October’s Euro 2020 qualifiers were eventful to say the least: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 700th career goal, reminding us of his superhuman ability; Andorra recorded their first ever win in a competitive match, 21 years after playing their first; and, sadly, England’s big win in Bulgaria was overshadowed by ugly scenes of racism coming from large sections of home fans.
But what are the key takeaways from the latest qualifiers? Here is the stuff that really caught our eye:
England look to be building something special
The manner of England’s 6-0 victory in Bulgaria was something special. To play with such professionalism and class in the face of a racist crowd showed that this young team could really go places. In fact, England are now 9/2 second-favourites to win Euro 2020 with 888sport. When you consider that the semi-final and final will be played at Wembley next summer, that looks like one of the most astute football bets you can make.
Ireland and Denmark set for showdown
Irish fans were not getting too excited about Euro 2020, despite topping the group for most of the campaign and remaining top after the 2-0 defeat to Switzerland. Ireland will host Denmark in the final game of the campaign, and that seems like it will be a showdown for the second qualifying spot in Group D, assuming Switzerland don’t slip up against Gibraltar. Irish fans will remember all too well how the Danes and Christian Eriksen ripped them apart in the World Cup Play-Offs in 2017. They will have to face the Danes without their captain after Seamus Coleman was sent off in Geneva.
Turkey on the Up
Turkey have had a rough old time of it since the heady days of finishing 3rd in the 2002 World Cup. Few would have considered it possible that they could have topped a group containing France and Iceland. Yet, the Turks have risen to the occasion and were good value for the draw in Paris last weekend that kept them on the top of the table. It is enough to set up Turkey as favourites to win Group D (odds of 13/20), with their final games of the campaign coming against minnows Andorra and a home game against Iceland. The French, of course, shouldn’t be ruled out and can be backed at 11/10.
Italy Also Improving
One of Italy’s problems over the last few years has been a veering away from the old style of Italian football. Tactics should evolve, of course, but the Abruzzi seemed to have lost the knack of keeping composed at the back and clinical up front under the likes of Cesare Prandelli and Gian Ventura. Things seems to have changed under Roberto Mancini, who has led Italy to Euro 2020 without breaking a sweat. There is a lot of youth in this side, especially in midfield where the likes of Nicolo Barella and Nicolo Zaniolo look to have bright futures. Euro 2020 might be too soon to talk about Italy truly getting back on its feet. But the coming years for Italy do not look as bleak as before.
