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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Denzel Dumfries and three players Everton should keep an eye on in Euro 2020 tonight

The European Championships has entered its second round of group matches as the complexion of the respective groups continues to hot up.

Wales and Italy both picked up crucial points ahead of their final game on Sunday with just two points separating them, meaning a win for either in their clash will win the group.

Switzerland and Turkey meanwhile, will battle it out to avoid finishing bottom but if the Swiss can pick up another three points they will move onto four points and closer to becoming one of the four best-placed teams in order to progress to the knockout stages.

Group B and C are in action on Thursday as former-Blues boss Roberto Martinez looks to make it two wins from two as they face Denmark.

Then Netherlands will take on Austria in the later kick-off but which of the players featuring in these games should Everton be keeping a close eye on in Euro 2020?

Stephen Killen takes a look:

Denzel Dumfries

Match: NETHERLANDS vs Austria - kick-off: 8pm

The 22-year-old scored the winning goal for the Netherlands as they weathered the Ukraine fightback on Sunday, he rose above Manchester City's Aleksander Zinchenko to head home spurring Frank de Boer's blushes.

Dumfries is a player which many Everton fans are already watching with a close eye at this summers tournament and with good reason too.

His threat from the right wing-back position in de Boer's system unlocked a side of his game many wouldn't have seen before coming close on two occasions, one of which he should've finished but he undoubtedly impressed in his debut at a major tournament.

Austria are tonight's opponents and he will be up against Franco Foda's resolute and relentlessly attacking side who will be without Marko Arnautovic for the match after he was handed a one-match ban for his celebration after his goal against North Macedonia.

Bundesliga duo Marcel Sabitzer and Sasa Kalajdzic will be looking put Dumfries under immense pressure and to spoil the party at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

Sasa Kalajdzic
Match: Netherlands vs AUSTRIA - kick-off: 8pm

Kalajdzic is another name Everton fans will of heard of after the 23-year-old saw his name linked with the club last season.

The first report of the Blues interest in the Austrian came from The Athletic at the beginning of June.

He failed to make an impact in the opening match and was subsequently replaced by Arnautovic.

Known for his towering physique and aerial prowess, he will be looking to take advantage of the lapses in concentration that allowed Ukraine an avenue back into the match on Sunday.

Mathias Jensen
Match: DENMARK vs Belgium - kick-off: 5pm

Jensen was one of Thomas Frank's key men in their promotion-winning season, last season.

Everton could see him in action first-hand next season when they travel to the Brentford Community Stadium at the end of November.

The 25-year-old assisted seven times for the Bees last season and during the Dane's build-up to the tournament, he was the standout performer against Bosnia and Herzegovina during their 2-0 win.

His vision and technique is one that Martinez's side should worry about as he will look to thread Yusuf Poulsen and Martin Braithwaite through at any opportunity.

On the bench for Denmark tonight, but will be looking to cause an upset against one of the tournament favourites.

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