Lets Talk Football

  Dark7knight: Switzerland has some decent players, but France is world class in almost every position and don't mind grinding out wins, so going for a boring 1-0 win for France AB: France will turn on the charm in this game, after not shining at their best in the tournament to date. Pull out the big guns in a statement to their opposition. Going for a 3-1 France win

Dark7knight: with Perisic out, don't see any goals forthcoming from Croatia, n spain aa usual will monopolize possession, and with confidence on a high after the 5-0 win last time out, to win 2-0 on the night AB: Expecting Spain to dominate possession and nick a goal - Morata to score from the spot maybe? 1-0 to the Spaniards in a tight scrappy affair

   AB: The worlds top ranked team against the defending European champions. This is primed to be a classic. Belgium will be everyone’s favourites but I am going to bet on Portugal and Ronaldo who will just be clinical on the big occasions. Expect it to be a tight, cagey affair with Belgium controlling the midfield battle but Portugal setup to defend and break. 2-1 to Portugal on the night. dark7knight: 2-2 & penalties. Belgium to go through with save by Cortouis.

  AB: Italy are clear favourites for this one, and in fact one of my top 3 picks for the tournament based on what they showed in the group stages. I expect this to be pretty one sided and Italy to win 2-0 Dark7knight: Italy sud have too much for Austria 3-0

   AB: Netherlands to win this one 3-1 and continue to prove De Boers critics wrong. They have showed too much attacking flair to be kept quiet. The Czech Republic will try and keep it tight, but I’m afraid that the first goal will open up the floodgates. dark7knight: 3-0 to Netherlands

  AB: The knock outs are back, and the round of 16 starts with a romantic clash between underdogs Wales who are looking to recreate the magic from Euro 2016, and a Denmark team who has shown immense resilience in bouncing back from Christian Eriksen passing out on the pitch.  I am expecting the match itself to be high on emotion, but low on quality. Wales will try and channel themselves through Bale and Ramsey, and while they have shown flashes of form they looks to be past their glory days. The danes were impressive in the game against Russia, and I expect them to carry through their form. Denmark to step up and win it 2-0 dark7knight: Wales 1-2 Denmark

MM: Germany has only 1 choice: Win, and they have been one of the most exciting & unorthodox teams to watch, playing without a recognised Striker, or even a proper CDM, yet they line up in a 3-4-3 which turns into 3-2-5 when they attack, and both wingbacks can do everything- score, cross, switch play, pass, tackle, assist- if 1 doesn't get you, the other will, and wirhout a recognised CF, it becomes impossible to man mark the front 3, who dovetail intelligently. So unless they decide to give fringe players a run-out, Germany may have too much for Hungary, going for a 2-0 win to Germany. AB: Germany thrashed Portugal 4-2 in the last round to make a statement. I expect them to continue progress against a Hungary team that will fight hard but will find it difficult to hurt the Germans. However Hungary will make it tight and cut out the spaces for the pacy German wing backs to run into. Expecting Germany's quality to prevail 1-0 on the night after a heroic Hungary performance.

MM: Portugal cannot afford to lose to progress, and France needs to win to consolidate top spot and avoid England in E16, but Santos unlikely to change his spots, and France also have never been an attacking team (more of a solid team with great individuals), so expecting a 1-1 draw AB: If I base results on the Fifa game Manu and I played last night, Portugal will thrash France 4-1. However, coming back to reality, France are one of the teams of the tournament even if they couldn't put away Hungary last time around. That said, Portugal have an attack that matches the French in quality and mindset. I am going for Portugal to nick this one 2-1 (Spoken by a true CR7 fan going with my heart over my mind)

dark7knight: Spain 2-1 Slovakia ADG: 2-1 to Spain AB: Going for a 2-0 win for Spain here. Spain have had a lot of possession, but lacked the cutting edge so far. However I expect them to put in a statement today. Slovakia surprised Poland earlier in the group, but I don't see them having enough quality to trouble Spain. Morata will get a goal and Spain will move into the round of 16.

