Which I guess means that we’re done over here. Thanks for your company and comments – enjoy the games and the rest of the weekend.
Here we go! Paul Doyle on the cut to coax you through the build-up to Netherlands v Czech Republic – and then the match itself.
In 1988, the Netherlands had Gullit, Rijkaard, Koeman and Van Basten in the same team. That is an absolute outrage.
What a photo! Just look at them!
Meanwhile in Seville...
Can you feel it?
More on Wales.
“Let’s all harken back to a simpler time,” says Marie Meyer, “when Dutch supporters were having their trousers confiscated and therefore they watched the match in their pants.”
Shame Bavaria didn’t make matching string vests
“I just read on Dutch news that Hungarian police is confiscating rainbow flags that Dutch fans brought with them to Budapest,” emails Inge Kersten. “It’s a very sad day for LGBTQ+ community, democracy and the EU. Uefa should take a stand (there was a rainbow march here in Nijmegen yesterday after the news from Hungary and Poland).
Yes, I agree absolutely. Sadly Uefa seem more concerned with not aggravating Victor Orbán than in doing what’s right, as last week’s pathetic, insulting statement showed – and the UK’s complicity in all this should not be forgotten either.
Tomorrow, @BorisJohnson will be hosting Hungarian PM Victor Orbán in Downing Street. This week Johnson said, “where we have concerns about human rights we do not shy away from raising them”. Here's just some of Orbán's views he should raise...
— HOPE not hate (@hopenothate) May 27, 2021
I also think it’s worth noting that while pressing has helped establish club football at the game’s highest level, the gathering of the best players in a handful of places has also made a monumental difference.
The full-back positions will be crucial in both of today’s games, because neither Netherlands nor Belgium use them, meaning their opponents will need to make the most of theirs. Can Portugal’s give them enough attacking thrust?
Thomas Müller, what an absolute don.
You look at Denmark and it’s hard to see how they get past the Netherlands, if they beat the Czech Republic. Not long ago, Sky Sports News had a Danish journalist on, who thought they could repeat the incredible antics of 1992, which seems unlikely – that team had perhaps the greatest goalie ever, absolutely on one, Brian Laudrup, and Flemming Polvsen – and this team does not. But you can’t underestimate the power of momentum and belief.
The more I think about this competition, the more I’m buzzing for its denouement.
I’d have left Raheem Sterling out of England’s first game – he was out of form and Jadon Sancho was in form – but so far he’s the team’s only goalscorer. I’m not certain I’d rely on him against the best teams – Marcus Rashford’s big-game record is better – but no one can deny he’s earned his place in the side. Here are Jacob Steinberg’s thoughts on the matter.
I first came across Emma Hayes’ co-commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, and she was great at that; I didn’t doubt for a second that she’d be just as good on the telly. I wish we had more voices prepared to discuss tactical nuances, and tell us things we’ve not seen rather than remind us of things we’ve just seen. I bet Casey Stoney would be great at this too.
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Enjoyed this, and never thought I’d hear Nathaniel Clyne as one half of a rhyming couplet.
As such, he featured in this.
Ah man, I love this lad.
Ultimately, I doubt we’ll fully appreciate the brilliance of him or other him until we discover our disappointment in the ludicrous deeds of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.
Nearly seven years ago, I wrote about Ronaldo in Joy of Six: purple patches. Arguably, his run of form is still going on.
Back to today, here’s Andy Brassell on the absolute disgrace that is Cristiano Ronaldo. I wonder if he’s now a better bet in international rather than club football, reason being in the former his knack and mentality are enough to settle games, but the latter requires a bit more energy and fluidity.
And some thoughts from Barney Ronay...
Thoughts from Germany on what’s coming.
There’s also a lot going on as we speak. As Issa Rae would say, “we got y’all.”
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Elsewhere...
Back to the Netherlands, the principal choice facing Frank de Boer is whether to pick Donyell Malen or Wout Weghorst alongside Depay in attack. Malen is in possession, though may only have been selected for the final group game because qualification had been secured. But he looked the better player and will almost definitely become the better player, while Weghorst looks like a option for when you need a goal and want to to toss balls into the box.
