11 June,2021 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, England’s Harry Kane, France’s Kylian Mbappe and Poland’s Robert Lewandowski
Having failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Italy have a point to prove and their 27-match unbeaten streak is a good indication of their form. There are no big stars in the Italian line-up but manager Roberto Mancini has managed his resources brilliantly. However, Wales, with Gareth Bale in top form, are also worthy challengers for first place. Striker Burak Yilmaz is the man to watch out for in Turkey, while Switzerland will look to their promising goalkeeper Yann Sommer, to save the day more often than not.
Belgium's famed Golden Generation with the likes of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens and Kevin De Bruyne should waltz into the pre-quarters as group toppers. However, it will be a close battle for the second spot between Denmark and Russia. Denmark's super 'keeper Kasper Schmeichel is in top form, while Russia's attacking midfielder Aleksandr Golovin will be a marked man. Finland must rely on their star goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky to be at his best.
The Netherlands are firm favourites to win this group with stars like Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Frenkie de Jong. The Andriy Shevchenko-coached Ukraine should comfortably progress too. North Macedonia beat the mighty Germany in March so they are no pushovers, while Austria will seek some tall achievements from their six-feet-seven-inch striker Sasa Kalajdzic.
England will not have an easy job as they look to emerge group leaders here. Striker Harry Kane must deliver the goods consistently for the Three Lions to excel. A Luka Modric-inspired Croatia could also finish on top if not second best. England v Scotland at Wembley will be a mouth-watering clash of neighbourhood rivals. The Czechs are in a transition phase with a host of youngsters and should be battling with Scotland for that third spot which could help
them progress.
Spain boss Luis Enrique has ignored Real Madrid's stars, including veteran Sergio Ramos, and gone in for a young side, adding to pressure on the former World Cup champions. Poland's super striker Robert Lewandowski is in fine form and seems poised to take his team to new heights. Sweden and Slovakia seem to be sailing in the same boat - no standout star player - and both will be aiming to avoid fourth place in the group.
With reigning world champions France, defending champions Portugal and Germany all clubbed together, this is the group of certain death. Given the tournament's format though (top two from each group followed by the best four will progress), all three - France, Portugal and Germany - could go through. Ronaldo, 36, will be hoping for one last hurrah. France will rely on their in-form World Cup-winning forward Kylian Mbappe to take them all the way. He has the experienced Karim Benzema for company up-front and that can only result in more goals. Hungary, meanwhile, will be happy to win a point if they can.
Also Read: Kylian Mbappe will be Euro 2020 hero: Former India footballers