ADG: 1-1 dark7knight: Sweden 2-1 Poland AB: This group is very interestingly poised, with all 4 teams capable of making it to the round of 16. Poland have been disappointing so far, but they did get a good 1-1 draw against Spain in the last round. I expect them to play for the win today, and get over the line against a solid, if boring, Sweden side. Poland to win it 2-0

ADG: 1-1 dark7knight: 0-0 AB: Scotland will ride the Hampden wave and win 2-1, to get them right back in contention for group honors. They have showed enough in their last 2 games to indicate that they are a threat, but have not been able to convert that into results (Although the draw against England was well deserved). Gilmour is a big miss, but I think the Scots will ride the energy of the home fans and get it done (see what Denmark did yesterday)

ADG: 2-1 to England dark7knight: 4-0 to England AB: England will be forced to make changes with Mason Mount having to sit out due to the COVID protocol. This means that Southgate will be forced to get in a more creative player - Grealish or Sancho into the starting line up, which can only mean good things for England.  England to win 2-0 (Throw in a Kane penalty)

AB: Denmark to go out and get it done for Christian Eriksen. The Danes played very well, and were all over Belgium and definitely deserved a point. I expect them to take the game to Russia, and etch out a big win to get right back into contention for one of the 3rd place finishers (and who knows even second, if results go their way). Russia need a draw, given they beat Finland, but a big defeat against Belgium has left them vulnerable. I expect Denmark to win 3-1 and finish 3rd in the group. AK: Do or die for both teams. Danes threw a kitchen sink at Belgium last time but came up short against some breathtaking Football from Belgium. Expect them to go hard and get the win with a 3-1 here. Yurari the usual suspect but I expect Wass to score as well. For Russia, after contrasting performances against vastly different oppositions in the last 2 games, I expect them to be average at best and hoping to board the bus for best 3rd place finishers. Dark7knight: Denmark 2-0 Russia, with the foot...

  AB: This will be an interesting one - Belgium's reserves against Finland's resolute defending. Belgium has already qualified, but given the reserves will get a run out they will be intent on making a push for starting positions. For Finland, a point is likely enough to get into a 3rd place spot (or even second), so expect them to setup to blunt the Belgium attack. That said, Belgium will have enough quality to get over the line. Going for a 2-0 to Belgium on the day AK: If Belgium lose they will not end up as Group winners, so it would be enough motivation for Martinez not to rest all the big guns. Looking at the squad depth it is a big mismatch and I expect that to reflect on the pitch as well. Going for a 3-0 for the red devils here.  dark7knight: Expect a re-run of last night's Italy match vs Wales, a 2nd string Belgium team should be too strong for Finland, esp considering that Belgium need to get the heavyweights-KDB, Witsel, Eden Hazard hot so speed. Going for a 2-0...

  AB: Going for a score draw. Ukraine and Austria have both shown attacking verve and quality going forward. With Marko Arnautovic back for Austria, I will pip them to take the early lead, with a Ukraine fightback through Yarmolenko. Both teams need to win to book a spot in the round of 16, but a 4 point 3rd place finish should also be enough for both teams to make it over the line. Predicting an exciting 2-2 draw AK: Ukraine have shown great attacking promise living up to the pre tournament hype. Austria were poor against the Dutch but I expect them to bounce back. Will be a tight affair but I expect Austria to nick with a late goal for 2-1.  Dark7knight: What if both decide to go for a draw, ensuring both qualifies cos 4 points should be enough even as best of 4 3rd place. But if it's about do or die, expecting Ukraine to win 2-1, cos though Austria have better stand out players, Ukraine plays as a team and they attack well.

  AB: Holland have been one of the teams of the tournament, and having booked their spot in the round of 16 I expect them to rotate and rest some of their key players. That said, I expect the team to have enough talent to get over the line against North Macedonia. North Macedonia need a result and I expect them to try and take the game to Holland who will hit them on the counter. Expect one goal lead to more. Going for a 2-0 Holland win. AK: The Dutch will make some changes but still expect them to win this game by a narrow margin. 3-2 for me with some youngsters getting a run. Dark7knight: Expecting Dutch to give their highly rated youngsters a chance to day, and still win 2-0

       AB: Italy have showed real quality so far in establishing them as top contenders for Euro 2020, and I think we will see more of the same in this game. Wales will give them more of a run for their money than Switzerland and Turkey though, with Ramsey and Bale linking together beautifully in the last game. Wales need to enable Bale to get more on the ball and get space to influence proceedings as he did against Turkey. Also expect someone else to take a penalty if needed - Haha.  All said, Italy to top the group with a 2-1 win. Wales to finish second on goal difference. Dark7knight: Italy might rotate in this match considering that progression to the next round is already guaranteed, with the likes of Verrati, Chiesa, Acerbi, Bastoni, Toloi, Emerson Palmieri, Cristante hardly featuring so far; so it might make for a more even match-up, but with 5 subs available, Italy can still bring on the heavyweights anytime to secure 1st place. Since a draw is enough fo...

