The Scout: EURO 2020 Day 12

Posted on June 21, 2021June 21, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Croatia vs Scotland

Croatia and Scotland are locked on one point each, with both needing a win here, and the England vs Czech Republic fixture to fall in their favour to make it into the knockout stages. With both sides needing to make up goal differential as well, we should be in for an entertaining (read attacking) match.

Group D looked a nice landing spot for Croatia who were touted to rival England for the top spot. However back-to-back poor performances has them staring down the barrel of a group stage exit. Their biggest issue has been firepower, scoring just once in their two games to date.

Scotland will be playing in front of their home crowd at Hampden Park, and despite going goalless through two games, they’ll be desperate to put on a show for the home fans. The Scots adjusted after their 2-0 opening loss to the Czech Republic, injecting striker Che Adams (Southampton) into the starting XI against England. His energy and attacking presence was felt (not on the scoreboard), and he looked by far their most dangerous man up front.

Adams has scored in two of his last three starts for Scotland and should get his chances again in a game that I’m expecting to go back and forth throughout.

SUGGESTED BET: Che Adams Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.30*

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England vs Czech Republic

England find themselves under immense pressure in their final Group match of Euro 2020, tied on points with Czech Republic (but goal differential behind), it’s not quite a must win, but it could make or break their title chances depending on how the other groups pan out.

England have been criticised for an uber-safe approach to their opening two games. They’ve scored just once, and are yet to concede, with both games leaving fans mostly unfulfilled. Phil Foden is likely to not feature in this match, with the attacking midfield responsibilities left heavily with Raheem Sterling.

Czech Republic have been one of the surprise packets of the tournament. Sitting atop the group, they’ve had an impressive 2-0 win over Scotland and a 1-1 draw with Croatia. The standout for them has been Patrik Schick who has scored all three of their goals to this point of the tournament.

I think we see a far more aggressive version of England in this fixture, with an early goal ideal to ease the pressure that will no doubt be felt heavy by this squad. Harry Kane is due for a big game, and needs to make a statement as captain. I think he does, and I think England get the win and claim top spot in the Group.

SUGGESTED BET: England Win & Both Teams to Score @ $4*

*Odds correct as at 8pm, 21st June 2021.

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