After three games a day in the European Championships, we’ve finally reached the final fixtures in each group. The new format means there are plenty of spots still up for grabs in the last 16. On top of that, sides who finish third will have a keen interest in the results in the other groups as well.
So, everything is set up for a strong finish to the group stage, and we expect some late drama in a few of these groups. England and Wales are both not completely sure about their places in the next round, they need final day results to confirm their passage through. On top of that there’s action from Groups A and C coming up, and here we’ve picked out the four biggest matches from the next few days. We’ve looked at the main talking points, and picked out a betting tip for each clash.
Sunday 19th June 2016
Switzerland v France (20:00) – Both teams to score (21/20 with Coral)
The French have toiled in their opening two games at the tournament, which doesn’t say much for their hopes of going all the way. Their spirit to grab late winners does, however, and that’s put them through to the knockout round with a game to spare. Switzerland are almost there, but they’ll need a result here to confirm a place in the last 16 on the night. Should they slip up and Romania win, then the Swiss could be forced to wait until the end of the group stage before confirming their place in the knockout round. Of course, they can still top this group, if they were to pull off a win over the hosts on Sunday night.
The Swiss should go out pushing for the win here. Having seen how France have defended throughout this tournament, they’re certainly beatable. They should have been behind in those games they won late on. We don’t see France keeping a clean sheet, this Swiss team should get at least a goal. You’d always fancy France to score, as their attacking line up is better than anyone at this tournament. That should make for a very open game, with both pushing forward to take the win. Both teams to score is our bet for this game, which is priced at 21/20 with Coral.
Monday 20th June 2016
Slovakia v England (20:00) – Over 1.5 England goals (Evens with Coral)
England took control of the group on Thursday, but they left it very late and they are only a point above third place. They could still drop out of the top two here if they lose this game. They were expected to top this group from the beginning, and this looks like the perfect chance for them to do so. Slovakia did get back to winning ways against Russia, and that has them in contention to make the last round as well. Any two or three of the four sides in the group could yet sneak through, which makes this one of the most open groups in the competition. Roy Hodgson will be hoping this game doesn’t get too open, he doesn’t want any more late drama.
The best way to avoid late drama is to start with their strong attack, rather than hold them in reserve. There’s no need to throw three forwards on from the start, but Hodgson can do more. Starting Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana brings balance, but little goal threat. That’s something that the Three Lions need to put right on Monday, and they’ll be a serious threat if they do. We think Hodgson will make some bold calls here, and that’s why we’re backing over 1.5 goals for England. Slovakia’s leaky defence comes into it, too. They’ve been too open at the back, which makes two or more England goals look great value at evens with Coral.
Russia v Wales (20:00) – Wales to win (19/10 with Betfair)
Wales stand on the edge of making the last 16 at their first ever European Championship. They could have already been through, if they’d kept up the pressure on England in their last game. After retreating to protect their lead, the Welsh complicated matters for themselves. They know a win takes them through, but a point should do. That makes this clash a difficult one for them to approach. Do they push here, or sit back with what they’ve got again? It’s hard to tell what the best way is for them to proceed. The Russians have a very simple goal here, they need to win.
They’ve needed to win since the beginning of the tournament though, it’s hard to see them just turning it on now. Marek Hamsik ran riot against this Russian defence, and they looked blown away by him. If they thought that was bad, just wait until they meet Gareth Bale. The Welsh have drifted to 19/10 with Betfair to win here on the back of their England defeat. While that was a setback, they can bounce back. This Russian side aren’t as good as their draw with England suggests, and we see Wales beating them on their way to booking a place in the last 16.
Tuesday 21st June 2016
Northern Ireland v Germany (17:00) – Germany -1 handicap (10/11 with Sky Bet)
Who would have pegged this as the most important game on Group C’s final day? Northern Ireland are massive outsiders in this game, but they’ve assured themselves of a top three place after two matches. Their win over Ukraine got them back into things, and then Germany’s 0-0 draw with Poland saw the Ukrainians eliminated. While NI will be hoping to squeeze through as one of the best third placed sides, they’re only a point behind the leaders. Could they finish higher than expected here? In order to do that, they’d need to record the greatest result in their history.
The Germans haven’t been at their best in this tournament, but they’ve still been getting through games. They don’t have the forward line to hammer a team, but they’ve got enough creativity to make chances. While they might not have enough to win in the latter stages of the tournament, they should get through this game. We think NI will sit back and defend for their lives, but the Germans will eventually break them down. It might end up being a slog for the world champions, but we’re backing them to take this one with a -1 handicap, at 10/11 with Sky Bet.