* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
When the European Championships began originally, there were just eight teams. We’re now at that point in 2021, and all it took was 40 games of football to land here. For all the advances in modern efficiency, I’m not so sure we’ve grasped it here yet.
But that point is now moot as we launch into the quarter-finals. At time of writing, I haven’t the slightest clue who’s won Friday’s two games but what I do know is I can give you a steer on Saturday’s.
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England fancy they’ve got the good side of the draw, but I do possess serious worries about being able to coax your way past apparently easier opposition and then having to turn it up several notches when you meet Belgium, Italy or Spain in the final.
If you’re battle-hardened and have avoided injuries, then you’re probably better-prepped to land the trophy. After all, how many times have teams with the ‘soft draw’ gone on to actually realise the supposed ease of their passage?
It just doesn’t happen. But as Chris Martin once (annoyingly) famously sang – nobody said it was easy. And let me tell you – I’ve been to Kiev in the depths of winter. They’re not scared of Jack Grealish’s quiff. Now, how about that double?
5pm: Czech Republic v Denmark – Czech Republic to Qualify
This is more a price play, but another thing to note is that so often, these tournaments, because of the short nature of them, is decided by a player in form. Welcome, Patrick Schick.
He’s going to sign somewhere in England – probably Newcastle – for £40million and never kick a ball efficiently again for the rest of his life. But them’s the breaks.
Saturday 5pm: Czech Republic v Denmark
ITV and RTÉ2
However, in this tournament, he does seem to be the hot hand, or foot as it were – and that can carry the Czech Republic past a Danish side that are still riding a wave of emotive pride following the tragic incident in their Euros opener around Christian Eriksen.
When you break these two sides down, there truly is nothing between them and while Denmark’s performances have naturally been good – a lot of that is down to home advantage in the groups and coming up against a Wales side with Kieffer Moore up front. No disrespect, big man. I think there’s a good chance we see Czech Republic qualify.
8pm: Ukraine v England – Ukraine (+1)
Bear with me. Gareth Southgate’s approach to this tournament is one of big risk – and by that, I mean being as conservative as humanly possible. He starts off in a 3-4-3 with only Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and Harry Kane permitted to show for the ball at any stage for fear of being broken down.
Saturday 8pm: Ukraine v England
BBC One and RTÉ2
The gradual nature of their results is grinding and unimpressive – and it probably won’t pay-off against better teams if we’re being honest. But the way to beat Ukraine is simply by going out and beating them early. Go to a 4-2-3-1, play Grealish and Phil Foden and have at it.
If they get drawn into a low-tempo affair – and they will – it will resemble Scotland all over again. And as form has worked out – or hasn’t in this case – we know how bad a performance that truly was. This smacks of same so Ukraine (+1) is the play here.
Saturday Euro 2020 double
5pm: Czech Republic v Denmark – Czech Republic to Qualify
8pm: Ukraine v England – Ukraine (+1)
These two selections in a double will give you odds of around 6/1 with Paddy Power.
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
READ MORE
- England v Ukraine Tips: Paddy’s top trader’s savvy 16/1 Bet Builder for Euro 2020 clash
- Football Tips: Thommo and Petit’s best bets for Czech Republic v Denmark on Saturday
- Football Tips: Thommo and Petit’s best bets for Ukraine v England including a 9/2 play
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