Match previews

NORTH MACEDONIA kick-off their first ever tournament game with a tough clash against Austria. After a superb effort in the Nations League, Igor Angelovski believes his side have what it takes to reach the last-16.
North Macedonia have made it to their first ever major tournamentCredit: EPA
Following on from England’s clash against Croatia, tune into ITV1 at 5pm to catch this one live from Bucharest.
What’s the form?
Austria are themselves making just a third Euros appearance and haven’t won a game at a major tournament since 1990.
But their qualification efforts were stellar and despite going down to England 1-0 in a recent friendly, looked like they could carry a threat.
North Macedonia have got into a good habit of not losing, with just two defeats in their last 15 internationals.
That will serve them well in tournament football and they’ve been impressive in that run, thrashing Kazakhstan 4-0 last time out.

Who’s in and who’s out
The ever-versatile David Alaba will be tasked with inspiring Austria from front-to-back, while RB Leipzig’s Marcel Sabitzer has one heck of a strike on him.
For North Macedonia, they have an exciting squad who ply their trade all over Europe.
Napoli’s Elif Elmas is arguably their best chance of springing a shock, while Premier League and Leeds followers will be familiar with attacking full-back Ezgjan Alioski.
My coaching philosophy is always to play offensive football, that allows the fans to enjoy the game. I want to score more than the opponent.Igor Angelovski, North Macedonia manager

Watch out for…
West Ham fans will be eager to see Marko Arnautovic, who has been prolific since his controversial move to China in 2019.
He led the team with six goals in qualifying, the same amount as Robert Lewandowski managed for Poland.
A left-field shout for the Golden Boot? Maybe not, but it’s never dull when Marko is around.
If you’re feeling lucky, you can get Arnautovic at 300/1 for the Golden BootCredit: Getty

If the game’s rubbish…
Check out David Alaba’s stunning girlfriend Shalimar Heppner, daughter of the ‘Germany Gordon Ramsay’.
She met Alaba in 2017, and the pair immediately hit it off.
However, they didn’t go public with their romance until 2018, when they arrived at the Oktoberfest together in Bavaria.
Shalimar is a part-time model – and also works as a PR manager – while her dad is famous chef Frank Heppner.
The pair have been together for over four yearsCredit: Getty – Pool
The stunning brunette is a part-time model and boasts 36k followers on her InstagramCredit: Instagram
The couple first went public with their romance in 2018Credit: Getty
Match odds
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds

Austria to win 4/6
The Draw 12/5
North Macedonia to win 9/2

Euro 2020 outright odds

Austria 100/1
North Macedonia 500/1

*All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication.
Austria vs North Macedonia live stream, TV channel and kick-off time and team news for Euro 2020 match More

HERE we go again – it’s time to dream that England can finally end 55 years of hurt.Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions begin their Euro 2020 campaign with a clash against Croatia on home soil, looking to banish the ghost of three years ago.
England will have 22,500 fans at Wembley for Croatia clashCredit: EPA
Croatia were the side that ended England’s World Cup dream in Russia and you can catch the revenge mission on BBC ONE at 2pm this Sunday.
England vs Croatia risk free bet + 88/1 bet builder tip
What’s the form?
It’s been a breeze for England in qualifying, sweeping through to the finals without a hiccup and currently on a six-game winning run.
History is – seemingly as always – against the Three Lions though, with England having never won an opening match in the Euros.
Croatia meanwhile are arguably not the side they were in Moscow, but still carry a considerable threat.
They topped their qualifying group ahead of Wales and will be desperate to stun the English infront of a partisan home crowd.

Who’s in and who’s out?
Southgate has an abundance of talent at the top end of the pitch – it’s at the back where the problems might lie.
Harry Kane will be trusted with getting the goals, while Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford are all pushing to start either side of the skipper.
Harry Maguire is back in training but the call-up of Brighton’s Ben White suggests the United man won’t be ready for this one.
Croatia boast some star names and in the engine room Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ante Rebic will hope to power their side to a shock.
The best team for the game with Croatia may not be the best team for the game with Scotland.
We have to make sure we get those calls right.Gareth Southgate

Watch out for…
Phil Foden’s questionable barnet.
The Man City star could be one of the players to light up the tournament after a breakthrough season at the Etihad.
And in homage to Gazza’s iconic bleached locks at Euro 96, he’s gone blonde himself.
We’ve a sneaking suspicion that it’ll be Foden’s efforts on the pitch rather than his lid that we’re talking about come July.
Foden’s new haircut is a throwback to Paul Gascoigne’s locks at Euro 96Credit: Reuters