       AB: This is going to be an intriguing game. If Wales don’t lose to Italy by a big margin, then Switzerland is going to need a 4 goal win to make it to second on the group which looks unlikely. Turkey also need to win by a margin, to ensure they are in contention for one of those 3rd place spots, so it is all to play for in this one. With so much at stake, both teams will want to win. Turkey really have an exciting squad, but have looked off this tournament and I don’t think they will be able to make it over the line. Switzerland to win this one 2-1  Dark7knight: Turkey has been the fissapontement (figure it out lol) of the tournament, and Switzerland is not a bad team either, though they need to get their best midfielder, Zakaria involved from the start so as to have a chance of a potential 2nd place, and I don't expect Turkey to score any goals, so going for a 2-0 win to Switzerland. AK: Both need to win here and a draw will mean elimination for both. Bu...

      AB: Spain will be disappointed after a draw against Sweden inspite of 80% possession. Poland will also be disappointed after losing to Slovakia in their opening game. I expect Spain to dominate possession again, and Poland will need to up their game to make an impact. Unfortunately for Lewandowski, Zelinski is the only other world class attacking threat on the team. This is a tough one, but going for a 2-1 win for Spain. However, if Poland score first, and shut down shop then they may be difficult to break down. Dark7knight: The way Slovakia shut down Poland, don't expect anything other than another Spain tiki taka-ing Poland out of the park, but Spain finally taking some chances and win 2-0, but this Spain side seriously needs to sort out the fwd line-a line led by Morata and some u-21s players is not going to give nightmare to the opposite.. they need to involve Morata in some manner from the start, he offers a more physical presence without compromising on their ...

      AB: The group of death throws up another mouth watering clash as the defending champions come up against perennial contenders. Portugal struggled at times against Hungary, but came away with a 3-0 win with some clinical finishing in the last few minutes. Germany showed promise but were run over by France. I am going for a tight game here. Portugal to edge a tight game 2-1. dark7knight: This is potentially the match up of MatchDay 2(or 2nd round of group match fixtures). But Portugal having clinched a 3-0 vs Hungary would play not to lose, and that means Danilo & Carvalho in midfield, so expect Portugal to be boring unless they ho behind; and Germany needs points desperately from this match to have any chance of qualifying, so expect them to have more firepower up front. For the sake of entertainment, going for a 2-2 draw with Grant drawing 1st blood, forcing Portugal to open up, leading to an open end to end game. But my head says a repeat of France-Germany with...

      AB: Another match day, another dominant win for France. The team of the tournament were in complete control against Germany. I think they will take it up a notch against a weak Hungary team and put on a show. Look out for Mbappe to open his account in a comfortable 3-0 win for France. Dark7knight: This France team doesn't like to go all out, and would be focussed on consolidating 1st posn to avoid a potential clash with England (for 2nd posn). But they still have possibly the best attack in the world in Benzema, Mbappe, Griezmann who all offer different strengths, and ably.supported by Pogba, so going for a solid 2-0 win, and seeing it out comfortably without taking risks. AK: Another big occasion for Hungary trying to give their ruckus supporters something in the Puskas arena, but there are no bigger opponents than France these days. The onus would be on the Les Bleus to take control and they look all set to do it. You won't bet against Mbappe grabbing a couple wit...

     AB: The oldest rivalry in world football is reignited this Friday. For all the gulf in quality between the two sides, this match is more than just football. Emotions will be high, and the stakes even higher. Both teams have some quality but I expect England to dominate this game. If Southgate plays a left footed left back, and gives his forwards some freedom, then this could be a really big score line. But knowing Southgate and his conservatism I will go for a solid 2-0 win for England to establish themselves as one of the teams to beat at the Euros. dark7knight: If England goes with the same defensive set up as against Croatia and hope to win this, it may not work, The Scots have a better defence, and a great team work ethos, they were undone only due to 2 wonder goals. Southgate needs to unleash his players to get a win in this match, otherwise The Scots may be able to stifle this English team. But hopefully the individual quality of the English players rescue a 2-...

