Group D

Group D went just about as expected with regards to placing within the group, as England and Croatia both made qualification in 1st and 2nd while Czech Republic impressed and will likely qualify in 3rd, and Scotland have to settle with just a point (although a point against England so that’s something). England were steady in their group games, with 1-0, 0-0 and 1-0 results. It was Sterling who managed to get them through the performances over Croatia and Czech Republic, and although not the most dominant results, they played with an air of confidence considering the major expectation of packed Wembley crowds. The 0-0 over Scotland was possibly the worst performance of the whole group stages from England considering the expectation in the game, and while respect must be given to the Scots, England were just horrendous in the midweek game. For Croatia, although they are a side way past the 2018 World Cup finalists, they were secure enough to grab a win over Scotland and a point against the Czech Republic. Not much has been or will be expected of them in the knockout games, but they’ll for sure be a threat for whoever they match up against in the next stage. It’s a very similar story for the Czech Republic, although they will be more than happy as they really impressed, with striker Schick making a real name for himself banging in the goals, including that stunner over Scotland. Overall, Group D didn’t necessarily have the drama that it could have, however every side will be fairly happy and content with the results and will move on in their own journeys.

Group E

Group E contained much more drama that Group D, with Sweden being the standout performers in a really tricky group. After nullifying Spain in their opener they bored many neutrals, but showed they have some real ability in being able to match their opponents. With a lot of talk over the missing Zlatan, they showed a whole new style and approach in matching their opponents, going on from the initial draw to wins over Slovakia and a dramatic 3-2 win over Poland. Spain meanwhile won’t be too worried in finishing 2nd, although their inability to break down stubborn Sweden was an initial concern. They continued this worry of not breaking down defences despite possession heavy football, with their 1-1 draw against Poland again showing some areas of weakness. They did however put this to the side in their final game and the dominant 5-0 win over Slovakia to seal 2nd spot and send a message to the other nations. Slovakia in 3rd will be unlikely to qualify with only a win over Poland to show from their 3 games. It was a tough group for Slovakia after Sweden took control, as pretty much everyone expected Spain’s qualification, and with Sweden topping the whole group they could only really have hoped for a 3rd place qualification spot, but it wasn’t to be after the 2 defeats. In 4th, Poland led by Lewandowski were once again disappointing in a major tournament, failing to win any of their 3, and although managing a fairly impressive draw with Spain, had nothing of note from their time in the tournament despite some labelling them as potential dark horses if their top quality striker had hit some serious form, but it wasn’t to be.

Group F

In the final group of the tournament, the ‘group of death’, it was non-stop drama. World Champions and clear favourites France topped the group after a hectic final matchday. Every side in the final 90 minutes had topped the group and been out at some stage, but France with their final result 2-2 against Portugal and results elsewhere, topped the difficult group. Germany in 2nd impressed with their simple efficiency of getting through with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss, however their defeat showed that they aren’t the same threat that many had expected of them. In 3rd, likely qualifiers Portugal were pretty impressive as they enter as reigning Euro champions. With their talisman Ronaldo breaking the international goal record and many other records in the process, they were strong in some really tough games. It was Hungary however who shocked the tournament as they put on a remarkable showing in a group where everyone had given them no chance in. Despite finishing in 4th, they had actually been in the qualifying spots until the final few minutes of the group. Although only getting 2 points, things could have been so different for the Hungary side, as they earnt draws against France and Germany after a disappointing start against Portugal. Group F has been a remarkable watch and undoubtedly my highlight of the tournament thus far.