England are definitely a quality team and one of the favourites to win this tournament, I don’t think they have any weak points in particular.Ante Rebic, Croatia
If the game’s rubbish…
You can count how many times the camera pans to the England Wags in the crowd.
With the game being at Wembley, you can expect a full entourage to be supporting the boys as they look to make a winning start.
Harry Kane and his wife Kate have three kids together and got married in 2019
Reece James is with Mia McClenaghan who is believed to have just finished a law degree Credit: instagram @miamcclenaghan
Anouska Santos and Luke Shaw have started a family together in recent years – Credit: Instagram / @anouskasantos
Match odds

England to win 8/13 @ Paddy Power
Both teams to score 5/4 @ Betfair
Harry Kane to score first 13/5 @ William Hill

*All odds correct at time of publication. More

IT’S five long years since Wales’ heroics at Euro 2016 – and they’re out to shock the footballing world once again.The Dragons take on Switzerland in Group A on Saturday, looking to get off to a winning start before tough games against Turkey and Italy.
Wales will hope Gareth Bale can fire them even further than 2016Credit: AP
This clash is taking place way out in Baku, with BBC ONE and S4C the place to head for live TV coverage back home.
Wales vs Switzerland £20 risk free bet + 85/1 bet builder tip
What’s the form?
Rocking up to just their third major tournament, the Wales camp looks to be steady despite the ongoing suspension of boss Ryan Giggs.
Former centre-half Rob Page will be in the dugout for the finals, with the Welsh coming into this clash unbeaten in 13 competitive matches.
Switzerland though have hit form at just the right time, heading to Baku on the back of six consecutive victories.
They’re anything but consistent, with that run of form coming after seven games WITHOUT a win – although that sequence did involve excellent draws with Germany in the Nations League.

Who’s in and who’s out?
The Welsh look to have a fully fit 26-man squad to pick from, although Aaron Ramsey and David Brooks are both returning from long-term injuries.
Page has a number of big calls to make, with Keiffer Moore hoping to partner Gareth Bale and Dan James up top.
The Swiss have an abundance of talent in their squad, with familiar Premier League faces Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri carrying their hopes.
Breel Embolo and Yann Sommer will be trusted to get the goals as the Swiss look to clamber out of a tough Group A.

Watch out for…
Gareth Bale. The Real Madrid star has hinted at retirement despite ending his on-loan season at Spurs looking like his old self.
But this isn’t club football and Bale’s heart is in Wales – remember that famous flag?
He’ll be at the top of his game, let’s just hope it isn’t a last hurrah.
We are getting there. We’ve got young, hungry players coming into the squad that want their jerseys. Nobody can rest on what they’ve done before.Rob Page, Wales temporary coach
The famous flag that Bales celebrated with after Wales made it to the finalsCredit: Reuters
If the game’s rubbish…
Take a delve into Bale’s notoriously private lifestyle – including a mansion where he’s built his own private golf course.
The Madrid superstar’s childhood sweetheart Emma Rhys-Jones will likely be cheering on from the stands in Baku, along with their three kids Alba, Nava and Axel.
Wales are definitely a team that deserves respect, they’re a team that reached the semi-finals last time around. We respect our opponents – but we’re not scared of anyone.Vladimir Petković, Switzerland coach
Gareth and Emma have been together since schoolCredit: Getty – Contributor
The pair were married in 2019 at a secret ceremonyCredit: Instagram
In 2018, work was completed on building a three-hole golf course in Bale’s estate in Wales that amazingly features copies of real holes.
His chosen three holes were the the 12th at Augusta, Royal Troon’s Postage Stamp and the tricky par-three 17th at Sawgrass.
Bale plays off a single-figure handicap and loves his golf
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds:

Wales to win 11/4
The Draw 19/10
Switzerland to win 23/20

Power prices:

Gareth Bale & Xherdan Shaqiri each have one or more shots on target from outside the box – was 3/1 now 4/1
Gareth Bale to score first – Was 6/1 Now 7/1

Euro 2020 outright odds:

Switzerland 66/1
Wales 150/1

*All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication.
Wales vs Switzerland FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Euro 2020 match More

BELGIUM are fancied to go all the way in Euro 2020 – but they face a tough opening assignment against Russia. Roberto Martinez’s exciting side take on the World Cup 2018 hosts, who once again have home advantage in St Petersburg.
Belgian fans are confident this is finally their year after a number of near missesCredit: AP
Settle down with your Saturday night takeaway and get ready to watch the Red Devils in action on ITV1 at 8pm.
Belgium vs Russia risk free bet + 66/1 bet builder tip
What’s the form?
There’s a good reason that many people are tipping Belgium to go all the way this summer.
Under Martinez they’ve developed into a well-oiled machine and were a perfect ten from ten in qualifying, netting 40 GOALS.
Russia have it all to do then, especially as they come into the tournament with just three wins in 11 games.
This game being in St Petersburg is a huge plus for the Russians though, who showed at the World Cup how they can lift their game in front of home fans.

