TV Picks: Euro 2020 Group Stages

TV Picks: Euro 2020 Group Stages

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Friday, 11th June 2021
(credit: ITV)

Euro 2020 finally kicks off on Friday 11th June with the first of the group stage clashes.

24 teams will compete across six groups for the top two places to qualify for the knock-outs.

Between the fierce rivalries, revenge-seekers and a hair-raising group of death, there are plenty of tasty ties to sink your teeth into.

However, as most days of the group stages will see three broadcast live on BBC or ITV, to spare you some time we’ve highlighted the round’s most highly-anticipated matches.

You can find the full TV schedule at the bottom of the page.

Friday 11th June

Turkey v Italy (Group A)

BBC, 8.00pm

An intriguing opener pits a tournament favourite against a dark horse.

Both teams cruised through the qualifiers, with Italy finishing top of Group J with a perfect record having won all 10 games, and Turkey second of Group H only just behind France.

Italy are perhaps the better side on paper and will look to dictate play through their strong midfield trio of Jorginho, Verratti and Barella.

Although Turkey are built on a rock solid defence helmed by Leicester City strongman Caglar Soyuncu, and count Lille’s goalscoring machine, Burak Yilmaz, among their attacking threats. The two teams are more evenly matched than some might think.

Saturday 12th June

Belgium v Russia (Group B)

ITV, 8.00pm

As the world’s top-ranked team, Belgium are the clear group favourites, but this well drilled Russia side could be a stumbling block.

There are certainly weaknesses for Russia to exploit. Witsel, Roberto Martínez’s go-to crux of the midfield, is only just coming back from a serious injury, and his absence could leave their aging defence lacking proper protection. Then there is the hot topic of the out-of-form Eden Hazard.

Russia like to press hard and heavy from the front led by target man Dzyuba, so they could prove to be a tough opponent for the more technical Belgians.

Sunday 13th June

England v Croatia (Group D)

BBC, 2.00pm

Football was coming home until Croatia broke England’s hearts with an extra time winner in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.

But The Three Lions have since only progressed and with a frightening attack spearheaded by Harry Kane and fed by a gifted midfield, they will fancy their chances at revenge.

Even more so when they are up against a seemingly weakened Croatia side, with four of their World Cup final starters having retired. Although, needless to say, underestimate World Cup finalists at your peril.

Tuesday 15th June

France v Germany (Group F)

ITV, 8.00pm

The first of three huge games in the group of death sees two of the three favourites in Group F do battle.

As if World Cup holders France weren’t already a powerhouse on paper, they were recently bolstered by the comeback of a peak Karim Benzema.

Germany aren’t to be underestimated though, with a strong defence, complete midfield and a rapid attack, not to mention the recalled old guard of big game players like Thomas Müller.

Friday 18th June

England v Scotland (Group D)

ITV, 8.00pm

Fierce rivals on and off the pitch, England versus Scotland should make for a feisty game.

Scotland are making their first appearance in the Euros since 1996, where they also went up against England in the group stages, and lost.

In a stroke of bad timing, Scotland’s two most gifted players to emerge in recent years, Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney, happen to both be left backs, which leaves them a bit lopsided. Although the whole team should rise to the occasion.

England are favourites for this one but Scotland, who haven’t beaten them since 1999, will be out to prove a point.

Saturday 19th June

Portugal v Germany (Group F)

ITV, 5.00pm

The defending champions play the Germans in another Group F battle royale.

The core of Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning team remains with Cristiano Ronaldo, among others, firing on all cylinders. Additionally, there’s plenty of talent backing them up between Bernardo Silva, Fernandes and Jota.

Portugal have never beaten Germany despite facing them in several major tournaments in recent years, but this could be their time.

Sunday 20th June

Italy v Wales (Group A)

ITV, 5.00pm

Wales had a tournament to remember in Euro 2016, fighting their way through to the semi-finals and scoring some stunning goals along the way.

Although only eight of those who played in 2016 have made stand-in coach Robert Page’s squad, a new generation has given them greater depth. There’s also that man Gareth Bale, only their all-time record goalscorer.

Welsh players and fans alike will be relishing their return to a major tournament, and the Azzurri will prove a true test of their potential this time around.

Wednesday 23rd June

Portugal v France (Group F)

BBC, 8.00pm

Portugal and France could face a fight to the death in one of the two simultaneous final games of Group F. Although it will of course depend on their previous results, including those against Germany.

Portugal knocked France out of the Euros in 2016, scraping past with a 1-0 win. But both teams remain replete with world class match winners so this will be another clash too close to call.

Full Schedule:

Group Stages

Friday 11th June

8.00pm – Turkey v Italy – BBC

Saturday 12th June

2.00pm – Wales v Switzerland – BBC

5.00pm – Denmark v Finland – BBC

8.00pm – Belgium v Russia – ITV

Sunday 13th June

2.00pm – England v Croatia – BBC

5.00pm – Austria v North Macedonia – ITV

8.00pm – Netherlands v Ukraine – ITV

Monday 14th June

2.00pm – Scotland v Czech Republic – BBC

5.00pm – Poland v Slovakia – ITV

8.00pm – Spain v Sweden – BBC

Tuesday 15th June

5.00pm – Hungary v Portugal – ITV

8.00pm – France v Germany – ITV

Wednesday 16th June

2.00pm – Finland v Russia – BBC

5.00pm – Turkey v Wales – BBC

8.00pm – Italy v Switzerland – ITV

Thursday 17th June

2.00pm – Ukraine v North Macedonia – ITV

5.00pm – Denmark v Belgium – ITV

8.00pm – Netherlands v Austria – BBC

Friday 18th June

2.00pm – Sweden v Slovakia – BBC

5.00pm – Croatia v Czech Republic – BBC

8.00pm – England v Scotland – ITV

Saturday 19th June

2.00pm – Hungary v France – BBC

5.00pm – Portugal v Germany – ITV

8.00pm – Spain v Poland – BBC

Sunday 20th June

5.00pm – Italy v Wales – ITV

5.00pm – Switzerland v Turkey – ITV

Monday 21st June

5.00pm – North Macedonia v Netherlands – ITV

5.00pm – Ukraine v Austria – ITV

8.00pm – Russia v Denmark – BBC

8.00pm – Finland v Belgium – BBC

Tuesday 22nd June

8.00pm – Czech Republic v England – ITV

8.00pm – Croatia v Scotland – ITV

Wednesday 23rd June

5.00pm – Slovakia v Spain – ITV

5.00pm – Sweden v Poland – ITV

8.00pm – Germany v Hungary – BBC

8.00pm – Portugal v France – BBC

Round of 16

Saturday 26th June

5.00pm – TBC

8.00pm – TBC

Sunday 27th June

5.00pm – TBC

8.00pm – TBC

Monday 28th June

5.00pm – TBC

8.00pm – TBC

Tuesday 29th June

5.00pm – TBC

8.00pm – TBC

Quarter-finals

Friday 2nd July

5.00pm – TBC

8.00pm – TBC

Saturday 3rd July

5.00pm – TBC

8.00pm – TBC

Semi-finals

Tuesday 6th July

8.00pm – TBC

Wednesday 7th July

8.00pm – TBC

Final

Sunday 11th July

8.00pm – TBC

You are here

Euro 2020 finally kicks off on Friday 11th June with the first of the group stage clashes.