Hands up who thinks it was nice of UEFA to give everyone a couple of days without any European Championship games? Anyone? Thought not.
The round of 16 was completed on Tuesday, leaving us waiting for the best part of three days before we see any more action.
We’ve had to watch normal television for a change, and that is not a good thing. However, the weekend will soon be here, so this is a good time to look at what we’d like to see.
A Swiss win for Xhaka
His hair is a mess and he’s not everyone’s cup of tea as a footballer, but wasn’t it great to see Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka make France look daft the other night?
The Arsenal star’s sublime assist for Mario Gavranovic’s late equaliser was a thing of beauty, perfectly highlighting the ability he possesses.
🎉 Jubilation! 🇨🇭
Switzerland = first-ever EURO knockout win ✅@nati_sfv_asf | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/SNPv4PHlyH
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 29, 2021
However, the 28-year-old will miss the quarter-final tie against Spain after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against France.
Let’s hope the Swiss can go again without Xhaka and upset the odds against a much-improved Spanish outfit.
More McCoist please
Regular readers of this column will know that we’ve not been happy with some of the pundits and co-commentators at Euro 2020.
Robbie Savage, John Hartson, Jermaine Jenas and Danny Murphy are amongst the group who have been stealing a living during the tournament.
📢 There’s a petition for @CliveTyldesley & Ally McCoist to be drafted in as commentators on FIFA 22. 🎮 Ally has previously been on FIFA 2004 & 2005 alongside John Motson. There’s no doubt the pair have had great chemistry & synergy at #EURO2020https://t.co/LOBCSlNd8B pic.twitter.com/aHH8IPp1IE
— 𝕎𝕖 𝔸𝕣𝕖 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕖𝕠𝕡𝕝𝕖 (@WATPSeventyTwo) June 30, 2021
However, the same cannot be said for Ally McCoist, who has been a breath of fresh air alongside Clive Tyldesley on ITV.
Tyldesley and McCoist for the Euro 2020 Final and FIFA 22? Yes please.
Grealish should start
Speaking of McCoist, he is bang on the money with his opinion on whether Jack Grealish should start against Ukraine on Saturday.
England manager Gareth Southgate was praised for delivering a tactical masterclass against Germany, but it is a spurious narrative.
💪 “I understand Jack Grealish being used as an impact player to win you the game.”
🏴 “But he’s far better than an impact sub! Go with 4 at the back & bring Grealish in.”
Ally McCoist believes Jack Grealish should start for #ENG vs #UKR on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/tAS34Ju5o0
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 1, 2021
He allowed the game to drift and but for two big saves by Jordan Pickford and Thomas Muller’s shocking miss, the result could have been different.
There is a reason why Manchester City want to pay £100 million for Grealish – he makes things happen. He should be in the team on Saturday.
Read: Euro 2020 Fixtures & Results – Full Euro 2020 Schedule & Dates.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
