The Scout: EURO 2020 Round of 16

Posted on June 28, 2021June 28, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

England vs Germany

As often seems to be the case, England are one of the more intriguing teams entering the Round of 16. They finished top of Group D with two wins and a draw (tick), but did so off the back of just two goals scored. The recurring theme under Gareth Southgate is their willingness to defend, being the only team alongside Italy not to concede during the group stages.

Germany had a bit of everything through the group matches, following up their epic 4-2 win over Portugal with a disappointing 2-2 draw with Hungary. Manager Joachim Low needs to find an efficient attacking combination, as chances against England are likely to be few and far between.

The Germans have been slow starters this tournament, conceding the first goal in each of their three games. Usually a strength of the national side, their defense has not looked comfortable and has been particularly susceptible to the counterattack.

Speaking of counterattacks, Raheem Sterling is a specialist in this area and will be a threat when making his darting runs in behind Germany’s defense. The Manchester City star has scored both of England’s goals in the tournament and looks their most dangerous player again here (especially with Harry Kane looking down on confidence).

SUGGESTED BET: England & Under 2.5 Goals (Winner / Total DBL) @ $5*

SUGGESTED BET: Raheem Sterling Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.60*

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Sweden vs Ukraine

Sweden were the most unsuspecting number one seed coming out of the group stages, finishing first in Group E ahead of Spain, and undefeated in their three games. In contrast, Ukraine were third in their group with one win, two losses and a negative goal differential. Real skin of their teeth stuff!

Although this matchup doesn’t jump off the page, it couldn’t have shaped up much better for Sweden who have a perfect opportunity to progress to the quarter-finals. The Swedes have based most of their recent success on defense, keeping six clean sheets in their last eight fixtures, including two out of three in this tournament.

What has improved drastically for Sweden is their attacking prowess, now an extremely dangerous side moving forward. The combination of Alexander Isak and Emil Forsberg has been a key driver behind Sweden scoring first in nine of their last 10 games. And they are very good at keeping a lead, evident late in their 1-0 win over Slovakia.

Ukraine earned their way into knockout rounds with that sole 2-1 win over lowly North Macedonia. They look outclassed by Sweden on paper (and exposed form), and I can see this Swedish defensive group completely suffocating their attacking spearheads in Roman Yaremchuk and Andriy Yarmolenko.

Emil Forsberg has been the star for Sweden this tournament, scoring three of their four goals. The RB Leipzig midfielder is playing with great confidence and proving he is levels above the lesser European competition.

SUGGESTED BET: Sweden & Under 2.5 Goals (Winner / Total DBL) @ $4.40*

SUGGESTED BET: Emil Forsberg Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.60*

*Odds correct as at 7pm, 28th June 2021.

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