     AB: The Czech team is on a high after their smash and grab win vs Scotland, but in reality their win was based on 2 moments of quality from Patrik Schick. The Croats have a point to prove after their opening loss against England and I expect Modric and co to dominate the midfield and get this one over the line fairly comfortably. No more Schick wonder goals in this one. 2-0 to Croatia dark7knight: The much vaunted Croatian midfield  of Modric, Kovacic, Perisic might prove a bridge too far for the Czechs, so going for a 2-1 win to Croatia AK: Too much at stake for Croatia this early in the competition and they would want to get back on track. Going for a strong all round performance with 2-0 win for Modric and co.

     AB: Predicting a 1-0 win for Sweden. Sweden have quality up front in Isak and I expect him to nick a goal. Slovakia shocked Poland 2-1 in their opening game, but I don’t see much quality in their side. They will be focused on taking a point to ensure that they are safe, and that might give Sweden more time on the ball to make the running. Overall a poor quality game expected. dark7knight: Going for a 2-1 win in favour of Sweden. Slovakia looked plucky against Poland, but Sweden may have the slight edge. AK: Just can't see Sweden scoring here. I am going for a 0-0, but the game may be decided by a defensive mistake or a set piece etc. ADG: 2-1 to Sweden.

    AB: This has all the makings of a mouth watering contest between the favourites in the group. Holland with all their verve going forward showed their mercurial side against Ukraine and nearly threw it away. We definitely know that their matches will throw up some excitement. The way Wijnaldum operated through the Center was a joy to watch.  Austria struggled to break down N. Macedonia, and for them to influence the game, Alaba has to play up. Aranautovic is suspended for this game after scoring the winner in the last one. I expect the Dutch to win this one 3-2 - but this could be the most unpredictable game of the tournament so far dark7knight: Austria will be humstrung by the absence of Arnautovic, who despite his failings, was a wonderkid when he broke out. And Holland is going to go for it, so maybe Holland has a bit too much for Austria, 2-0 to Holland

   AB: The fact that this Danish team is playing inspite of what happened to Christian Eriksen is admirable. This will be an emotionally charged game, and there will likely be an impact on the quality of the game. Very difficult to see the Danes get one over a super talented Belgium side that have Kevin De Bruyne back from injury. Belgium to win this one 2-0 AK: Denmark need to respond and quickly. It was a emotional event last time when result did not matter and they would be keen to make Eriksen smile from the hospital bad. Expecting a tough fight fron the danes but Belgium should have enough. Going for a 2-1 here with Mertens getting on the scoresheet dark7knight: Denmark will be desperate to get points on the board and re-establish themselves as the 2nd fav in their group, not to mention that they are going to be doing it for Eriksen. Amd Belgium are obviously going to score, so predicting a 2-2 draw. .

   AB: After flattering to deceive in the first round of fixtures, both teams will be out to prove a point (and get 3 points in the process). I can’t see beyond Ukraine to be honest. They showed a lot of fight against a Dutch team on full flow, and look like they could be a surprise package this tournament. Goran Pandev got his fairytale goal last time around, but don’t see him troubling the scorer’s any more this tournament. Yarmolenko, Malinkovsky and co will have too much for them. Ukraine to win 2-0 and get right back into the mix for this group AK: Ukraine were impressive against the Dutch and I expect them to continue the same against Pandev and co. Going for 2-0 here with a Malinovsky blaster from outside the box.  dark7knight: Going for a 2-1 to Ukraine- they looked string, Macedonia might nicked a goal through a set piece.

  It was Match 8, Day 4 of Euro 2020 (or 2021, no one knows what to call it), when Patrik Schick produced a moment of pure football genius. The Czech had mainly sit back and let Scotland do the running at a Hampden Park with supporters for the first time in ages. Schick had already given the Czech a lead with a wonderful header - Outjumping 2 defenders before steering the ball into the net - but the Scots were huffing and puffing and (at times) looking threatening. On 51:28 McGregor, from about 20 meters in the Czech half attempted a long shot (and it really was a long shot). The shot was blocked and rebounded towards the Scotland half. Patrik Schick is left footed, and luckily for him the ball rebounded to his left (because you need some luck). He ran onto it, and a look up told him that Marshall, the Scottish Goalkeeper, was playing sweeper and was way off his line. At 51:30 he struck it. It was as if time stopped....  The ball arced from 49.7 meters (The furthest from which...