I mean!
Germany’s Leon Goretzka on the excitement enveloping the Euros from a German point of view. “It is nice to once again have 82 million people who think they’re the coach of Germany, rather than 82 million virologists.” :-)
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) June 21, 2021
Seriously, what did we do to deserve the current generation of socially conscious footballers? Absolute heroes.
And Wednesday night was not his first contribution. This thread is well worth your time.
1/ Going to start the day with a thread about Leon Goretzka’s comments to Welt am Sonntag. As you may know, Goretzka is a socially engaged footballer. He & Bayern teammate Joshua Kimmich in the early phase of the pandemic started the “We Kick Corona” initiative.
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) December 20, 2020
Leon Goretzka has his say. What a man.
From that piece:
The streets of the Hungarian capital have turned a shade of orange with more than 7,000 Netherlands supporters expected at another sold-out game at the Puskas Arena. Jaroslav Silhavy’s team will be backed by more than 6,000 Czech Republic fans for an occasion that keeps the spotlight on the Hungarian government’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and Uefa’s pathetic response when blocking plans to illuminate the Football Arena in Munich in rainbow colours.
Euro 2020 power rankings: Italy lead the way after impressive group stageRead more
The Netherlands captain, Georginio Wijnaldum, will wear a rainbow armband featuring the words “One Love” at the stadium where the appearance of homophobic and racist banners in Hungary’s games against Portugal and France led to a Uefa disciplinary investigation. Wijnaldum has discussed with teammates whether to walk off in the event of any racist abuse from the crowd.
De Boer said: “We have not kneeled in the earlier games but we know what we stand for. Our captain wears the band for the ‘One Love’ campaign which stands against all forms of discrimination. This is the biggest statement we can make.”
Anyway, let’s re-turn our focus to today’s first game. Here are Andy Hunter’s thoughts:
“Just reading through your England starting XI,” says Louwrens Botha, “and am a bit confused. I thought Shaw Rice Phillips had retired?”
Laugh!
“Trippier on the wing in an uneven front line, admittedly highly unlikely,” returns Yash Gupta. “He will be far more effective there than being at, say, left-back as Walker will be at right-back. He can track Gosens, provide some crosses and allow Foden to move to the right in some moments of the game with Kane dropping deep. It would also allow Sterling to target Hummels and the space between Hummels and Kimmich without worrying about tracking back. With Kane also in the mix hopefully that will prevent Rudiger moving to the wide regions where he was effective against Portugal. Rashford would’ve been ideal on the left until I read he’s not fit and a quick Google search said he’s due to a surgery.”
If I was Gareth Southgate, I’d be concerned about having a front three containing just two strikers, especially given one of them is struggling for form, fitness and goals. I’d not be surprised, though, if he didn’t bother with an attacking midfielder, and went with Rice, Phillips and Henderson.
“More seriously,” returns Matt Dony, “Bale has earned the right to do whatever he wants. If he chooses to walk away from international football, or even football in general, I will be heartbroken, but I would understand. He has been incredible with Wales, not just on the pitch, but as part of the group. The success that the team has had over the last six or seven years is a testament to the spirit of the group, with no divide between superstars like Bale and Ramsey, and players who usually warm the bench in the Football League. Bale is probably technically Wales’ best-ever player. Ramsey would probably get into a Wales All-Time XI. But they’re both coming towards the end of their careers, and Wales will soon need to plan for life without them. Yesterday was horribly disappointing; the team underperformed. No two ways about it. Hopefully, everyone can go away and have a good rest, and then focus on WC qualification.”
Yes, agree with this. You could argue Ryan Giggs is Wales’ best-ever, but in terms of performances for them, it’s not even a conversation. Anyone reading remember John Charles and Ivor Allchurch?
David Hytner shares some thoughts on England v Germany.
“I appreciate and agree that Belgium v Portugal is the mouth-watering game of the round and is deservedly getting all the hype,” says DJ Tignes. “But just to throw in some fun content around the afternoon game, a re-match of a classic from the group stage in 2004. Ok, both teams went through, but what a match. One Pavel Nedved as MOTM, and just check the long-range shots. Thank you and good day.”