Who’s in and who’s out?
Martinez has selected just five defenders in his 26-man squad, instead looking to unleash the frightening attacking talent at his disposal.
Kevin De Bruyne should be fit after this game despite undergoing facial surgery less than a fortnight ago, while Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Yannick Carrasco are all raring to go.
It will be the most emotional tournament ever. I think it can become a celebration. It can set a before and after for this Covid nightmare.Roberto Martinez, Belgium managerThe Telegraph
Skipper Artem Dzuyba carries the hopes of the Russians, who also include talented Monaco star Aleksandr Golovin in the squad.
All but four players in the 26 play outside of the Russian Premier League.

Watch out for…
De Bruyne’s fitness – and whether KDB is forced to return with facegear.
We’ve become accustomed to wearing a mask over the past year or so, but should De Bruyne be fit for this clash he might be forced into donning some face protection of a different kind.
The irony to all this? Antonio Rudiger, the man who clouted De Bruyne in the Champions League final, was also wearing a protective mask.
De Bruyne was left with a fractured eye socket after a sickening clash with RudigerCredit: AP
If the game’s rubbish…
You might be able to spot Dries Merten’s wife Katrin Kerhofs in the St Petersburg stands.
A self-confessed ‘beast in the bedroom’, businesswoman Kat boasts a whopping 356k followers on Instagram.
She met childhood sweetheart Dries in their hometown of Leuven, and they married in 2015 after ten years of dating.
Mertens and Kat tied the knot in 2015 after meeting in BelgiumCredit: Instagram @katkerkhofs
The blonde described herself during a TV interview as ‘a beast in the bedroom’Credit: Instagram @katkerkhofs
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds

Belgium to win 7/10
The draw 5/2
Russia to win 4/1

Power prices

Kevin De Bruyne & Eden Hazard to have 1 or more shots on target each – Was Evens now 6/4
Romelu Lukaku to score in the first 20 minutes – Was 7/1 Now 9/1

Euro 2020 outright odds

Belgium 13/2
Russia 75/1

*All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication.
Belgium vs Russia live stream, TV channel and kick-off time and team news for Euro 2020 match More

SUPER SATURDAY continues at Euro 2020 with a Group B clash between Denmark and Finland.Both sides will both be desperate to get three points on the board early in what is a competitive group, with Belgium and Russia playing later in the day.
Leicester’s Kasper Schmeichel will be trusted between the sticks for Denmark this summerCredit: Reuters
Sandwiched between Wales vs Switzerland and that match, this clash takes place in Denmark’s capital Copenhagen at 5pm BST.
What’s the form?
The Danes enter the tournament in terrific form, with just one defeat in their last 12 matches.
That also included an unbeaten campaign in qualifying, although they were held to draws in four of their eight matches.
It’s a different story for Finland, who have been fairly dismal since booking their place in the Finals following a solid qualifying.
No wins in six for Markku Kanerva’s side is a concern, with their limp display against Estonia last time out anything but good preparation.

Who’s in and who’s out?
Denmark have a number of high profile players in their ranks and Christian Eriksen will hope to mastermind a run akin to 1992.
The Inter midfielder is still only 28, while Martin Braithwaite, Kasper Dolberg and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg can all play big roles.
The entire Danish people knows what happened in 1992. They showed it’s possible to win a big tournament.Christian Eriksen
Finland’s hopes lie almost squarely at the feet of their goal machine forward Teemu Pukki, who was once again prolific for Norwich as they returned to the Premier League.
Tim Sparv and Glen Kamara are also big names but Pukki – eyeing up Jari Litmanen’s national goalscoring record – will have the biggest say on whether Finland shock Group B.

Watch out for…
Denmark – just in general.
The Danes have really emerged as dark horses for this summer’s tournament and could spring a surprise.
They have a core of excellent players front to back and will fear nobody.
Like Eriksen said…. anybody remember 1992?

They have better players than us in every position, but we have shown before that the sum of all the parts in our puzzle is greater than what people think.Lukas Hradecky, Finland goalkeeper
If the game’s rubbish…
You might be able to spot Kasper Schmeichel’s wife Stine Gyldenbrand supporting the Leicester ace on the terraces.
Stine runs a charity named FodBoldDongen, which organises events to aid vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
The pair met when they were just 17 years old and have two children named Max and Isabella.
Stine and Kaspar celebrate Leicester’s miraculous title win in 2016Credit: Getty
Stine is a midwife and is regularly seen supporting her husband at Foxes gamesCredit: Getty
The pair have been together for over ten years and married in 2015Credit: Reuters
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds

Denmark to win 2/5
The Draw 3/1
Finland to win 8/1

Power prices

Christian Eriksen to have 2 or more shots on target from outside the box – Was 3/1 Now 7/2
Kasper Dolberg & Teemu Pukki to have 1 or more shots on target each – Was 11/8 Now 13/8

Euro 2020 outright odds

Denmark 25/1
Finland 500/1

*All odds from correct at time of publication.
Denmark vs Finland live stream, TV channel and kick-off time and team news for Euro 2020 match More