Hostilities continue tonight as Group D teams go to battle for who qualifies and who goes home. Below is a match-by-match preview of likely outcomes.
Let us start with a recap of the permutations we made on Sunday prior to the commencement of last set of group matches.
- Czech Republic will go through as group winners if they avoid defeat against England. They will finish second if they lose and Scotland beat Croatia. They will only finish third if they lose and Croatia wins by enough goals to overtake them on overall goal difference.
- England will go through if they draw or if Scotland does not win, and will finish top if they beat Czech Republic. They will only finish third if they lose and Scotland wins by enough goals to overtake them on overall goal difference.
- Croatia must win to stay in contention to be at least a best third-placed team, though they can still overtake Czech Republic for second place on overall goal difference.
- Scotland must win to finish at least third, and can still overtake England for second place on overall goal difference.
Group D: Czech Republic vs England (21: 00, London)
These two teams would qualify if they play a draw. Irrespective of this level playing ground, both teams would want a win to top the group. England would need a win more than the Czech Republic in order to remain in London for the Round of 16. If England wins and tops the group, they will play only one game away from Wembley should they go all the way to the final.
Czech Republic has a poor away record against England with one draw and two losses. Even when they were still Czechoslovakia, they have never won England on an English stadium. They have only drawn two and lost six in their eight matches.
With Manager Gareth Southgate continuing his faith in team captain, Harry Kane, we watch to see how England steps up her game to qualify from a group considered by pundits, pre-tournament, to be an easy one for the Three Lions. A shocking draw with Scotland has put England under pressure to cross over.
Czech Republic would need just one point to finish as group leaders because of superior goal difference to England. Led by Patrik Schuck, who has three goals already in the tournament, the Czech Republic attacking force would seek to wound England who would be so eager to secure a lead. The Locomotives will stick to their attacking style, with high-pressing and quick combinations to nail the Three Lions.
Group D: Croatia vs Scotland (21:00, Glasgow)
Scotland has not got to the knockout stages in the history of this tournament. They would, as such, be motivated to fire from all cylinders to win the game because, if they win and England loses, they can take the second slot on the group, thereby making history. Losing midfielder Billy Gilmour to Covid-19 positive test, Steve Clarke may draw in Scott McTominay to the midfield while Liam Cooper comes in to bolster the defence.
Croatia is ahead on superior goals but have an uphill task beating Scotland. Head-to-head, Croatia has not beaten the Tartan Army in their last five games; losing two and drawing three. Croatia has not been in their sharpest elements this week. Manager Zlatko Dalić might make some changes, probably bringing in young Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Luka Ivanušec on the right. Croatia have often stepped up their arts when the cards are on the table. It remains to be seen if they can summon their inner strengths to do it again tonight.
Group D Standings
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | |
| Czech Rep. | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| England | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Croatia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 3 |
| Scotland | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 1 |
Azuka Edokobi is a Writer , a Farmer, a Supply Chain Expert and an Entrepreneur