I remember it well, an absolute jazzer. I was staggered when both sides then went and lost Greece.
And germane to a previous but different conversation:
Despite playing just 142 minutes in the competition so far, Renato Sanches has played more passes into the final third [14] than any other Portugal midfielder at #EURO2020.
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 27, 2021
So impressive. #POR pic.twitter.com/5ipTGkTk9C
To return to a previous conversation, apparently Gareth Bale has told S4C that he’ll play for Wales until he retires. That’s great news, because they can’t afford to lose him and we’ve seen in this competition that, although his pace is on the wane, he’s got the feet to cause plenty of damage.
I guess you could argue that Saka played in a team that’d already qualified against a team that’d already qualified. But he’s also one of those players able to rise to any occasion because he’s extremely talented and extremely intelligent – and he’s in form.
“On the right, simple,” returns Yash Gupta. “Kieran Trippier.”
Do you mean at full-back or on the wing? I’m sure it’ll be Walker at the back, and in attack I think Southgate will want to play Saka.
“Oh, we’re carrying on with the Euros, are we?” wonders Matt Dony. “I thought it all finished just before 7pm yesterday. Denmark are champions, Wales glorious runners-up. Nothing else matters. See you when next season starts…”
Ah Wales. On the plus side, you’ll always have Harry Secombe.
A different angle on England v Germany.
“Thanks for your insights on England - Germany,” says Peter Van, “but that one has boring 1-0 written all over it. Germany are pleasantly shambolic, but England under Southgate have become a competent but dull, dull, dull machine. The real highlight of this round is definitely Belgium-Portugal. Belgium can be incredible; Portugal have a dour reputation that is, I think, very undeserved. In every major tournament they seem to have at least one game that is fabulously bonkers and fun: France 3-2 Portugal 2 in 84, Portugal 3-2 England in 2000, Portugal 2-2 England in 2004, Portugal 3-2 Hungary in 2016, Spain 3-3 Portugal in 2018. Well, some of those weren’t too much fun for us, but you see my point. I expect an absolute cracker tonight, Belgium making it through 4-3 on overtime, Portugal getting the consolation of another penalty-kick goal for Ronaldo to overcome Ali Daei.”
Totally agree it’s the tie of the round and said as much below – it might be the match of the tournament too. I really hope Portugal go for it, principally for me personal gratification, but also because I think it’s their best way of winning. There’s joy to ba had against the Belgium defence, and I don’t think Axel Witsel would especially appreciate Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes buzzing around him. I also wonder if it might make sense for Portugal to keep Diogo Jota wide, to attack the space behind Belgium’s wing-backs. They don’t want to be reliant on their full-backs.
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On the topic of Haitch Kane.
Germany’s defence, meanwhile, is there for England. Not just the space in behind the wing-backs, but between them and the centre-backs, none of whom can run very fast. I’d expect Kane to drop, with the wide players looking to get in and around Mats Hummels.
As for Germany, it seems like Jogi Löw has decided how they’re going to play, so we can expect a 3-4-3. I do wonder, though, if we’ll see a change in midfield. I don’t really get why, give he has a dodgy defence and no centre-forward, he doesn’t just pick Bayern’s midfield of Kimmich, Goretzka and Müller and go from there. I know Toni Kroos is a great of the generation and that Ilkay Gündogan is a lovely player, but I’d be worried about having both in a three, never mind a two. I’d expect the brilliant and inspirational Leon Goretzka to replace one of them, probably the latter, with a front three of Müller, Havertz and Gnabry.
Email! “Rashford besides Kane and Sterling on the right,” says Yash Gupta, “Foden in midfield, and Walker at right back, would be good for countering Germany’s wing backs with having dynamic players to drop deep in midfield or switch positions. 4-3-3 allows this which is right now the best option.”
I don’t think Rashford will start – I’m not sure he’s properly fit – but him in nick would be ideal to get in behind Joshua Kimmich. I’m sure Sterling will start there though, and the question will just be who plays on the right.
