Euro 2020 - The Story So Far

How is each team performing thus far? Some as expected, some above expectations, others below par and a few have been quite poor. Individual players have been the same too. At this very moment, let us see who and where they are.

North Macedonia - They are the only team already eliminated after two matches. Their giant-killing acts before the tournament have come to nought but they did score in both games and have been unlucky not to pick up at least a point or two. The Dutch were too good for them and so fight has come to an end. North Macedonia have already done very well to be here.

Finland - Finland's win over Denmark was owed to their hard work and I suspect partly due to the fact that Danish players were quite severely affected by Christian Eriksen's collapse. UEFA should have replayed the match rather than to carry on. The very good thing was Eriksen has survived the ordeal. In perspective, there are more important things in life than soccer. They still did better than Russia by goal difference.

Hungary - Hungary have been quite good really. They were in some ways unfortunate to have lost 0-3 to Portugal but came back roaring against France and to even take the lead but eventually drew 1-1 but their next opponent Germany are currently in the mood so really tough as they need to win this game which is unlikely. 

Turkey - I named Turkey as a strong Dark Horse as they were very good in the previous World Cup and Euro including their performances in recent years but they have been the biggest disappointment. The youngest team in this competition, they look naive at times. They will be put out of their misery. They shoot horses don't they?

Croatia - Croatia have been a pale shadow of themselves. It has been a failure for their renewal. There is no room left for them but to beat Scotland but they have not won a match in their last four attempts and in the past five meetings they have never beaten Scotland (3D2L). At this point, it is hard to see them winning but that is what they must do.

Scotland - The Scot gave England a good scare. They did not have England's riches and yet made up for it with grit and determination. Now they need a win against Croatia. Scotland have been hit by Covid-19 as their outstanding youngster Billy Gilmour tested positive which will also affect England as his Chelsea team mates Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell interacted with him and were both isolated. 

Slovakia - Slovakia were good enough when they overcame Poland but went down to the Swedes. If they could steal a point from Spain to have hope.

Russia - Russia looked poor against Belgium but got a hard-earned win over Finland so taking a point off Denmark could see them through.

Denmark - Eriksen's collapse and subsequent absence affected them. The Danish took the game to Belgium and were very good and just unfortunate to have lost to Belgium 1-2. The impressive 4-1 win over Russia put them back into second place. With Erikssen discharged from hospital, the players' spirit have been lifted. They are still a team to watch because they can be very good. 

Austria - With three points in the bag, they played poorly against the Netherlands. The narrow win over Ukraine puts them through. While they can be hard to beat, they do not possess the cutting edge upfront. 

Poland - Only one point from two games but Lewandowski scored. Will definitely need to beat Sweden to progress but Sweden is a stubborn team to get beaten. Lewandowski holds the key and at 32, he is unlikely to feature in the next edition.

Switzerland - The Swiss are not that exciting but yet they have an excellent chance to progress. So far, they have done all the things right. Xherdan Shaqiri, who hardly feature for Liverpool has been very sharp. His two goals in their 3-1 win over Turkey meant they cannot be ignored.

Ukraine - Andriy Shevchenko's side have ben impressive. They just need a draw versus Austria and if they get through, teams may not like to meet them in the KO stage. But alas, they have just lost 0-1 to Austria and looked lack-lustre. 

Wales - To me, Wales are more impressive than England and Scotland. They are hard to beat. Ethan Ampadu's red card against Italy was unfortunate. They are defensively solid and Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey could suddenly inspired them. Discount them at your own peril. The Dragons are breathing fire.

Spain- Spain have been poor really. They continue to pass the ball to death but no effective cutting edge. They must now conquer Slovakia but even if they do and qualify, how will they go further without firing? Along these lines, Slovakia could spring a surprise. 

Czech Republic - Quite refreshing actually. Topping Group D on goal difference, a draw with England is enough. They may even win this one given England's dour performance so far. Patrick Schick is clever and a fine striker and may give some hell to England's defence. 

Sweden - Sweden is top of Group E with four points. Job done. A point against Poland would guarantee. They looked hard to beat so far.

Portugal - Ronaldo at 36 is still a fine specimen. Their defensive situation that has been plaguing them has resurfaced. It collapsed against the Germans but a win over France next must be the new narrative. There are now more better sides than Portugal. 

