-0 vs Iceland (A) 1-0 / vs Turkey (H) 1-1 vs Moldova (H) 2-1 / vs Albania (A) 2-0

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

F

France’s star of Euro 2016, Antoine Griezmann, has failed to ignite since joining Barça, yet he has still thrived at the heart of France’s attack amid his search for redemption. Unleashed with the freedom to roam between the lines, the only player to start all 10 of Les Bleus’ qualifiers – or a post-war record of 45 games running after March’s World Cup qualifiers – looks set to cause mayhem.

There is every reason, then, for hope – though it was little wonder Deschamps was spotted laughing in disbelief at the conclusion of the Euro 2020 group stage draw, which saw France handed two of the toughest foes possible. Still, Les Bleus have claimed a recent victory over one of them – Portugal – and also showed their pedigree by beating fellow 2018 finalists Croatia in their victorious Nations League campaign. Opening opponents Germany look vulnerable. Certainly, France remain Europe’s dominant force for now.

Emulating their illustrious predecessors, who conquered the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 in succession, is a perfectly achievable target. France are tournament favourites for a reason – and they have ‘Dédé’ to show them just how it’s done.

THE MANAGER DIDIER DESCHAMPS The former central midfielder is France’s longest-serving manager after almost nine years at the helm, but FFF president Noel Le Graet has begun to think about life after Deschamps – and has already confessed that Real Madrid’s Bleus icon Zinedine Zidane will be his first call.

KEY PLAYER

4-3-3

KYLIAN MBAPPE PSG’s boy wonder has already cemented his place in the history books. Mbappe (above) has won a World Cup and every domestic title up for grabs in France – and he’s still only 22. There’s much more to come, but so far he has comfortably outscored Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age. Scary.

FORMATION

CF LW

RW CM

CM CM

LB

CB

CB

RB

GK

PREDICTED XI

“

GK Lloris RB Pavard CB Varane CB Kimpembe LB Hernandez CM Rabiot

CM Kante CM Pogba RW Mbappe CF Giroud LW Griezmann

Deschamps is, uncharacteristically, now experimenting with his France side

”

Images PA

or much of the past year, French football has been dogged by scandals of bullying and misbehaviour, a television rights fiasco, and calls to reduce the number of teams in Ligue 1.

But it hasn’t all been bad news.

The mighty Bleus, still riding the wave of their 2018 World Cup triumph, are eyeing up a trophy haul before the likely departure of chief commander Didier Deschamps in 2022. The 52-year-old has kept the core of that squad, which made him only the third man in history to take home the Jules Rimet trophy as a player and a manager, but uncharacteristically, he is now starting to experiment.

Adrien Rabiot – once famed for refusing to be included on France’s World Cup standby list – has made a surprise return, while there have been maiden call-ups for the likes of Rennes’ 18-year-old Eduardo Camavinga and Bayern Munich-bound central defender Dayot Upamecano. The firepower at Deschamps’ disposal has also been bolstered of late by Ousmane Dembele and Thomas Lemar, with both in form. If the boss hadn’t already lost Karim Benzema’s number, he has now.

1992 Group stage 1996 Semi-finals 2000 Winners 2004 Quarter-finals 2008 Group stage 2012 Quarter-finals 2016 Runners-up

1960 Semi-finals 1964 DNQ 1968 DNQ 1972 DNQ 1976 DNQ 1980 DNQ 1984 Winners 1988 DNQ

Euro 2020 guide 71

GROUP F /// G E R M A N Y / F R A N C E / P O R T U G A L / H U N G A RY

PORTUGAL

Words Tom Kundert

urope, beware: the reigning champions have a significantly stronger squad than they did when lifting their first ever major trophy in 2016. Whether Portugal have a better team this summer will depend on manager Fernando Santos’ ability to don his white coat and master the chemistry of his first-choice XI. One-time Swansea striker Eder was Portugal’s match-winner against France in Paris five years ago, but Santos now boasts an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. Although a traditionally conservative coach, he’s rightly shown signs of loosening the shackles: failure to maximise the attacking talent of Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Diogo Jota, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes would feel like a crime against football.

