DREAM TEAM EUROS managers should be aware that the deadline for Matchday 2 is 1pm on Wednesday (June 19th).
Therefore all transfers for the second round of group games need to be locked before that cut-off time.
In terms of what changes to make, Matchday 2 features an intriguing set of fixtures that could be difficult for gaffers to navigate.
Firstly, it goes without saying that many of players we tipped prior to the tournament getting underway are still excellent options; individuals such as Jamal Musiala (£4.5m), Jude Bellingham (£6m) and Theo Hernandez (£5m) are even more viable after double-digit hauls in Matchday 1.
Germany’s swaggering 5-1 victory over Scotland to get proceedings underway has certainly made a strong impression of Dream Team Euros bosses as Musiala, Kai Havertz (£4.5m) and Florian Wirtz (£4.5m) are all currently among the most transferred-in players ahead of the deadline.
The hosts are set to take on Hungary, who disappointed against Switzerland in their first game.
In fact, Group A might the one to target because, as impressive as Germany were in Munich, Steve Clarke’s troops looked disorganised, toothless and vulnerable.
Andy Robertson (£3m) and company could conceivably rally against Switzerland but the contrasting fortunes of the two teams in Matchday 1 suggests the latter might contain some potentially savvy differentials.
MAKE TRANSFERS FOR MATCHDAY 2 BEFORE WEDNESDAY’S 1PM DEADLINE
Michel Aebischer (£2m) was the unlikely hero for the Swiss against Hungary with a 13-point return via a goal and an assist.
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However, it should be noted that the Bologna midfielder hasn’t provided any goal contributions in any of his other 20 caps at international level.
With that in mind, it might be wiser to back one of Swizterland’s reliable defenders instead with a view to targeting a clean sheet – Fabian Schar (£3m) and Manuel Akanji (£3.5m) being the leading candidates.
Granit Xhaka (£3m) returned a modest four points against Hungary but he played very well and a similar performance again could easily result a decent haul.
One of the problems facing Dream Team Euros bosses is that many of the best performers from Matchday 1 now face a difficult fixture in Matchday 2.
Dani Carvajal (£4m) and Cody Gakpo (£4m) currently top the rankings having banked 16 points each but they are set to meet Italy and France respectively this week.
Christian Eriksen (£3m) is joint-third overall but Denmark take on England on Thursday.
Additionally, some fixtures that seemed favourable on paper suddenly look less appealing, such as Belgium v Romania.
The Red Devils succumbed to Slovakia while Edward Iordanescu’s side produced an excellent performance to beat Ukraine 3-0, changing the outlook of Group E entirely.
So what other transfer options are open to gaffers?
Many of the question marks surrounding England only grew bolder in the wake of their partially disjointed win over Serbia but the Three Lions’ defence held firm.
Marc Guehi (£3m) in particularly looked solid at centre-back and the Crystal Palace fan favourite is considerably cheaper than the other starting defenders.
If Gareth Southgate is going to persist with a risk-adverse approach it might be better off targeting England clean sheets in the remaining group games rather than copious attacking returns.
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Finally, Kylian Mbappe’s (£7.5m) broken nose is a significant factor as France’s superstar No10 is now considered a major doubt for Matchday 2.
Many gaffers will be hoping an emphatic Portugal performance this evening eases some selection headaches.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
