Five things to watch out for ahead of the quarter-finals

There are only seven Euro 2024 games left and the tournament has taught eagled-eyed viewers plenty as we approach the quarter-finals.

One of England, France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Portugal or Switzerland will be crowned European champions but what will give nations the edge over their upcoming opponents?

Ahead of the last eight, we pick five things to look out for during the two days of action.

Gakpo’s resurgence

The Netherlands have not lived up to expectations so far and have come under heavy fire from their local pundits, but one player who can hold his head high is Cody Gakpo.

Liverpool’s forgotten forward has found a new lease of life on the national stage following a season of mostly bench appearances.

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Although he did score eight goals in the Premier League across 35 appearances last season, he has already netted three for the Dutch in four Euro 2024 games.

His strike against Romania set his side on their way to the quarter-finals but the question remains, why is he performing so much better for his country than his club?

The answer is simple, he is being given adequate game time and freedom under Ronald Koeman to operate across the frontline as a provider and finisher.

Greizmann’s grudge

Antoine Griezmann has been a mainstay in France’s squad for the best part of 10 years but he has not had the desired impact so far at Euro 2024.

Away from the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the 33-year-old has been regarded as one of the best of the rest but is time catching up with him?

Les Bleus have yet to score a goal from open play at the tournament, with the only strikes going in their favour being a penalty and two own goals.

Griezmann still occupies a free role across the middle of midfield but is struggling to provide for the likes of Kylian Mbappe.

If France are to win the title, they will need the Atletico Madrid man to step up.

🤩 pic.twitter.com/G2YOjRUyqg

— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) July 2, 2024

Teenage stars

Euro 2024 has seen some young stars mature into quality players on the biggest stage.

The likes of Arda Guler, Kobbie Mainoo, Lamine Yamal and Jamal Musiala have all played pivotal roles for their country but their jobs are not done yet.

With Ronaldo’s missed penalty against Slovenia the other day, it feels like there is a changing of the guard in football and more responsibility is falling on younger shoulders.

Yamal at 16 represents the youngest of those who have stood out at the tournament and alongside the likes of Nico Williams, Spain look a formidable opponent.

But there are plenty more young talents who will be looking to halt Luis de la Fuente’s team in their tracks on route to the final.

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Changing of the guard?

England have been the talk of the tournament for all the wrong reasons and they are running out of time to click into gear.

Reports have suggested the Three Lions have been preparing for Switzerland with a back five that will be without Marc Guehi due to suspension.

Gareth Southgate’s men switched to a different shape in extra-time against Slovakia and they looked far more dangerous.

Bukayo Saka shifted to left-back but with Luke Shaw close to full fitness, more options are available in the quarter-finals.

If England want to live up to their favourites tag, they need to put in a more attacking performance against the Swiss.

Jude 🫂 Luke pic.twitter.com/9P9W6StD1o

— England (@England) July 3, 2024

Giants colliding

There is no hiding away from the fact that one side of the Euro 2024 draw pits four giants of football against each other.

France vs Portugal and Spain vs Germany are two blockbuster clashes and those that make it through the quarter-finals will fancy themselves to go all the way.

On the other side, England and the Netherlands will both be backing themselves to get to the final, but it is not going to be easy.

Turkey and Switzerland have already upset two big nations and if their opponents are not careful, will repeat their antics from the last 16.

All four teams will be watching in anticipation on Friday ahead of their big matches a day later.