London: England need just a win to sail into the Euro 2020 last-16 stage when they meet Scotland in a Group D encounter on Friday. Considered as the oldest rivalry in football, there will be no shortage of drama when these two teams meet renewing an age-old classic rivalry at the Wembley Stadium in London.
The last time these two teams met was in Euro 1996 when the English came out victorious. England after their 1-0 victory over Croatia will be more confident to take the field on Friday. Scotland on the other hand were handed a 0-2 defeat by the Czech Republic at home despite a spirited performance.
For England, manager Gareth Southgate might go for Ben Chilwell in place of Kieran Trippier. Kalvin Phillips and Phil Foden showed the world in last game why they are so much talked about while a rejuvenated role of Harry Kane might also benefit when the team get on the counters.
Scotland are expected to come out all guns blazing as this will be do-or-die clash for them. Skipper Andy Robertson will hope to inspire his side again. Also their forwards need to finish off chances if they want to edge past their arch rivals.
In the other game in Group D, Croatia will try to deny their early exit when they take on Czech Republic at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Zlatko Dalic’s side had forgettable outing in the last game against England despite their experienced line-up on the field. Croatia will expect their talisman Luka Modric to perform in such a crunch game while Ante Rebic might come into the starting XI.
Czech Republic, on the other hand, got their result in the last game courtesy of a Patrik Schick brace. However, coach Jaroslav Silhavy mentioned that his side still have work to do to get out of the group.
In another game, Sweden meet Slovakia in Group E at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg. The Swedish side had a good start to their campaign, restricting Spain on a mute scoreline while Slovakia thrashed Poland 2-1 in their opening game.
Sweden coach Janne Andersson will be proud of his side’s defensive masterclass in last game and will expect the same in this game as well. Victor Lindelof playing a key role on Friday.
Andersson might go for a change in the form of the returning Dejan Kulusevski. As for Slovakia, they will look to continue their free flowing style of play as they look forward to take the game away form the Sweden. Milan Skriniar and Marek Hamšík will be the two key players.