Netherlands - With to wins in the bag and already through yet they are not the team here. Still unsure if they could make it very far but at this moment they are looking good. 

Germany - Gary Lineker was known to have said that football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for ninety minutes and at the end, Germany always wins. Germany have not been like that in recent years but the highly impressive win over Portugal prove they could be back. A win over Hungary should be expected. Joachim Low dared to make changes during the game and switched play that changed the game. 

Italy - Italy equalled their record of a 30-match unbeaten run way back to 1939. From before this competition and into the competition till now, they have kept eleven clean sheets. They are also playing very well and with invention. They are certain to be strong favourites if they could keep going the same way. My only fear for them is that they are peaking too early. It is rare for teams that peak too early to win such a competition. 

Belgium -Belgium have minor issues here and there but then they are faced with obstacles, Eden Hazard and especially Kevin De Bruyne seamlessly came to their rescue in that match against Denmark. De Bruyne is the man who could carry them all the way and Lukaku is still banging in the goals and when not looking threatening. 

France - France failed to beat Hungary but they still have the best overall squad to win such a tournament. They could still reach a new peak. It takes a fool not to take them as favourites. But Hungary made them look like humans and normal. 

England - England , ah, everyone's favourite team not because they are the best but due to familiarity of the Premier League. The way they are going, they and you are going to be hurt again after 55 years. Let's start with Gareth Southgate. He looks assured, confident, the perfect gentleman, say all the right things and mostly brought along the right players. However, it is still bizarre that at first he named four or five right backs stating that they could play anywhere. Aren't you going to need one or two or more for your midfield or attack? In his opening game, he kept his loyalty and faith with Kieran Tripper and Raheem Sterling who both incidentally justified their selection, Trippier a natural right back playing as left back and did well and Sterling looked dangerous and scored the only and winning goal. 

He has Ben Chiwell who starred for Chelsea and won the Champions League and Luke Shaw who was outstanding for Manchester United and having his best season. Both sat out. Maybe Southgate knew something we don't like Croatia has a winger who loves to cut back and cross with his left foot on the right wing. It is good to have faith and loyalty but blind ones? Kyle Walker was ok defensively but he contributed nothing going forward. Worse, he made aimless passes that saw them going nowhere but out of play. He is only good when you play a back three and you may need him for his pace and recovery. 

Sterling and Phil Foden play for City who do not have a forward like Kane. The wing backs are not foraging forward leaving Harry Kane isolated with no crosses to reach him in dangerous areas. When you play Scotland who defended well, there was no impact or ideas to change the game. Sterling may be good when the ball is played ahead of him but it is Jack Grealish who excels in tight spaces. Grealish has many great attributes to his game, particularly, he attracts opponents' attention and he is very good in making defenders commit. This will free up space for his team mates, see him going through or being brought down in dangerous areas for free kicks where your set pieces can come in but to play him now and not from the beginning then do not expect miracles from him. At least we could have a look at his handsome face or like many others worship his world class and muscularly calves such that without kicking a ball he should have already won the Golden Calves Award. 

To see Sterling making no progress but still playing the full 90 minutes when a goal is needed with Jadon Sancho sitting on the bench made everyone question the size of Southgate's balls and his brain's tactical prowess. Sterling is good to come on in the later stage of games when the opponents are tired. 

With Mason Mount and Ben Chiwell isolated due to their interaction with Chelsea team mate and Scotland's Billy Gilmour, Southgate will be forced to name a different lineup which could be the tonic that they needed. A blessing in disguise? With Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire fit again although lacking match sharpness, would he be tempted to field them. 

And if Harry Kane has been unfit or distracted then something else has to be done like bringing on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. I see Sterling, Foden and Kane in an ill-fitted system which needs to be changed.  WIth his hands forced, you may now get to see Marcus Rashford playing on the left which is more effective. Perhaps Jadon Sancho  will finally get his game on. The 21 year old starred with 16 goals and 15 assists for Borussia Dortmund and must be ready to shine. Jack Grealish may also get his first full game with Mount unavailable.  

Yes, in tournament football, you need to be practical but you will also need to be bold when it is called for. Playing constipation football does not mean it is harder to be flushed out. Or you may take the early flight home. Oh England are already home. Football is coming home slogan will sound hollow.