As Santos knows full well, though, big names don’t win major tournaments by themselves – much less international ones, where keeping things tight and taking the few chances on offer is the recipe for success. With the Selecao in Euro 2020’s Group of Death, it’s unlikely he’ll be going gung-ho.

E

Despite glimpses of a more expansive style in impressive home wins against Croatia (4-1) and Sweden (3-0), the evidence from Portugal’s latest Nations League campaign suggests Santos will be perfectly happy to stick with the modus operandi that has served his defending champions so well. They reverted to type in the two matches against their main rivals France, with revered marksman N’Golo Kante scoring the one and only goal across 180 minutes of play. It’s not like the country’s FA are anything but thrilled with Santos’ approach, though, considering they gave their long-serving gaffer a fresh new four-year contract in the summer of 2020, which could take him to a decade of service.

While Portugal have the weapons to hurt any team, things aren’t quite so rosy at the back. A 38-year-old Pepe remains key at the heart of their defence, but the replacement for Porto’s increasingly injury-prone (and angry) centre-back is 37-year-old Jose Fonte. Pepe staying fit throughout the tournament, or Santos finding a solid alternative to partner Manchester City’s Ruben Dias in central defence, could be crucial in establishing whether or not Portugal can embellish the most golden era in their history with another trophy.

FIXTURES & RESULTS

CF LW

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

RW

CM

Group B runners-up vs Ukraine (H) 0-0 / vs Serbia (H) 1-1 vs Serbia (A) 4-2 / vs Lithuania (A) 5-1 vs Luxembourg (H) 3-0 / vs Ukraine (A) 1-2 vs Lithuania (H) 6-0 / vs Luxembourg (A) 2-0

LB

Images PA, Getty Images (Ronaldo)

72 Euro 2020 guide

1992 DNQ 1996 Quarter-finals 2000 Semi-finals 2004 Runners-up 2008 Quarter-finals 2012 Semi-finals 2016 Winners

CM

CM

CB

CB

RB

GK

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD 1960 DNQ 1964 DNQ 1968 DNQ 1972 DNQ 1976 DNQ 1980 DNQ 1984 Semi-finals 1988 DNQ

RUBEN DIAS All eyes will be firmly trained on Ronaldo (left), but with such a strong supporting cast alleviating the offensive burden on Portugal’s captain, it could be the defence that makes or breaks this team. Selecao fans will be praying that Manchester City’s young stopper takes his magnificent club form into the Euros.

FORMATION

FIXTURES June 15: Hungary, 8pm June 19: Germany, 8pm June 23: France, 11pm

KEY PLAYER

PREDICTED XI GK Patricio RB Cancelo CB Pepe CB Dias LB Guerreiro CM Danilo

CM Carvalho CM Fernandes RW Jota CF Ronaldo LW Bernardo

“

4-3-3

Portugal can hurt any opponent, but things aren’t quite so rosy at the back

THE MANAGER

”

FERNANDO SANTOS In marked contrast with his dour and sour public appearance, Santos has brought Portugal supporters almost uninterrupted joy since taking over back in 2014. Make no mistake, he’s absolutely made for this job.

G E R M A N Y / F R A N C E / P O R T U G A L / H U N G A RY

/// GROUP F

HUNGARY Words Michael Yokhin

FIXTURES & RESULTS FIXTURES June 15: Portugal, 8pm June 19: France, 5pm June 23: Germany, 11pm

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Play-off Path A winners vs Slovakia (A) 0-2 / vs Croatia (H) 2-1 vs Azerbaijan (A) 3-1 / vs Wales (H) 1-0 vs Slovakia (H) 1-2 / vs Croatia (A) 0-3 vs Azerbaijan (H) 1-0 / vs Wales (A) 0-2 vs Bulgaria (A) 3-1 / vs Iceland (H) 2-1

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD

H

gave them an additional opportunity in group C – and Hungary grabbed it in dramatic fashion.

Iceland were heavy play-off favourites in Budapest and ahead for most of the game, but Hungary equalised with two minutes remaining... then watched rising star Dominik Szoboszlai make it 2-1 in injury time. The 20-year-old midfielder, widely regarded as the brightest talent to come out of Hungary in decades, instantly became a legend – and now supporters can dream of repeating those glorious days of June 2016.

