Austria are through to the knockout stages with a surprising but deserved victory over Ukraine. The Austrians took the game to Ukraine with attack after attack. The Ukrainians now face a nervous wait to see if their third place finish with three points will be enough to go through. In the same group the Netherlands won their third match in a row with a comfortable 3 - 0 win over Macedonia. Ex Lyon player Depay got his second goal of the competition whilst Captain Wijnaldum scored two to take his tournament tally to three. Wijnaldum has been one of the players of the tournament so far. North Macedonia are out. Belgium also won their third game in succession comfortably winning against Finland 2 - 0. The number one ranked team in the world left it late but were never in danger of losing. Belgium's win means four teams (England, Czech Republic, Sweden and France) qualify for the knockout rounds no matter what happens in their final group game. Each of these teams has 4 points which will be enough to see them through should they lose their final group match. Finland too await the outcome of other games to see if their third place finish is enough. Finally Denmark got a result to match their performance in another emotional match in front of their fans. Running on the emotion surrounding Eriksens collapse in their first game the Danes thumped Russia 4 -1 in Copenhagen to send their fans in to delirious celebration. In gaining their first points of the tournament they finish second in their group on goal difference to qualify automatically. Another of the tournaments big moments so far. Russia finish bottom of Group B and are out.
Croatia V Scotland - Group D - Kick off at 2000 from Hampden Park, Glasgow. Live on ITV 4, ITV Hub, STV and ATV Player.
This is going to be a scrap to stay in the tournament. Both sides only have a point from two games with Croatia leading Scotland in the table by a single goal. The Croats have some really talented players in Modric, Perisic and Kovacic but have not been able to get going in this tournament. It was interesting to hear on Talksport yesterday of a rift in the camp. Apparently the older players train with the Manager but the younger players refuse to! If there is any truth in this then it explains why Croatia aren't doing better. Scotland meanwhile were rocked yesterday by the news that attacking midfielder Billy Gilmour tested positive for Covid-19. The 20 year old Chelsea player was man of the match in the recent draw against England but now has to self-isolate for ten days. Not only will Scotland be without their best player the squad will be nervous that there could be others at risk of missing the game too. It will be up to the rest of Steve Clarke's squad to step up and get a result here. Both teams have to win so we should see a lively and entertaining game. Croatia's skill against Scotland's endeavour and team spirit. I just think the lack of a goalscorer might cost the Scots.
Frenchfooty prediction: Croatia 1 V Scotland 0.
Czech Republic V England - Group D - Kick off at 2000 from Wembley Stadium. Live on ITV, ITV 2 and ITV Hub.
This game will determine who tops the group although either team could drop to third should there be a winner between Croatia or Scotland. It won't affect qualification for these two teams as with 4 points they'll have enough to qualify in third place. England were panned by press and fans after their draw with Scotland. Gareth Southgate's team had a lack of ideas and creativity. Playing with two holding midfielders in Rice and Phillips worked well against Croatia in that it stopped Modric creating too much. Against Scotland though England needed to create more and full backs Reece James and Luke Shaw didn't get forward enough. Will we see Jack Grealish and Phil Foden start in this game or will Southgate continue with his pragmatic approach? Harry Kane in particular has received some criticism following the Scotland game. I thought he looked a little lethargic but couldn't be blamed for the lack of service he received. I'd still start him. The Czechs have been one of the surprises of the tournament. They have played well and in Patrik Schik they have one of the players of the tournament so far. The Bayer Leverkusen striker is a doubt for this game with a muscle injury and he'll be a big miss for the Czechs if he can't play. England will need to play better than they've shown so far to beat the Czechs. This could be an uncomfortably close game for Southgate's team. They really need a win to get some momentum and positivity back in the Camp and get the press and fans behind them.
Frenchfooty prediction: England 1 V Czech Republic 1
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