Group F might be labelled the Group of Death but it’s Group D that has the most historic of clashes to look forward to when Scotland go in to the Lions’ Den to face the Auld Enemy in the crucial middle match of the group. KevMac takes a look at that and the best bets from the pool.
SCOTLAND are gracing their first major finals for 23 years and the Tartan Army couldn’t have wished for a better draw.
Home games at Hampden against the Czech Republic and Croatia give Steve Clarke’s men a chance of getting enough points to make history by reaching the last 16.
But the Wembley showdown with England is the undoubted highlight of this group and it will bring back memories of Euro 96.
The English won the battle that day, with Paul Gascoigne’s wonder goal coming just moments after Gary McAllister’s crushing penalty miss.
That gave them the momentum to reach the semi-finals but England will be determined to go all the way this time with the final being held at Wembley again.
Gareth Southgate’s side smashed home 37 goals in qualifying, with only Belgium scoring more, but their sole defeat came against the Czechs.
Croatia also beat England in the World Cup semi-final so the Three Lions can’t afford any complacency as they bid to live up to their status as tournament favourites with some bookies.
Who will top Group D?
England are red-hot favourites to win the group at a best 1/2 with Betway and should deliver if Harry Kane hits the ground running.
Croatia are next in the betting at 7/2 with SkyBet but they are an ageing squad and didn’t impress in qualifying, drawing twice and losing once in a group containing Wales, Hungary and Slovakia.
The Czechs are 12/1 shots at Bet365 but have an exciting new generation of players while Scotland are as big as 18/1 at SBK to finish top.
Who will qualify from Group D?
Scotland have never progressed past the group stage at a major finals but came within a whisker on their last appearance at the Euro finals.
Leading 1-0 against the Swiss in the final group game at Euro 96, Craig Brown’s side were set to go through until a late Dutch consolation in their 4-1 loss to England sent them into the quarter-finals instead.
It’s now easier to qualify due to the expanded finals so one win might be enough to take the Scots to the last 16.
Clarke’s side are 6/4 with BetVictor to pull it off while the Czechs are evens at SkyBet to go through.
Croatia don’t offer much value at 1/3 (William Hill) while England’s best price is just 1/33 (Betway).
Players to watch
It’s hard to look past talisman Kane for England after a hugely impressive season for a struggling Spurs side. He leads the market for top scorer at the Euros and Kane’s best price is 37/5 with SBK. Backing him to be named Player of the Tournament increases the odds to 16/1 at BetVictor.
None of the other sides in this group have a prolific scorer in the ranks but Tomas Soucek is a big threat from set-pieces for the Czechs. So keep an eye out for his anytime scorer prices in games.
Group D Tips
- Banker – Scotland to qualify for last 16 6/4 BetVictor
- Longshot – Harry Kane Player of the Tournament 16/1 BetVictor
The post Euro 2020 Tips: Group D – Scots 6/4 to Make Some History appeared first on MrFixitsTips.