Day two of the Euro 2024 knockout phase promises thrilling action as two favorites, Spain and England, take center stage. Spain, who dominated Group B with a perfect record, face a history-seeking Georgia. Meanwhile, England, despite a less convincing group stage performance, will battle Slovakia, a team aiming for their best-ever major tournament run. Here’s a breakdown of today’s highly anticipated Euro 2024 games.
England vs Slovakia – 12 noon ET/9am PT, Gelsenkirchen
England entered Euro 2024 as the top contender according to bookmakers, but their performances so far have hardly justified that status. While Gareth Southgate’s squad topped Group C, their three matches were far from inspiring. A narrow 1-0 victory against Serbia was their only win, followed by lackluster draws against Denmark and Slovenia. Their group stage was notably unexciting, featuring a mere seven goals across all six games, the lowest in the tournament.
Slovakia, in contrast, emerged from arguably the most tightly contested group at the Euros. Under Francesco Calzona, they advanced to the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. Remarkably, Slovakia finished level on points with every other team in Group E, highlighting the group’s competitiveness. They edged out Ukraine on goal difference, unfortunately making Ukraine the first team in Euros history to be eliminated in the group stage despite earning four points.
This match is crucial for Slovakia as they aim to reach the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time as an independent nation. Historically, England has dominated their head-to-head record, winning five of their six encounters. However, their only major tournament meeting was a goalless draw at Euro 2016, showing Slovakia can be a tough opponent on the big stage. England will need to significantly elevate their game to overcome a resilient Slovakian side determined to make history.
For a place in the quarter-finals… 👀@bookingcom | #EUROfixtures pic.twitter.com/gIbSzRuVv0
Spain vs Georgia – 3pm ET/12 noon PT, Cologne
Spain’s pre-tournament expectations were moderate, but their outstanding performances in Germany have catapulted them into the top tier of Euro 2024 favorites. They were the only team to progress to the last 16 with a perfect record, demonstrating both offensive firepower and defensive solidity. Luis de la Fuente’s team began with an impressive 3-0 victory over Croatia, scoring all goals in the first half. They followed this with a dominant display against reigning champions Italy, securing a 1-0 win that could have been a more decisive scoreline. Having already secured the top spot, Spain maintained their winning streak by defeating Albania 1-0 with a rotated lineup.
According to Oddschecker, Spain’s odds to win Euro 2024 have shortened dramatically, now placing them as joint-second favorites alongside Germany. The three-time European champions are currently priced at +400 to claim their fourth title. Interestingly, despite their underwhelming group stage, England remains the bookmakers’ favorite at +350.
Georgia, making their debut appearance at a major tournament since independence, are the surprise package of the knockout stage. Ranked 35th among UEFA nations in the FIFA world rankings, their qualification for the last 16 is a remarkable achievement, largely fueled by a stunning victory over Portugal. In a historic moment for Georgian football, they defeated the Euro 2016 champions Portugal 2-0 in their final Group F match, with goals from Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze.
If Willy Sagnol’s Georgia can pull off another upset against Spain today, they would become only the second debutant nation this century to reach a major tournament quarter-final, following Wales’ success in 2016. However, history is against them; Spain has won all six previous competitive meetings, including a dominant 10-2 aggregate score in Euro 2024 qualifying. While Georgia has shown they are capable of surprises, overcoming Spain’s current form will be a monumental challenge.
Spain midfielder Rodri celebrates La Roja’s victory against Italy in matchday two of Euro 2024, highlighting Spain’s strong performance in the tournament.
How to Watch Today’s Euro 2024 Action
England vs Slovakia: Fox Network, TUDN USA, Univision, ViX
Spain vs Georgia: Fox Network, ViX
Stream every Euro 2024 game on fuboTV, with a free trial for new users. Don’t miss any of the Euro 2024 action live! fubo.
Path to the Quarter-Finals: Who Awaits Today’s Winners?
The winner of England vs Slovakia will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Switzerland progressed after defeating Italy 2-0. The winner of Spain vs Georgia will proceed to a quarter-final match against Germany. Germany defeated Denmark 2-0 to secure their place in the next round. Today’s victors will have a clear picture of their path forward in Euro 2024.
