An insider’s guide to the knock-out stages of the Euros, with Fitzdares

Well, it was worth the wait. Having spent an extra year yearning for top-class international football, we can safely say that the group stages didn’t disappoint. Through upsets, comebacks and everything in between, we’ve been treated to unequivocal drama that only major tournament football can elicit.

If the group stages served as the entrée, we’re now ready for the main course, as the stakes are raised significantly in the knock-out stages. Here, we take you through all the action for you to get your teeth into over the next fortnight or so.

Wales @ 4/1 – Draw @ 23/10 – Denmark @ 17/20

Cross border rivalries aside, very few would begrudge Wales putting together another run as they did five years ago en route to the semi-finals at the Euros. Their usual grit and determination were on show in finishing runners-up in Group A but they may need a little more to tackle a Danish team playing for something bigger than just football.

The unsettling scenes from their opening game in the tournament will live long in the memory, but the Danes have hit back by thrashing Russia to secure a place in the knock-out stages. If anyone deserves a cup run, it’s Denmark.

Italy Players celebrates during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group A match between Italy and Wales at Stadio Olimpico on June 20, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (MB Media/BPA)

Italy @ 4/9 – Draw @ 10/3 – Austria @ 13/2

The Azzurri progressed with the panache and style that is not always associated with the great Italian teams down the years. However, Italy are still Italy. They haven’t conceded a goal en route to the knock-out stages to continue an unbeaten run stretching more than three years. The likes of Locatelli, Immobile and Jorginho could have too much for a tough Austrian outfit.

Austria found only the Netherlands too good in the group stages, but this will be a significant step up if they’re to make it to the quarter finals.

Netherlands @ 7/10 – Draw @ 14/5 – Czech Republic @ 17/4

The Czechs emerged from Group D as one of the best third-placed teams in the group stages thanks in no small part to front man Patrik Schick. The striker has found the back of the net on three occasions, including that goal of the tournament contender against Scotland.

A rejuvenated Netherlands side lie in wait, however in the round of 16. Despite being bereft of their talismanic leader Virgil van Dijk, the ‘Oranje’ could make a case for calling themselves the most compelling team of the tournament so far having topped a favourable Group C with three wins.

Cristiano Ronaldo (1st R) of Portugal celebrates his scoring during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Portugal and Germany in Munich, Germany, June 19, 2021. (Shan Yuqi/Xinhua/Alamy Live News)

Belgium @ 7/5 – Draw @ 9/4 – Portugal @ 2/1

With a somewhat ageing squad amongst the Belgian ranks, this could be the last big chance for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ to snaffle a major prize. They’ve been imperious throughout the group stages, topping Group B with three wins and the goals are flowing with Romelu Lukaku in customary fine form for his country. Creativity is not going to be an issue in the knock-out stages.

Cristiano Ronaldo on the other hand, could be. His five goals at the tournament so far have helped his side emerge from the tournament’s toughest group and you get the distinct impression that he’s not done yet and at 36, he continues to defy all the rules. Portugal are the defending champions no less and in Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota and a resurgent Renato Sanches, they have the relevant pieces to support their majestic skipper.

*If you weren’t one of the fortunate few to land a ticket for any of the games at this year’s Euros, The Fitzdares Club in Mayfair is the best city-based place from which to enjoy the football. Lavishly decorated and fitted with 4K televisions, you’ll feel as though you were pitchside.

Croatia @ 5/1 – Draw @ 14/5 – Spain @ 8/13

If Spain’s first two group games were uninspiring at best, a 5-0 drubbing of Slovakia in their final group game has us all wondering ‘are Spain really back?’. They are by no means the side that dominated world football around the turn of the last decade. No, this is a Spanish side in transition, devoid of any Real Madrid representatives, remember but confidence will be high to progress after they kicked into gear against the Slovaks.

A Modric masterclass at Hampden Park ensured that 2018’s World Cup finalists progressed to the knock-out stages and Croatia will need their midfield maestro firing on all cylinders again if they’re to claim another big scalp.

France @ 8/15 – Draw @ 3/1 – Switzerland @ 6/1

Pre-tournament favourites France, still head the market having topped the treacherous Group F but it seems, they’re still searching for their very best form. The mercurial Mbappe is still to find the back of the net and it’s hard to believe that will go on for much longer. Now back in the fold, Benzema was on target twice against Portugal, whilst the partnership between Kante and Pogba in the engine room of the midfield has the French machine in full working order.

Switzerland’s charge is spearheaded by Xerdan Shaqiri whose goals have helped his side progress from the groups but taking on France in the knock-out stages is an entirely different animal. It will take something special if the Swiss are to send the World Cup champions packing.

England’s players celebrate the goal by Raheem Sterling during the Group D match between England and the Czech Republic at the UEFA EURO 2020 in London, Britain, on June 22, 2021.
(Han Yan/Xinhua/Alamy Live News)

England @ 6/4 – Draw @ 23/10 – Denmark @ 15/8

Arguably the pick of the last-16 ties. Sadly for England fans, this is a clash rarely devoid of heartbreak for the Three Lions. A sentiment that manager Gareth Southgate is all too familiar with, for it was he who missed his penalty at Euro 96, sending England home at the hands of the Germans. Couple this with that Frank Lampard goal-that-never-was in 2010 and England have the chance to finally exact revenge over a Germany side who were less than 10 minutes away from exiting the tournament at the group stages, before a late Leon Goretzka equaliser against Hungary.

There’s no doubt that this is not a vintage Germany side but it’s still Germany – in the knock-out stages of a major tournament. They’re going to be difficult to overcome and England will need all of their stars to shine on the big stage.

Sweden @ 11/8 – Draw @ 11/5 – Ukraine @ 9/4

The last-16 reaches its conclusion with one of the more understated ties of the round. What’s arguably most important about this fixture is that the winner would play England if the former can get the better of Germany!

Serial overachievers Sweden were unbeaten throughout the group stages and again find themselves in the knock-out stages of a major tournament. They’re justifiably favourites to better a Ukraine side heavily reliant on the wizardly left boot of West Ham’s Andriy Yarmalenko.

*Prices are correct at time of posting but are subject to change. For all the odds on Euro 2020, visit the Fitzdares website, download the Fitzdares app or speak to one of their expert brokers, by text or by phone. Please gamble responsibly. Read Fitzdares t&cs here.

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