  AB: Another good game on our hands. Italy set the tone by putting in the performance of Matchday 1 in a 3-0 demolition of turkey. I am expecting them to build on the performance and get another win against the Swiss. The Swiss have a strong core, and in Breel Embolo, a real threat from corners and on the break as well. The Swiss will need a result here after dropping points against Wales. Midfield will be a good battle, and it will be interesting to see if Zakaria is handled a starting spot to break down the Italian attack. Also interesting to see if the Italy coach starts Chiesa over Berardi. My prediction; 2-1 to Italy, with an entertaining contest on our hands  dark7knight: Italy racked up a 3-0 against Turkey, but Turkeys over defensiveness for the better part of 60 mins and having to attack after the 1st own goal played into Italy's hands. Anf the swiss should have bagged all 3 points with a dominant performance against Wales. Am still not convinced about the recovery p...

  AB: this has the makings of a classic. Turkey need to win after a chastening defeat to Italy. Wales will fancy themselves to play on the break against a Turkey side that will need to be more expansive. Expecting an entertaining game, with goals from both sides. Gareth Bale and co to take this 2-1. dark7knight: Going by both their performances in their first matches, this match up doesn't look promising to be entertaining at all, both teams like to sit back and hit on the break. So, which team will go for it? The onus is on Turkey as the "better" team. But despite their strong defence & decent attack, their midfield is way too weak to play at this level, while Wales midfield is pretty decent on paper. So whoever controls the mid May end up with the points, but if Turkey decides to get expansive, they should get a 2-1 win.

  AB: This has all the makings of a dull encounter. Both teams did not show much going forward in the first match day. Russia will be motivated to get a win in front of home support, but they will lack the quality. Finland have a real chance to qualify for the round of 16 after scraping the emotional tie against Denmark. Expect them to sit back and absorb pressure, and not offer much going forward. I think Russia will just get over the line in a boring game. 1-0 to Russia dark7knight: Russia desperately needs points on the board, and this provides the best opportunity though Finland will sit back n try to pinch 1 on counter or via a set piece like they did against Denmark, Russia showed in the 2nd half vs Belgium that they have a few players and those might prove to be too much for Finland, going for a 2_1 in favour of Russia.

   AB: The early match of the tournament, France are the pre-tournament favourites, and Germany always perform above expectations at big tournaments. Expect a close game, with both teams boasting of real talent in their forward line, but where the match will be won is in midfield. Pogba and Kante for France and Kimmich and Goretzka for Germany makes for a mouth watering matchup. I expect Kante to win a ball in a dangerous area and transition quickly to the talented forward line for France. Germany will rely on Sane, Gnabry and Werners pace on the break. Also interested in how Low incorporates Havertz into the team, given that he ended the season on top form. I am going for France to win 2-0, but this could well be one of the defining games of the tournament dark7knight: Iam hoping this match doesn't disappoint, and going by the friendly match which they used as a rehearsal, Germany likely to line up with 3 at the back, as Rudiger has been playing well for Chelsea in such a for...

   AB: Portugal will have too much quality in attack for Hungry. The defence of the team is solid if not spectacular, but with the attacking options available - Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, they have one of the most formidable teams on the front foot. Cancelo will be a miss, but I think still a big win over Hungary, keeping in mind that goal difference will likely come into play with France and Germany to come in the group. Hungary are also missing Szobosalai through injury, and he was the one player with real quality who could’ve made a difference in this squad. They will setup to stifle Portugal, but will be unsuccessful. 3-0 to Portugal on the night. dark7knight: without being repititive, Portugal has too much quality not to come away with a win. The concern would more be who partners Carvalho in the middle, Danilo or Neves or later in the match-Moutinho? And if bruno is the no.10, which 2 players partner Ronaldo up top? Options aplenty- Adrian Silva (a proper ...