Also demanding your attention:
Peep the Guardian’s Philipp Lahm there?
And for balance. Look how young they look!
Moreover, does any footballer know when it’s “our queen” and “the Queen”?
Is Gazza out of sync here?
Ah man, this could be something.
As for Jack Grealish, I’m pretty sure Southgate will leave him out and I would too. Again, he’s a lovely player, but Dean Smith has also struggled to balance a midfield with him in it, and he’s not played well enough to demand inclusion. On top of that, having him to bring on an commit tired defenders if you need a goal, or to hold the ball and win free-kicks if you need not to concede one, is a huge asset.
In midfield, my guess is that Southgate reinstates Mount. It’d be hard to query that call, but I’d got with Foden because I think he’s a bigger goal-threat – important in a team struggling to score. But I also think he’s a better player – not that I don’t think Mount’s excellent, he is – and was struggling on the right in England’s system. Getting him in the middle of the pitch gets him involved in the game, and means you can play Saka on the right, giving the team a winger in form and the protection of a winger who knows how to play full-back.
I say my team, but I’d be picking Bellingham instead of Phillips – there’s just no chance that happens (similarly, I’d also have had Tomori in the squad, and think he might be better than Stones). Anyhow, there’s a good chance Southgate goes for Trippier ahead of Shaw – he clearly likes him as a player and personality, and probably wants the set-piece delivery too. I’m not having that he’s the superior left-back, but it wouldn’t be an inexplicable call – especially for a naturally conservative manager who is tightly wedded to what he knows.
My team, now that you ask: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips, Foden; Saka, Kane, Sterling.
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On which point:
I’d be surprised if Southgate reverted to three at the back, I must say. Perhaps I’m just projecting – I don’t much like the formation because 3-4-3 leaves you light in midfield and 3-5-2 ignores the flanks. But aping the system of either a superior team, which Germany may be, or a team used to playing it, which Germany are, rarely ends well. On top of that, if England stick with their 4-3-3, they can dominate midfield physically and numerically, while targeting and overloading the space in behind the wing-backs.
Here’s Jonathan Wilson on the various dilemmas facing England.
I went to watch England v Colombia in a little town on Egypt’s Sinai peninsula called Tarabin. Imagine our delight when it turned out they were showing Romania v Tunisia.
Not gonna lie, I half-expected Shaggy to suddenly get fit and make a late run for the squad.
Yes, that was a segue. Here’s Ed Aarons’ interview with Darren Anderton.
It is probably the greatest goal celebration that never happened. “It was one of those things when you are messing about and had kind of been mentioned in passing,” says Darren Anderton. “We all knew the new format of golden goal and we all thought: ‘Wouldn’t it be hilarious just to run off the pitch?’”
Yes, yes it would.
We’ve been going nearly two-and-a-half hours now and we’ve not mentioned England. What do we win?
Here’s Jonathan Liew on Belgium’s last go at it.
When I think about this Belgium team, I can’t help but think of another no-show, against Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup. For getting out of group which also included Algeria, Russia and South Korea, and for narrowly beating USA in extra-time, they were issued with a hero’s welcome. That did not make a lot of sense.
The advantage Belgium have over Portugal is that they’re a settled side who’ve been playing together a long time and know exactly what they’re doing. Portugal don’t have that cohesion, and it’s hard to see them happening upon it just like that. But they should be able to keep the ball well enough to have a good share of the game, and they have game-breaking individuals able to settle things alone or in concert.
You know what, Belgium v Japan was alright as well wasn’t it?
Belgium are, of course, running out of time, and if they can’t bring it home here, with live to rue their absolute no-show in the semi-final of the last World Cup against France – after absolutely sorting Brazil. That game – one of the best of that tournament and one of the best of Lukaku’s career – demands a rewatch.
NB, I may be trying to convince myself that the few pennies I had on them retaining their title were wisely spent.
