In-form striker Patrik Schick, is a surprise contender for the Golden Boot with three goals to his name already.
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Gareth Southgate and England are under pressure to deliver a strong performance in their final Euro 2020 Group D game against group leaders Czech Republic. In-form striker Patrik Schick has been lethal so far, scoring three goals in 2 matches. He is up with Cristiano Ronaldo for the race for Golden Boot.
The Three Lions have four points from their opening two games. A 1-0 win over Croatia and a disappointing goalless draw against Scotland. England are yet to hit anything approaching top gear so far in the tournament. The stalemate versus the Scots drew criticism over the lack of creativity and Harry Kane’s rusty form.
Last 16: secured! ☑️
Monday’s results mean the #ThreeLions are guaranteed a place in the #EURO2020 knockout stages. pic.twitter.com/cOr0GWo5ww
— England (@England) June 21, 2021
A win for England would see Gareth Southgate’s side finish as group winners, setting up a tie against the runner-up of Group F. A draw, however, would mean England finish second in their group.
A second-place finish would result in a tie against either Sweden, Slovakia, Spain, or Poland.
It’s not only about the win, Southgate needs strong performance to build confidence in the team, before his side enter the knockout stages.
The England camp have been hit by the news that Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell have been forced to isolate following close contact with the COVID-positive Billy Gilmour. It remains unclear if either man will be cleared to play.
Southgate says “there’s still a lot of discussions and investigations going on behind the scenes” before it can be confirmed whether @masonmount_10 and @BenChilwell will be involved in tomorrow’s game. https://t.co/wShy62ejzU
— England (@England) June 21, 2021
Patrik Schick’s game-winning brace against Scotland on matchday one means that the Czech Republic currently lead the way in Group D. As long as they can avoid defeat against England, they will make it out of the group as winners and set up a tie with the runners-up from the group of death.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward is one of only two players – the other being Cristiano Ronaldo – to net three goals at Euro 2020 so far. The in-form striker is a surprise contender for the Golden Boot. He has been tipped by the Czech Republic manager to finish as the tournament’s top goal scorer.
Czech Republic predicted XI: Vaclik; Coufal, Kalas, Celustka, Boril; Soucek, Kral; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick
England predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips; Sancho, Mount, Grealish; Kane
