Here is a small list of big games (not all England) to watch at the Euros, from local Derbys to fiancee battles. Here are matches that are good to watch.
First, the most intense battle you will see is England v Wales, a history of hatred, both on and off the pitch, more to the English than to the Welsh. This is genuinely a derby to end all derbies; the next-door neighbours are your Team GB and NI competitors. While football might not be at the level of England v Germany, this one is where national pride is on the line. It is the game I am seeing at the Euros, as either way I win, as I am half and half. This is Wales' first-ever international tournament after beating Ireland in the play-offs. Unfortunately, for them, they are in the group of death and are unlikely to make it past the groups with the likes of France and the Netherlands in the mix as well. But they could end on a high against England and march back across the Prince of Wales Bridge happy.
Spain and Portugal, neighbours and rivals in the group stages, while Spain has never lost to their local rivals, so this game, while it has a rivalry, might be more of a one-sided affair. Spain enters as favourites with Ballon d’Or winners like Aitana Bonmati and Alexias Putellas spearheading the star-studded team. At the same time, Portugal are underdogs and have just recently lost 5-0 to England at Wembley, which can only be a concern to concede that many when you're about the team who can beat England and win a World Cup.
Denmark v Sweden on the opening day, where the Fiancée Pernille Harder of Denmark faces her partner Magdalena Eriksson. While both Scandinavian countries are big competitors, Sweden won the Euros, and Denmark were in the final in 2017, so both are big players in this Euros, but added a personal storyline to a tightly contested match. This is not the first time they have played against each other for their country. Previous meetings were thrilling; they gave each other no mercy on the pitch and became enemies, not lovers.
France and the Netherlands have another massive clash in Group D. With only two teams advancing directly, this game could be a winner-takes-all. France’s high press vs the Netherlands’ sharp attacking play promises drama — and maybe penalties. It will likely be high drama, and the runnings of the group could all rely on this game and England v Wales on the final day of the groups. It's high drama, high consequences. While both a tournament maintains they have had recent mixed form but have top-tier attackers.
A titanic clash between the reigning world champions and the most consistent European team of the past decade. Spain’s flair meets Sweden’s discipline. It’s a stylistic contrast and a mental test, especially since Sweden has a history of frustrating favourites. This game will show Spain's weakness under pressure, especially in defence, as they have been unable to keep many clean sheets of late. This is another game in which they will likely decide the group winner.
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