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Euro 2020 Preview: Top 10 Matches to Watch

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The rescheduled 2020 European Championship promises to be an exciting competition this summer with 24 National Teams aiming to lift the trophy later in July.

While most of the focus has shifted to Group F, there are other several other intriguing groups and matches set to come across Europe. Belgium, France, England, and Portugal will all be among the favorites to win the tournament while Italy, Germany, and others try to push their way into the conversation.

Ahead of Friday’s start to the Euro 2020 tournament, here is a look at the Top 10 matches to watch during the group stage:


Portugal vs. France (June 23)


Two of Group F’s three favorites will duke it out on June 23rd, in what could be a deciding match for the top spot. Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portuguese teammates will face off with 2018 World Cup Champions France at the Puskas Arena, looking to show they are still a force to be reckoned with.

There will be no shortage of attacking talent on display with Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Kylian Mbappe, and Antoine Griezmann headlining the growing list of players.


England vs. Croatia (June 13)


In a rematch of the 2018 World Cup Semifinals, England takes on Croatia in a Group D opener.

Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford lead the Three Lions into the European Championship looking to make a deep run at the trophy. Croatia continues to rely on the playmaking ability of midfielder Luka Modric, but the Real Madrid man will likely need some help to lead his team out of the group stage.


France vs. Germany (June 15)


The opening round of Group F action will see France face off with Germany in the final match of June 15th.

The two countries met twice in the UEFA Nations League group stage, which saw Les Bleus pick up four points over that span. Germany has a chip on its shoulder to deliver a trophy this summer, and star players Timo Werner, Toni Kroos, and Manuel Neuer will look to spark the Germans past France on Matchday 5.


Denmark vs. Belgium (June 17)


Belgium are one of a handful of favorites to win the European Championship this summer, but Denmark remains the likely candidate to stand toe-to-toe with them in Group B.

Christian Eriksen, Yussuf Poulsen, and Kasper Schmeichel are the key players for the Danes, who will try to give Denmark its first European success since 1992.

Belgium has star talent all over the field and will be expected to find the back of the net against Denmark. Romelu Lukaku is coming off a sensational season with Inter Milan while Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are also top scoring options for Roberto Martinez’s side.

Should Belgium win this tie, an undefeated group stage could be on the cards.


Italy vs. Switzerland (June 16)


Group A favorites Italy and Switzerland square off on June 16th, looking to take a major first step towards the top spot.

Roberto Mancini has led the Italians on a terrific run through qualifying and now hopes to see his team kick off group stage play with a bang. Ciro Immobile is the star man for Italy’s attack, while veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini is back as captain to lead the way.

Switzerland could pose problems for Italy, especially if Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka can be impactful in midfield. Both players are coming off subpar seasons at club level, but will be expected to bounce back for their national team.


Spain vs. Poland (June 19)


Spain will be expected to own possession against Poland in Group E play, but can the Spaniards stop Robert Lewandowski from finding the back of the net?

Lewandowski is coming off a 48-goal season with Bayern Munich across all competitions and will be expected to carry some of those goals over with Poland. With no Sergio Ramos in the Spain squad, Aymeric Laporte could be the man to mark Lewandowski in the match.

Both teams will be eager to take a first step towards top spot in Group E.


Portugal vs. Germany (June 19)


This will be the first competitive meeting between Portugal and Germany since the 2014 World Cup and the Portuguese will try to exact revenge for a humiliating loss that day.

Germany rolled past Portugal 4-0 on that day, but knows its a new Portugal side it will be facing. Ronaldo, Fernandes, and the rest of the Portuguese side will be eager to get after Germany knowing a date with France looms four days later.


England vs. Scotland (June 18)


Rivals England and Scotland will meet in Group D play on June 18th, the first competitive meeting since World Cup Qualifying in 2016-17.

Many of these players know one another from the English Premier League or Scottish Premiership, which should add even more edge to the matchup. Che Adams and Stuart Armstong are among the Scottish players who delivered strong seasons domestically, and will be ready to get after their rivals.


Netherlands vs. Austria (June 17)


Group C favorites Netherlands and Austria will be expected to finish near the top of the group, and a victory over one another on June 17th could set themselves up for success.

The Dutch are led by Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst and Lyon winger Memphis Depay, both who lead their clubs to strong finishes. Frank de Boer will be under certain pressure to get The Flying Dutchmen into the knockout stage and a win over Austria would be key for that to happen.

Austria will counter with playmaker Marcel Sabitzer and winger Marko Arnautovic while David Alaba headlines the defensive group.


Wales vs. Switzerland (June 12)


Gareth Bale is back on Europe’s big stage as Wales aims to make a deep run like it did in 2016.

The Welsh will lean on Bale’s ability in the final third, but other players like Daniel James, Harry Wilson, and David Brooks are also energetic attacking options for Robert Page to call upon.

Switzerland will try to kick off group stage play in style by picking up a first competitive win over Wales since 2010.

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