Jack Wright's EURO 2024 Matchday 3
9/1 Fourfold

Scotland recovered plenty of pride from their opening day thrashing by Germany with a well-deserved point against Switzerland. That keeps their hopes of progress to the Round of 16 alive and sets this clash up beautifully. Hungary put up a good show in their battle with the Germans but ultimately fell to a 2-0 defeat but know a convincing win against the Scots and they too could make the last 16.

Talisman Dominik Szoboszlai seems to be growing into the tournament with an improved showing in his second outing. While for the Tartan Army the loss of Kieran Tierney through injury will be a massive blow and Marco Rossi’s side who look dangerous in the final third can take advantage. Steve Clarke’s issues at the other end of the pitch were further highlighted by the fact Scott McTominay was once again his side’s goalscorer. It looks like Hungary are close to clicking and this will be the perfect game to do so.

It’s been a tricky start for France with Kylian Mbappé’s broken nose a “black mark” they did not need. Didier Deschamps will be keen to win this fixture to ensure his men top the group and possibly open an easier route to the semi-finals depending on results elsewhere.

France are also blessed with so much strength in depth even a backup squad would go deep in this tournament. Whoever starts here for the French will have too much for this Poland side who were expected to finish bottom of Group D.

England will very much want to make sure they claim top spot in Group C which will mean playing a third-place team in the next stage. In contrast the runners-up will have the unenviable task of facing host nation and one of the most impressive sides so far, Germany in the Round of 16.

Gareth Southgate will look to keep his side focussed knowing a poor performance even at this stage of the competition will crank up the pressure on him and his players. With the array of talent available the Three Lions should roar into the last 16 with a win against a nation ranked 53 places below them.

Turkey haven’t got beyond the group stage in the last three Euros and in the 2020 edition failed to even pick up a point after a dismal showing. They at least put that right in the opening match this time around, a 3-1 defeat of Georgia. I have been impressed with Vincenzo Montella’s side who look full of energy and attacking threat. In Real Madrid teenager Arda Guler they clearly have a special talent, and he is certainly a difference maker – a match winner.

The Czechs are more pragmatic, a strong physical side that are built on organisation and discipline rather than flair. Turkey have the tools to make this an uncomfortable final game for Ivan Hasek’s side and in doing so claim the win that will see them through to the Round of 16.