Euro 2020 Fixtures and Tournament Schedules

– Will Euro 2020 Still Be Called 2020?
– What Will The Group Stage Look Like?
– When Will The Group Fixtures Take Place?
– Where are the venues?

Euro 2020 Fixtures: Groups, Dates, Venues, and Tournament Schedules

Euro 2020 is just around the corner, and it’s time to get excited! The championship will be hosted across thirteen countries in Europe. It starts on Friday June 12th with a match between France and Ireland in Paris. There are 24 teams participating, which means that there are six groups of four teams each. You can find out more about Euro 2020 fixtures by reading through this article!

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Will Euro 2020 Still Be Called 2020?

Euro 2020 is the name of this edition, which is understandable given the championship will be held during 2020. However, Euro 2020 was originally scheduled to take place between 12 June and 12 July last year, but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The revised dates are 11 June – 11 July 2021. While many may refer to the championship as “Euro 2021” due to the postponement, it will still be officially referred to as the UEFA Euro 2020 Championships

It’s time to get excited! The championship will be hosted across thirteen countries in Europe.

euro 2020

What Will The Group Stage Look Like?

The new groupings for the Euro 2020 Championships are as follows:

Group A – (Rome/Baku): Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland

Group B – (Copenhagen/St Petersburg): Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia

Group C – (Amsterdam/Bucharest): Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia

Group D – (London/Glasgow): England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic

Group E – (Seville/St Petersburg): Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia

Group F – (Munich/Budapest): Hungary, Portugal, France, Germany

When Will The Group Fixtures Take Place?

Friday 11 June

Group A: Turkey vs Italy (21:00, Rome)

Saturday 12 June

Group A: Wales vs Switzerland (15:00, Baku)

Group B: Denmark vs Finland (18:00, Copenhagen)

Group B: Belgium vs Russia (21:00, St Petersburg)

Sunday 13 June

Group D: England vs Croatia (15:00, London)

Group C: Austria vs North Macedonia (18:00, Bucharest)

Group C: Netherlands vs Ukraine (21:00, Amsterdam)

Monday 14 June

Group D: Scotland vs Czech Republic (15:00, Glasgow)

Group E: Poland vs Slovakia (18:00, St Petersburg)

Group E: Spain vs Sweden (21:00, Seville)

Tuesday 15 June

Group F: Hungary vs Portugal (18:00, Budapest)

Group F: France vs Germany (21:00, Munich)

Wednesday 16 June

Group B: Finland vs Russia (15:00, St Petersburg)

Group A: Turkey vs Wales (18:00, Baku)

Group A: Italy vs Switzerland (21:00, Rome)

Thursday 17 June

Group C: Ukraine vs North Macedonia (15:00, Bucharest)

Group B: Denmark vs Belgium (18:00, Copenhagen)

Group C: Netherlands vs Austria (21:00, Amsterdam)

Friday 18 June

Group E: Sweden vs Slovakia (15:00, Saint Petersburg)

Group D: Croatia vs Czech Republic (18:00, Glasgow)

Group D: England vs Scotland (21:00, London)

Saturday 19 June

Group F: Hungary vs France (15:00, Budapest)

Group F: Portugal vs Germany (18:00, Munich)

Group E: Spain vs Poland (21:00, Seville)

Sunday 20 June

Group A: Italy vs Wales (18:00, Rome)

Group A: Switzerland vs Turkey (18:00, Baku)

Monday 21 June

Group C: North Macedonia vs Netherlands (18:00, Amsterdam)

Group C: Ukraine vs Austria (18:00, Bucharest)

Group B: Russia vs Denmark (21:00, Copenhagen)

Group B: Finland vs Belgium (21:00, St Petersburg)

Tuesday 22 June

Group D: Croatia vs Scotland (21:00, Glasgow)

Group D: Czech Republic vs England (21:00, London)

Where are the venues?

Rome (Stadio Olimpico)
Baku (Olympic Stadium)
Saint Petersburg (Saint Petersburg Stadium)
London (Wembley Stadium)
Munich (Allianz Arena)
Budapest (Puskás Ferenc Stadium)
Rotterdam (Ahoy Rotterdam)

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Group Predictions

Group A

Luckily for Italy, they are able to play all their group games in Rome, which is a stroke of luck for the Italian squad as they would be looking to capitalise on a strong start to their Euro campaign and put the worst of their 2018 World Cup campaign behind them.

Because of this, they are also touted as third favourites to reach the quarter-finals. Possibly meeting Ukraine or Austria if they top the group.

On the other hand, Switzerland is becoming the next hottest thing around town, with one win and three draws in four games against Spain and Germany in the Nations League–which is impressive stuff. But killing any hopes of a major victory would likely be their lack of a true goalscorer, and an up and coming Turkish squad with their own excellent display of form.

