Euro 2020 - Day 5

Some interesting results and fantastic goals yesterday. Scotland will struggle to to qualify after losing at home to the Czech Republic. Tte Scots played ok but didn’t take their chances. The Czechs second goal, a long range left foot chip by Patrick Schick. could well be the goal of the tournament. It’s hard to see Scotland beating England or Croatia so they could well be going home at the end of the group stage. The lack of experienced goalscorer has probably cost them. The tournament has shown so far how much the lack of a prolific striker can hinder a team. Spain were excellent in their play last night and dominated against Sweden but just couldn't score. Striker Alvaro Morata in particular was guilty of a big miss in the first half. On the flip side to that other teams have had goalscorers in their team but haven't created chances for them. Poland have possibly the best goal scorer in the tournament in Lewandowski but couldn't create a clear chance for him. Slovakia deserve credit for defending well against the Poles to earn a big win. Just the two games from Group F today.

Hungary V Portugal - Group F - Kick off at 1700 from the Puskás Aréna, Budapest. Live on ITV and ITV Hub.

The draw has been brutal to Hungary putting them in a group with the European Champions, the tournament favourites and Germany who can win a tournament no matter what the quality of their squad is. The Hungarians have been on a decent run and are unbeaten in 11 games. They also have home advantage here but it's difficult to see them progressing from the hardest group in the tournament. Hungary have striker Ádám Szalai (pictured) who has spent most of his career in Germany and currently plays for Mainz. Whilst not prolific in recent seasons he does have 23 goals for his Country in 70 caps. Portugal start the defence of their European Trophy knowing they really need to win here with the quality of the other teams in the group. The Portuguese have quality and experience right through their side. Cristiano Ronaldo of course is the Captain and talisman of the team who at 36 shows no signs of slowing down. They have plenty other other top players too with Bernardo Silva, Diego Jota and Bruno Fernandes all match winners on their day. Add to that the experience of Moutinho, Carvalho and Fonte and you are looking at one of the best squads in the Championships. Fonte and his Lille team mate Renato Sanches have just come back off a terrific season finishing as Ligue 1 Champions. If Sanches (pictured below) has a good tournament he could be one of many Lille players to get a big move in the summer. It's bitter sweet for Lille potentially seeing many players go but also seeing their players worth rise due to them being showcased in games like this. What makes all the Group F matches intriguing is that a big team could go out at the group stage. It's more likely that the third placed team will go through as one of the highest 3rd place finishers though. Probably at Hungary's expense.

Frenchfooty predicton: Hungary 0 - Portugal 2

France V Germany - Group F - Kick off at 2000 from the Allianz Arena, Munich. Live on ITV and ITV Hub.

In normal circumstances both these sides would probably take a draw. With Portugal being in the same group though each side could do with starting with a win. France are World Cup Champions and tournament favourites with a very good squad. Although their are rumblings are friction within the squad, particularly between Mbappe and Giroud, you would think Manager Didier Deschamps is on top of it. He has won everything as player and Manager and has the unconditional respect of his players. There is no chance of us seeing a repeat of the debacle of the 2010 World Cup. Deschamps will be checking on the fitness of Griezmann and Benzema after both received knocks in the friendly win over Bulgaria last week. Th France squad is so strong though that it shouldn't weaken them too much if neither play. The one possible weak link in the France side for me is the Goalkeeper. Hugo Lloris has huge experience but has made a lot of mistakes for Tottenham in the last few years. I would like to see Marseille's Mandanda or A.C Milans' Mike Maignan start. That's unlikely though as Lloris is team Captain. Germany are not the force they have been in the past with some surprising defeats over the last year. They had a shock loss to North Macedonia in March and were thrashed in Spain 6 - 0 last November. You write the Germans off at your peril though. They have been in poor form before in the lead up to tournaments and still gone far. In the 2002 World Cup they were pedestrian in their performances yet got to the final. Germany just know how to win, are always hard to beat and manage games brilliantly. They still have quality players like Havertz, Gündoğan, Kroos, Sane and Werner and a top Goalkeeper in Manuel Neuer. Werner will need to be more clinical in front of goal than he has been at Chelsea this year. It will be interesting to see if Kevin Volland gets a chance after a fine season for Monaco. Volland scored 16 goals in Ligue 1 this season helping his side qualify for the Champions League. Germany have home advantage here with the game being played in Munich. This could be a close game and if one team wins it be a huge step to qualifying from the group stage.

Frenchfooty prediction: France 2 V Germany 2