Four pressing questions for Euro 2024’s opening knockout weekend
With Can Anyone On Knockout: Of A England Weight Shoulders Themselves? Nations Euro Save The From Their Expectations
Captain, leader, lifesaver. Only Georgia’s giant Giorgi Mamardashvili could hold a candle to Gianluigi Donnarumma for goalkeeper of the group stages. But even Donnarumma has his limits. Against Switzerland in Berlin the reigning champions simply have to get things going further up the field and not drop so deep for so long.
Rasmus Højlund enjoyed a 2023 of his and Denmark’s dreams, scoring seven goals in eight Euro 2024 qualifiers, the form which convinced Erik ten Hag to shell out £72m last summer. His season in the swirling decline at Old Trafford has taken a toll. Højlund hasn’t scored in his last seven internationals and, in three games here, laboured up top for a Danish side which looks to be fading. If they’re to have a last kick, Højlund needs to find his 2023 self.
Sort the right-back-at-left-back problem by replacing Kieran Trippier with Kyle Walker, also a right back? Drop Jude Bellingham because England face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen and that’s where Wayne Rooney was sent off in 2006…thus Bellingham will get sent off? These were just two suggestions contained in the same Friday article in an English paper on what Gareth Southgate must do to fix, well, everything. With analysis and advice like that…
Luis de la Fuente’s effervescent new Roja roared through their first two games, taking Croatia then Italy apart. But such was their attacking prowess and midfield control, the Spanish defence had little to do. Albania didn’t probe much either. The biggest question remains a rearguard with Aymeric Laporte at its heart. Perhaps the daring Georgians, with a free hit, can give us all some answers.