The Round of 16 continues with two matches scheduled for this Sunday, June 30th. Here’s a look at both encounters and a suggestion for betting on the outcome of each game.
Before proceeding, let’s review the latest outright market prices: England has reclaimed their position as tournament favourites at 7/2, with Spain now the second favourite at 9/2. Hosts Germany and France follow closely at 11/2, with Portugal just behind at 13/2. The Netherlands, considered dark horses, still maintain a favourable line at 12/1, while the remaining field is priced at 16/1 or better.
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ENGLAND v SLOVAKIA – Click here to bet
Scheduled for Sunday, the 30th, at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Group C winners England will face Slovakia. The Three Lions have yet to hit their stride, entering the knockout stage with a rather timid run of form, having registered consecutive draws in their last two group matches. Scoring just two goals so far, there is concern that despite their impressive squad depth, the pressure often associated with the English team to perform on the big stage remains a significant challenge, particularly in attack. Their most recent performance resulted in a toothless 0-0 draw against Serbia, bringing their overall tally to one win and two draws. While this was sufficient to secure top spot in their group, England will need a significant improvement if they are to justify their status as favourites to win the Euros.
England enter the round of 16 having averaged 1.5 goals per game in the group stages, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 100% of those encounters (3 out of 3).
Slovakia enter Sunday’s crucial encounter against England having qualified as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament. Needing a positive result in their remaining Group F match, the Falcons secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Romania, bringing their overall tally to four points with one win, one draw, and one defeat. This result not only ensured their passage to the knockout stages but also highlighted their resilience on the pitch. Earlier in the tournament, Slovakia had already proven their mettle by securing a stunning 1-0 victory over Belgium, one of the higher-ranked teams, and they will aim to replicate such a performance once again, this time against tournament favourites England.
Slovakia enter the round of 16 having averaged 1 goal per game in the group stages, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 67% of those encounters (2 out of 3).
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met 6 times in total, with England dominating those encounters with 5 wins and 1 draw. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 2-1 win for England in a FIFA World Cup qualifier back in September 2017.
Betting
England 4/10
Draw 7/2
Slovakia 8/1
Prediction
Despite England failing to hit their stride just yet, they will fancy their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals due to their favourable draw. The Falcons are expected to adopt a defensive approach to the game, aiming to frustrate the Three Lions. However, England is likely to find a way to achieve the desired result in what is likely to be a low-scoring affair.
Suggested Bet: Result And Totals, England and under 2.5 at 19/10
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SPAIN v GEORGIA – Click here to bet
As one of the lesser-fancied giants in the tournament, Spain goes into the round of 16 in devastating form, having impressed in the group stages. Dubbed the “group of death,” La Roja progressed from Group B unscathed, registering an impressive three wins out of three en route to the knockout phase. Having already secured their place in the next round after match day 2, Luis de la Fuente’s boys continued their domination by securing a clinical 1-0 win in their final group match against Albania, marking their third consecutive clean sheet victory in the tournament. This Sunday, they will take on the lesser-fancied Georgia at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, where they will surely be bullish about their chances given their performances thus far in the tournament.
Spain enter the round of 16 having averaged 1.66 goals per game in the group stages, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 100% of those encounters (3 out of 3).
As the lowest-ranked team and tournament debutants, Georgia has certainly been a surprise package. The Crusaders started their campaign with a disappointing defeat against Turkey in Group F, followed by a draw against the Czech Republic. This meant they desperately needed a massive result against Portugal to progress beyond the group stages. Assisted by a weakened Portuguese unit on match day 3, the Georgians put on a dogged display, eventually walking away as 2-0 victors and securing their place in the round of 16. This Sunday, they will take on Spain in Cologne, hoping to replicate the hunger and desire shown against the Lusos as they look to take another massive scalp, dare to dream of a quarter-final berth, and add another successful chapter to their footballing history.
Georgia enter the round of 16 having averaged 1.33 goals per game in the group stages, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 100% of those encounters (3 out of 3).
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met 7 times in total, with Spain dominating those encounters with 6 wins and 1 defeat. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 3-1 win for Spain in a UEFA European Championship qualifier back in November 2023.
Betting
Spain 2/9
Draw 11/2
Georgia 14/1
Prediction
Georgia has done extremely well to reach this stage, but unfortunately for the Crusaders, their journey and fairytale story is likely to end this Sunday. With a heavy 10-2 aggregate score line against Spain in the qualifiers en route to the Euros, the Spanish Fury should have far too much quality once again.
Suggested Bet: Result And Totals, Spain and over 2.5 at 15/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