If Portugal come to attack, they’ve got the players to have a serious go at Belgium’s defence. Obviously that’ll give scope to Lukaku and De Bruyne, but them being on the pitch does that too. Tell you what though, I’m extremely eager to see Lukaku ruckusing with Pepe and Rúben Dias, and the more I think about it the more I think if Portugal are bold, they’ve got a great chance.
I don’t think I quite get what Fernando Santos is trying to achieve with his Portugal side. I get the desire for two holding midfielders even if I don’t necessarily agree with it, but two holding midfielders and Moutinho, while Fernandes sits at the side? That seems a bit much, and a bit like hoping something good happens rather than seeking to outplay whoever the opposition is – and Portugal have the players to do that.
There’s something extremely compelling about Renato Sanches, it’s not just him playing for Swansea. I hope he keeps his place in Portugal’s starting XI tonight (though I also hope Bruno Fernandes comes back in for João Moutinho) because not many players have the control and physique to drive through the middle of the pitch with the ball.
The Netherlands’ Denzel Dumfries was one of the stars of the group stages. Can he step it up again?
So what’s going to happen in today’s games? Netherland are playing pretty well now, but we shouldn’t forget their struggles against Ukraine, and Czech Republic are a better side than them. I think they’ll find a way – Georginio Wijnaldum appears to be on one, Frenkie de Jong is also moving nicely, and Memphis Depay is a threat. But as anyone who’s watched Slavia Prague in Europe could tell you, the Czechs have a decent group of players, and Patrick Schick seems to be maturing into his ability and physicality. I’m looking forward to it.
This is less great. What an absolute world.
Gabby Logan is great. Read about her here.
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Here’s our pod looking back at yesterday’s activities.
I love the smell of toadying in the morning. It seems that tournament hosting relies on keeping Uefa sweet as much as it does infrastructure. A real turn-up for the books there.
Perisic’s tournament behaviour really is something. He’ll be a huge miss for Croatia, especially if Spain really have found form, formation and personnel. That said, it’s hard to see either beating France in the quarters, who it’s hard to see Switzerland beating in the last 16.
Bad news for Croatia:
When Bale does walk away, Wales have a big problem. They’ve still got plenty of talent, but at international level at least, Bale is probably the best player in their history (though I didn’t see John Charles). Either way, over the last 10 years, he’s continually won them games, and replacing that is difficult if not impossible. Though if David Brooks gets fit enough to fulfil his potential, that’ll be something.
Post-match, Gary Bale was asked about his future and, understandably, wasn’t minded to discuss it in the aftermath of a miserable thrashing.
And here’s Ben Fisher’s report from Wales v Denmark...
Meanwhile, bit of A-League grand final.
Tell you what, though: I can’t wait to find out.
What do we think about Italy then? During the group stages, I wrote in these pages that I could see them beating a serious team but couldn’t see them beating three serious teams in a row, and that remains the case. Whichever of Belgium and Portugal comes next, maybe, but Belgium or Portugal, followed, say by France and then Germany? That’d be a monumental effort for any team: three brilliant performances in a row is unusual, and I wonder if Italy have individuals able to compensate for poor ones at that level.
And here’s Jonathan Liew’s colour piece.
Here’s Barney Ronay’s match report from last night’s little go-around.
Preamble
Morning! However engaging any tournament’s group stages – and despite the awkwardness of the format, these finished in the grand style – ultimate success is determined by the quality of the knockouts. Think Italia 82, Mexico 86, Italia 90, Euro 2000, Germany 06.
Well, we’re off the a decent start here, yesterday’s games giving us a lot of what we needed. First, the feelgood story of Denmark continued, bathing us in a glow of joy and relief – sorry Wales – then Italy and Austria delivered pretty much the prototype, an exciting game in which a favourite was taken deep before prevailing, scoring a sensational goal in the process. Things are happening.
Today should give us more of the same. In the early game, an in-form Netherlands face the awkward Czech Republic, the winner to meet Denmark – there are no givens there. And second, the tie of the round, in which already there Belgium meet getting there Portugal, one team searching for that elusive first major title and the other defending that elusive first major title, both stuffed with brilliance and flair. Let’s be having you.
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