The final quarterfinal of the Euro 2020 pits England against surprise opponents Ukraine. The winner of the contest will face either one of Denmark or the Czech Republic in the next stage of the tournament.
England
The Three Lions made a huge statement with their 2-0 win over Germany in the Round of 16. With 4 consecutive clean sheets, the team will head to play their first fixture away from the Wembley Stadium.
The Olympico Stadium in Rome will play host to this fixture and won’t see England fans in the crowd due to coronavirus restrictions.
Gareth Southgate employed a three-man defence for their crunch fixture against the Germans. The manager is most likely expected to stick with it, but changes in the 3-4-3 personnel could be on the cards.
Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell are in contention among the bench for a place in the playing eleven after completing their isolation period. Like Shaw’s impeccable form down the left flank makes Chilwell’s chances for a start slim. However, Mount could very well make a comeback into the side in the place of Bukayo Saka. Much like the earlier fixtures, Grealish’s primary role could be off the bench to provide a late spark to the side.
Another cause of concern for England rises in the form of possible suspensions. The midfield duo of Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice are only a single booking away from a suspension and as a result, Jordan Henderson is also a possible change in the middle of the park.
The prospect of Jadon Sancho making a start is also making the rounds as well as Southgate aims to use every available talent at his disposal.
Ukraine
Andriy Shevchenko led the Ukaranian side to a quarter-final back in the 2006 World Cup and now the former Ballon D’Or winner has replicated his efforts, but from the sidelines.
After a last ditch win over Sweden, the nation will have to topple the high-flying England for a place in the final four.
Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko has been one of the players to watch out for, and with the most tackles made, he will be an obstacle to overcome.
The team will have to operate without the services of Artem Besedin, who was victim of a horrendous foul by Sweden’s Marcus Danielson. The player is expected to be sidelined until 2022, despite not rupturing his ligament.
Waging Odds: England (1.44) vs Italy (8.00)
England are favourites and are priced at 1.44, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹144.
Ukraine are priced at 8.00 and are the underdogs. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹800 if they come out as winners.
Our Prediction
England’s streak of clean sheets are a virtue heading deep into the knockouts. Ukraine will have to pull a rabbit out of a hat to overcome this England side, who mean business so far, despite their shaky results so far.
With Ukraine playing the second fiddle in this encounter, Southgate would not need the use of three central defenders and could revert back to a back four for this contest.
The solid defence, chance creation, finishing ability and resources off the bench should make England a comfortable winner in this encounter by a 2-0 margin.
Place your bets for the match here.
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