  AB: Going for a surprise 1-0 win for Sweden in this one. Luis Enriques plans have been hampered with a COVID infection to Busquets, and this is the first big tournament that they are playing without Sergio Ramos in a while, and I feel that the Spain team is going to miss their leadership and may not be able to get over the line.  Sweden, even without Zlatan are a team to reckon with on the big stage. My bet is on Isak to score a smash and grab winner. Spain will control possession but will struggle against a resolute Sweden side. AK: Going for 1-0 Spain with Moreno getting the winner. Expect a tight match from Sweden but they lack real quality and with the over rated and error prone Lindelof leading the backline, expect Spain to capitalize on that. Luis Enrique had made controversial decisions on squad selection but still has a fairly decent team on his hand. dark7knight: Spain's backline doesn't inspire much confidence, with an ageing Alba who played the entire season as mo...

  AB: Going for a 2-0 win for Poland. They have the best striker in the world right now in Lewandowski (sorry ronaldo and messi fans) and a host of supporting attacking talent. I think they will find a way to score first, and then hit Slovakia again as the game opens up. AK: Expecting Poland to flex some muscles here and go aggressive against the Slovaks. 3-0 for me. Robert Lewandowski would be hungry for goals and his duel with Skriniar would be great, but unlikely that Hamsik and co can make a real impact here. dark7knight: Poland has a  very good gk in Szczesny & the best hitman in the world up front, so expecting a goal from Lewangoalski and Szczesny to save everything thrown at him by Hamsik & co. Despite Milan Skrniar in defence for Slovakia, Iam still expecting Lewandowski to get the better of him. Going for a 1-0 win for Poland.

  AB: The underdogs in a group expected to be dominated by England and Croatia, this is a chance to get 3 points on the board and push for a spot in the round of 16. I think that this Scotland team may be underestimated and they have a chance to make it to the next round, so look out the Czech Republic. I am predicting a dull game, with Scotland scraping a winner from a corner. 1-0 to the scots AK: Likely to be a tight affair here. Going for a 1-1. Scotland, in a ruckus Hampden Park, can really turn up and give it a kitchen sink. But despite several PL names in the team, don't really come across as an outfit which can instil fear in opposition. Expect Czech to be a cohesive unit and nick a point here dark7knight: Led by Che Adams of Saints upfront, the likes of Mctominay of Man utd, McGinn of Aston villa in midfield, Tierney of Arsenal & Andy Robertson of Liverpool, Liam Cooper of Leeds in defence, young hun-Billy Gilmour of Chelsea, the team feels like an upper mid table Premi...

  AB: I know that the Dutch have not always been at their best under Frank De Boer, but I am putting my money on them doing well. I think they will dominate and come away with a 3-1 win. Memphis has been on top form of late and will get a goal, and Wijnaldum will do his job in the middle of the park. Ukraine to get a consolation goal and exploit the weakness in the Dutch defence that is missing Van Dijk. dark7knight: Man for man, Netherlands is far superior, but unlike in the past, this Dutch team's total is lesser than the sum of its parts courtesy De Boer. So predicting Ukraine coming up with a surprise here and drawing 2-2. AK:  Predicting a tight affair here with 2-2 scoreline. Ukraine are a decent team and I expect Malinovsky to carry his club form here. They may keep it tight in the beginning but will grow into the game and get into the attacking mode soon. Dutch have lot of promising young players but not many world beaters in the squad. Curious to see the selection fro...

  AB: This is a really interesting one for me. It will be a cagey affair, and I was very tempted to go for a 0-0 draw, but I think Austria will edge this 1-0. Macedonia is going to keep it tight and keep bodies behind the ball, and try and exploit any set pieces through Bardhi - who has more free kick goals in the last 5 seasons in La Liga for anyone other than Messi. However Austria is a well oiled team and they have difference makers across their squad in Alaba, Sabitzer, Laimer and ever Arnautovic. I think they will sneak a goal and take the win. dk: AUSTRIA 1- 0 N.MACEDONIA , summing up in 1 line- Alaba at his peak is better than a ageing Pandey(v)- same across the teams in every position. AK: North Macedonia are true minnows in this tournament. With Pandev, Bardhi and Elioski they have some half decent campaigners but against Austria I expect them to come short. Going for a 2-0 win here. Expecting Alaba to run the game from midfield and the young Kalajdzic to make some name he...