As for the Turkish squad, their excellent form has been interrupted by inconsistency on the pitch in Nations League B. But this can be due to manager Şenol Güneş experimenting on tactics and getting a better feel for this team. Bear in mind that expectations are high from the man who brought Turkey to a third place finish in the 2002 World Cup, plus a win against Netherlands and Norway only proves to the world that the Turkish squad will soon become a force to reckon with.

Lastly, we have Wales. Under Ryan Giggs’ leadership since 2018, the Welsh squad have been undefeated in the Nations League. However, when you consider their wins are narrow wins (1-0) coming from teams such as Bulgaria, Finland, and the Republic of Ireland–teams who are notably weaker than Italy–competitiveness like this might be too much for them to advance to the knockout stages.

Group B

It is clear that Belgium has cemented their positions as favourites to win the championship with a 29% chance. But when you consider star players like Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne on the squad, and an impressive performance in the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Russia; the Belgian squad’s healthy mix of youngsters and veterans nearing the end of their prime will surely bring out the best in them as it is likely the last chance for the “Golden Generation” to win a major tournament.

Denmark, the presumptive runner-up, boasts players from teams such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, and Leicester City. With their results proven by a haul of ten points from their Nations League group, with two undefeated matches against England. They are seen as favourites to outclass Russia and Finland during the group fixtures.

Russia and Finland have had decent showings obtaining eight and twelve points from Nations League B, with Russia being undefeated at home and Finland scoring two wins from struggling sides Bulgaria and Ukraine.

While some say that the motivation and passion Finland has from participating in their maiden tournament will see them through the group stages, powerful teams like Denmark and Belgium might quickly bring their hopes to an end.

Group C

Despite a slump in the Netherlands’ form–missing out on the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2016–manager Ronald Koeman has revived the ailing squad by introducing younger talents such as Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and Juventus’ Matthijs De Ligt who have since become key players.

Now in 2020, as Frank De Boer takes charge, the positive effects of Koeman’s leadership can still be seen. With a newfound sense of togetherness and determination from the young squad–with the likes of notable Ajax midfield Ran Gravernberch–how well they perform in the tournament will depend on the synergy between De Jong and how well the other forwards in their squad can link up with Depay.

They are predicted to easily sail through Group C, but they will have to be tactically flexible to be competitive.

For Austria, this is their first major international competition since 1990, which could lead to some teething issues as seen by criticism towards manager Franco Foda’s conservative and defensive style. Such examples include fielding deep-lying playmaker Marcel Sabitzer behind the striker, and deploying defender David Alaba on the left wing.

Despite this, Austria can boast genuine quality through its defensive play, gathering the points they need along the way. And having talents such as Stuttgart’s 23-year-old forward Sasa Kalajdzic, things could look up for the Austrian squad.

Minnows North Macedonia has impressed the football world not only by making it into the tournament, but also by getting a qualifying win against Germany. Their performance remains to be seen but being fielded by 37 year old veteran Goran Pandev, we can say that things are looking up for the squad.

Led by Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukrainian squad have failed to advance to the knockout stages in their previous two Euro tournaments.

They have beat expectations by remaining undefeated in their group ahead of Portugal during the qualifiers. Along with synergy among teammates and highly offensive talents such as Dynamo Kyiv’s Viktor Tsyhankov and Gent’s Roman Yaremchuk, Ukraine is looking to prove they can advance to the knockout stages.

The Ukrainian squad is relatively young with an average age of 26 years which gives them an edge on the physical aspect. But concerns are growing that the young squad may be inexperienced as only 29% of them were based outside of Ukraine at club level. However, Shevchenko remains optimistic that the team will be able to hold their own against heavyweights Germany, Spain, and Switzerland.

Group D

Gareth Southgate’s English side’s home advantage have let them become favourites to advance in Group D. Featuring some of Europe’s best players like Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, and Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish; England are looking strong on the offence and could possibly give teams like Croatia a run for their money.

However, teething issues at the midfield with Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips, and Jordan Henderson, plus goalkeeping errors from Jordan Pickford are just two of the areas that are holding England back from achieving great success. Add strong rivals such as Croatia and Scotland to the mix, it becomes harder to guarantee England will win by a comfortable margin

The 2018 Croatian squad was the zenith of Croatian football. Featuring stars such as Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic and Subasic.

Unfortunately, with the departure of all but Modric, the Croatian squad’s talent pool has become severely restricted. But fledgling talents like Nikola Vlasic and Josip Brekalo known for their creative sparks, plus talents like Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic–who are playing at Europe’s highest levels–can serve to reduce this problem.

A lot rests on Croatia’s starting eleven, particularly Modric’s shoulders to remain fit the entire championship, plus having to deal with rivals such as England and Scotland. Thus, the team will need all their experience and some luck to see them through the tournament.

The Czech squad have been performing brilliantly by beating group opponents England in the qualifiers and holding up world No.1 Belgium to a draw during the World Cup Qualifiers in March.