Granted, Hungary have been drawn in the most challenging group imaginable with France, Portugal and Germany, but nobody gave the Magyars much hope in France five years ago either. Things have improved since their original qualifying campaign: they only lost one of eight matches in 2020, topping their Nations League B group to celebrate a promotion among the big boys.

Hungary have a stable and experienced goalkeeper in Peter Gulacsi, together with a reliable stopper in Willi Orban. Playing alongside one another at RB Leipzig, the duo have developed a formidable mutual understanding over several years – and now Szoboszlai has joined them.

Could this trio give Hungary wings?

THE MANAGER MARCO ROSSI The 56-year-old Italian learned from the likes of Mircea Lucescu and Sven-Goran Eriksson as a player, then became a good manager himself.

He won the Hungarian league title with Honved in 2016-17 and is a popular figure in the country.

KEY PLAYER DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI He runs fast and thinks even faster – the Dhs89m RB Leipzig man has it all.

Szoboszlai (above) first broke through at Red Bull Salzburg and gradually proved to be one of the project’s best buys, then proved himself beyond doubt in the Champions League. A genuine superstar in the making.

3-5-2

FORMATION

CF

LWB

CM CB

CF

CM CB

CM

RWB

CB

GK

PREDICTED XI

“

GK Gulacsi CB Lang CB Orban CB At. Szalai RWB Nego CM Kalmar

CM Nagy CM Szoboszlai LWB Holender CF Ad. Szalai CF Sallai

Hungary fans can dream of repeating those glorious days of Euro 2016

”

Images Getty Images

ungarians still remember Euro 2016 fondly. Against all odds, they qualified for their first major tournament since 1986 and were supposed to be pushovers once they got there – three comfortable defeats would have only been logical. But that’s not how things played out in France.

Instead, the Magyars won 2-0 against supposed dark horses Austria, drew with Iceland and took the lead three times against eventual champions Portugal before settling for a 3-3 draw. They came top of Group F, sparking wild celebrations around the country. It was an incredible achievement that united a nation, and not even the 4-0 defeat against Belgium that followed in the last 16 could ruin the party atmosphere.

Some had hoped those displays would change Hungarian football for the better, but such optimism proved misguided.

The players failed to use that momentum to develop their careers, and FA officials fared infinitely worse: Hungary’s domestic league is still weak, the grassroots game hasn’t flourished either, and subsequent 2018 World Cup qualifiers were horrible.

They finished a disappointing fourth in their group for Euro 2020 qualifying, too, but the 2018-19 Nations League path

1992 DNQ 1996 DNQ 2000 DNQ 2004 DNQ 2008 DNQ 2012 DNQ 2016 Second round

1960 DNQ 1964 Semi-finals 1968 DNQ 1972 Semi-finals 1976 DNQ 1980 DNQ 1984 DNQ 1988 DNQ

Euro 2020 guide 73

YOUR PREDICTIONS FEAR NOT, WE DON’T EXPECT YOU TO GUESS EVERY SINGLE RESULT... THOUGH WE WON’T STOP YOU, EITHER. BUT IF YOU CAN CORRECTLY CALL THE GROUPS, THE CHAMPIONS AND THE TOP GOALSCORER, THEN CONSIDER US IMPRESSED...

GROUP A

GROUP B

ITALY • SWITZERLAND • TURKEY • WALES

BELGIUM • RUSSIA • DENMARK • FINLAND

GROUP C

UKRAINE • NETHERLANDS • AUSTRIA • NORTH MACEDONIA

1

1

1

2

2

2

3

3

3

4

4

4

GROUP D

GROUP E

ENGLAND • CROATIA • CZECH REPUBLIC • SCOTLAND

GROUP F

SPAIN • POLAND • SWEDEN • SLOVAKIA

GERMANY • FRANCE • PORTUGAL • HUNGARY

1

1

1

2

2

2

3

3

3

4

4

4

WINNER

@W HA TSONDUBAI 74 Euro 2020 guide

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