The Scout: EURO 2020 Semi-Finals

Posted on July 6, 2021July 7, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

England vs Denmark

England find themselves in a dream position following their dominant 4-0 win over Ukraine in the quarter-finals. They’ve won four of their five games in the tournament (plus a draw), and still haven’t conceded a single goal. Their own goal scoring worries look to be behind them now, and that rock-solid defense is being led perfectly by Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.

Denmark have had one of the wildest European Championship campaigns you could ever imagine. They jumped the Czech Republic early in their quarter-final matchup, taking a 2-0 lead into half time, and much like the Italians, held on for a 2-1 victory. Their other wins in the tournament have come against Russia and Wales, so this is a big step up again in opposition.

English manager Gareth Southgate has gotten all of his big tactical calls right this tournament, with his tweaks against Germany and Ukraine working perfectly. With his defensive unit set, Southgate has been able to mix and match his attacking structures, with Jadon Sancho getting his first start against Ukraine, and delivering in spades.

Harry Kane started the tournament slowly but with three goals in the last two games (including the first against Ukraine), he’s now within striking distance of the Golden Boot (five goals currently). Much like their game against Ukraine, with the English defense playing so well, it may only need to be a single moment of Harry Kane brilliance that sees England heading to the EURO 2020 Final.

SUGGESTED BET: England Win to Nil @ $2.40*

SUGGESTED BET: Harry Kane First Goalscorer @ $4*

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Italy vs Spain

The first semi-final of Euro 2020 sees Italy taking on Spain at Wembley Stadium in London. To get here, Italy held on to beat Belgium 2-1, while Spain won a dramatic penalty shootout against Switzerland.

Italy conceded for the first time all tournament in the quarter-finals (a penalty in the dying seconds of the first half) but went on to defend courageously over the next 45 minutes, with Belgium throwing everything they had at them. Despite conceding a goal (not too much of a blemish), the Italians looked fantastic, with their first half littered with wave after wave of attacking balls into dangerous positions.

Spain were far less impressive in their quarter-final appearance, and their inability to score must be a real concern for their tournament chances, especially against this Italian defense. Their lone goal against Switzerland was an own goal, and the Swiss were down to 10 men from the 77 minute mark. Keep in mind this game included two periods of extra time!

The Italians have now won 12 of their last 13 matches and their attacking partnership of Ciro Immobile (two goals, one assist) and Lorenzo Insigne (two goals) has been exceptional all tournament. Napoli striker Insigne has really elevated his game for the national team, using his speed to find dangerous spots inside the opposition box. He scored Italy’s second goal against Belgium, and I think he’ll be their most dangerous forward again here.

SUGGESTED BET: Italy (Match Result) @ $2.45*

SUGGESTED BET: Lorenzo Insigne Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.60*

*Odds correct as at 7pm, 5th July 2021.

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