Having players such as Tomas Soucek and Patrick Schick who are known for their aerial and overtime abilities respectively, plus defensive and midfield talents, they can easily pose a threat to unsuspecting opponents from their set pieces and on the counter-attack.

For Scotland, this is their first major tournament since the 1998 FIFA World Cup, so there will be a lot on their shoulders. Despite having European Cup and Premier League winner Captain Andy Robertson–rated as one of the best left-backs in the world–and Kieran Tierney–the stronger left-backs in the Premier League–they both, unfortunately, play the same position.

Tierney could be put on left centre-back in a back three while Robertson can be put on the offensive on a more advanced left wing-back role. They are supported by Ryan Fraser, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, and Che Adams; with the rest of the squad sourced from the English Second Tier and weaker Scottish Premiership.

Despite this strong foundation, they lack the creative spark needed to tear down defences. A solution to this could be Ryan Gauld–responsible for 50% of struggling side Farense’s goal total–and Che Adams who is known to capitalise on attacking opportunities.

The odds are naturally stacked against them, but if the Scottish side can leverage their defensive game and adapt to an offensive game when needed, their chances of success would be higher.

Group E

Spain, having won the 2010 World Cup, 2008 and 2012 Euro Championships, the Spanish squad–now under the leadership of Luis Enrique–is currently undergoing an overhaul after the departure of a few regulars following their long and illustrious careers on the international scene.

What’s interesting is that manager Luis Enrique only called up 24 men to his squad, excluding Sergio Ramos; meaning he will miss his first international tournament since Euro 2004. But joining in the fray are Juventus striker Alvaro Morata, goalkeeper David De Gea, midfielder Koke and a few other upcoming talents in Pedri and Dani Olmo. While they are not favourites to win the championship, a victory against Sweden before the tournament could be a sign of things to come.

For Poland, they will be looking to bring things up a notch after a poor showing at the 2018 World Cup following a quarter-final finish at Euro 2016.

But with defender Kamil Glik, goalkeepers Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski, midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, and 2020 Champions League winner Robert Lewandowski in attack; Poland are well in contention to advance to the knockout stages. More so, having ranked 5th on the FIFA World Rankings as recently as three years ago, many eyes will be peeled at their campaign to win the championship.

Slovakia, making their debut at Euro 2016, are expected to be eliminated quickly despite having advanced to the knockout phase at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2016.

With former Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik and centre back Milan Skriniar their most valuable players in the squad, with Marek’s tactical skills complementing Milan’s excellent passing range should they wish to build up play from defence. They are Slovakia’s best bet to gain positive results in the opening fixtures of the group stages if they wish to remain in the championship beyond the round of 16.

On the other side, although Sweden had an impressive qualifying finish ahead of Norway, and just five points behind rivals Spain. As the second highest ranking squad, manager Janne Andersson initially called upon football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic after his five-year retirement, but never happened due to an injury Ibrahimovic sustained.

Since the Swedish squad is not in the position to mount a challenge, the odds of success are very much against them.

Group F

The French squad nicknamed ‘Les Bleus’ has had a successful run, winning three of five finals participated. Their most recent showing as finalists of the 2018 World Cup certainly proving they still have what it takes to win the championship.

Les Bleus under the leadership of Didier Deschamps are fundamentally the same squad with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Hugo Lloris and surprise inclusion Karim Benzema; the onus is on them to finely balance defensive strength and lightning offence as they clearly understand that defeating their competitive Group F rivals is no walk in the park.

With a perfect combination of experience, youth, and quality; obtaining a minimum of four points to qualify is certainly within their grasp.

After Germany’s shock exit from the group stages during the 2018 World Cup, Joachim Loew is certainly looking to change things for the better by revamping his squad with the inclusion of Bayer Leverkusen’s star player Florian Wirtz and Chelsea duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz

Along with the presence of notable players like Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan, Joshua Kimmich and Mario Goretzka; they will certainly be looking to carry the momentum of their highly successful 4-4-3 formation from qualifying into their group matches and beyond.

The Hungarian squad will certainly need more luck on their side as they have been drawn into the ‘Group Of Death’, really putting Marco Rossi’s talented squad to the test. However, RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szboszlai absence due to injury only adds salt to the wounds.

Despite this, having goalkeeping talent Peter Gulacsi and veteran centre-back Willi Orban, getting a win over the Hungarian squad is going to be much easier said than done.

Moving to the Portuguese squad, one unavoidable name would be Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite’s Ronaldo’s age, he is still a valuable asset to manager Fernando Santos’ starting eleven due to his huge tournament experience and quality. Coupled with impressive showings from Joao Felix in the Nations League, Bruno Fernandes being in peak form, and the inclusion of players like Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Diogo Jota; serves to provide considerable depth to the squad.

However, they are still favoured less than Germany and France to qualify for the knockout phase. But the star-studded squad they possess could easily prove naysayers wrong.

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