  AB:  There are a lot of expectations of this English team, with many putting them as second favourites to win the tournament after France. I hope Southgate doesn’t shoot himself in the foot by taking too defensive an approach especially given that Harry Maguire is not playing. However it is at the other end, and with the other Harry that the real strength of this English team lies. Kane is a world class striker, and he has players of real quality to play with. Whomever of Foden, Sterling, Sancho, Grealish, Rashford or Mount starts will be a threat to the opposition. Croatia are an aging side but still boast of quality in midfield and going forward in Modric, Kovacic, Brozovic, Perisic, Rebic and Kramaric. England’s defence might be suspect and Croatia will exploit any lapses. I think the key here is to score first. I’ll go with a 2-1 victory to England, with Kane being clinical and making the difference. dark7knight: "bring home the cup" they say, and that starts with this ...

  AK: After fairytale World Cup 18, both Belgium and Russia would look to continue their good forms in a major tournament again. But unlikely to have similar outcomes. Russia squad has evolved in last 3 years. Not so long ago they were fielding a back 3 with combined age of 108. Some young players are in the squad now. With in form Golovin, the towering Dzyuba and couple of decent options from the bench in Cherychev and Miranchuk, they have some relatively known operators as well, but their form has been inconsistent. Not expecting much from them in this tournament. Belgium on the other hand look outstanding on paper and the challenge for them is to get to the next level now. An aging backline can be a worry as the tournament progresses but they should have enough to hammer Russia. Expecting a 3-0 or more. Lukaku, De Bruyne are some usual suspects to get onto the scoresheet. Would be curious to see how Martinez uses the younger Hazard and mercurial Mertens.   AB: Expectin...

  AK: This is a huge mismatch when it comes to squad quality and recent form. Finland have been poor in the last 1 year and a friendly win over under strength France notwithstanding, have largely looked listless. In Premier League cult hero Pukki and Bundesliga veteran Pohjanpalo, they have couple of experienced strikers but it would be surprising if they can trouble a well marshalled Danish backline. For Denmark, in goal, Kasper would try his best to emulate his father Peter's heroics from 30 years back. Yes, Denmark are playing in the Euros in Scandanavia and this time at home turf! Mobile attacking options with a solid midfield make them strong favorites to go through to the knock outs and possibly more. Predicting a 3-0 here. Expecting the intelligent and now vastly experienced Eriksen and versatile Wass to have a big game. AB: I am also going for a 3-0 to Denmark. For Denmark their midfield quality, Delaney, Hojberg and Eriksen will be too much for the Finns to handle. In Poul...

  AB: I am going for a 1-1 draw here. Switzerland have the better team but in Gareth Bale, Wales have a man for the big occasion. I expect Switzerland to have possession and more chances, and Wales to exploit Dan James pace on the counter attack. Ramsey will also be out to prove a point after an underwhelming season at Juventus. The Swiss have enough quality to score, so a score draw is most likely. With Turkey’s big defeat to Italy, the group is really open and both teams will keep it fairly tight with a mind on that 3rd place spot. Keep a lookout for Breel Embolo, who is likely to make a statement and make bigger clubs stand up and take a good look. AK: Qualifying for Euros was a big achievement again for Wales after their heroics in Euro 2016, but I am afraid that's as far as they will go. Bale finding some late form for may offer some hope but the team lacks quality to be fair. Switzerland on the other hand have some promising players and always play as a coherent unit under lo...

  What does a return to a big football tournament (albeit a year late) mean?  Opinions from the self proclaimed experts! So here goes! AB: I am going for Italy to grind out a 2-1 win. They have quality in their front 3 - Insigne, Immobile and Chiesa especially can't be underestimated after a magnificent season at Juventus. And they have good passing range in midfield with Verratti (if fit) and Jorginho.  Turkey's main creative outlet will be Hakan Calhanoglou, while Burak Yilmaz had a great season inspiring Lille to the Ligue 1 title. I expect them to score, because Italy's defence is not what it used to be. But Italy will score too. Chiesa to make the difference. MK: I see a 1-1 draw here. Turkey hasn't been impressive in the pre Euro friendlies. But with Hakan Calhanoglou coming off a good season with Milan, I predict that the Italians will be caught up in the midfield battle to contain him. Also, the experienced Burak Yilmaz may be key to Turkey's hopes. Marco Ve...