Euro 2024: Last 16 predictions

Eight teams down. 16 remain.

The lack of jeopardy with a 24-team tournament did manifest during the final round of group stage fixtures at Euro 2024, with just a third of the sides that entered departing at the first hurdle.

While the group stage in Germany did somewhat simmer after a lightning-fast start, we’ve now entered make-or-break territory. Knockout football beckons!

The last 16 has thrown up a nice array of ties. There are blockbusters, scope for upsets, and the chance for pre-tournament underdogs to enjoy a deep run. We should have a lot of fun over the four days during which the first knockout round unfolds.

Here are 90min’s predictions for the last 16 at Euro 2024.

Saturday 29 June

The holders get the round of 16 underway on Saturday evening as they face Group A runners-up Switzerland. Italy have so far underwhelmed this summer, although expectations weren’t exactly sky-high for the Azzurri heading into the tournament. They would’ve bowed out of the competition if it wasn’t for Mattia Zaccagni’s last-gasp equaliser against Croatia on matchday three.

On the contrary, Switzerland have produced a typical Swiss campaign thus far and they came within minutes of topping Group A. Many will fancy Murat Yakin’s side to knock the holders out here, but Italy’s work without the ball shouldn’t go unnoticed. It could be a slog.

Switzerland would be facing Denmark later on Saturday if it weren’t for Niclas Fullkrug’s late header. The Borussia Dortmund struck late in their matchday three encounter to ensure Germany, who’d dazzled through their first 180 minutes of the tournament, topped Group A.

The hosts will face the Danes in Dortmund to round off the first day of knockout action. Denmark, semi-finalists three years ago, remain well-drilled and functional, but they still lack a cutting edge in the final third.

Sunday 30 June

Georgia’s unlikely victory over Portugal means England will be facing Slovakia on Sunday, having previously eyed a round of 16 clash with the Dutch instead.

Slovakia, though, will prove stern opposition for this flat and unbalanced Three Lions outfit. Francesco Calzano has built his side in the image of Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli. Their high press and slick build-up could catch England out, that’s for sure. Gareth Southgate’s side must be improved from their unconvincing group stage performance, but they nonetheless topped a dire Group C.

There are narratives galore in the day’s late fixture as the team of the group stage face the story of the tournament so far. Spain topped a tough Group B without conceding; breezing past Italy and Croatia, while Georgia, courtesy of a memorable 2-0 win over Portugal, have progressed into the knockouts of their first major tournament.

The Spaniards have been excellent and are now being tipped by many to go all the way, but they must have their wits about them against a Georgia side that thrives in transition.

Monday 1 July

France and Belgium met in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, but it’s fair to say neither side are quite as impressive as they were in Russia six years ago.

The Belgians had life against Romania on matchday two, but a drab showing to round off Group E against Ukraine saw supporters turn. Boos rung out at full-time, with any positive momentum seemingly sapped.

As for France, well, you’d like to think there’s more to come. They’ve been a tough watch thus far, but they have created chances at greater regularity than the stylistically similar England. Les Bleus usually save their best work for the knockout stages, and now’s the time for them to kick into gear.

A rotated Portugal side succumbed to Georgia last time out in what was the biggest upset in the competition’s history in terms of FIFA ranking differential. Roberto Martinez will return his starters for Monday’s last 16 clash against a Slovenia team that frustrated England on Tuesday and will prove stern opposition in their 4-4-2 mid-block

Tuesday 2 July

The round of 16 concludes on Tuesday, but don’t fear, there are a pair of belters to enjoy. Why? Well, the Netherlands are certainly on upset alert in the early kick-off as they face Group E winners Romania.

Ronald Koeman is working his magic once more with the Dutch struggling in Germany. Defeat to dark horses Austria on matchday three consigned Koeman’s men to third in Group D. Romania, who stunned Ukraine to open the tournament and earned a point against Slovakia to top their group, will be licking their lips.

Then, to wrap the last 16 up, we should be in for entertainment aplenty when Austria face Turkey. Only Spain and maybe Germany have been more impressive than Ralf Rangnick’s Austrians this summer, as their victories over Poland and the Netherlands saw them earn top spot in Group C over France.

Austria have scored six times in their recent two victories, and they’ll be facing up against a defensively flawed Turkish side that boasts plenty of talent going forward. There’s bound to be goals in this one.

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