Euro 2024: Day 3 Preview

As Euro 2024 continues to captivate audiences across the continent, today’s fixtures promise to add another thrilling chapter to the tournament’s narrative. Fans are eagerly anticipating a day filled with tactical battles, individual brilliance, and the indomitable spirit of European football.

Today’s TV schedule for the UK is:-

2pm Poland v Netherlands – BBC
5pm Slovenia v Denmark – ITV
8pm Serbia v England – BBC

Poland vs Netherlands: A Tactical Showdown

The day kicks off with a highly anticipated clash between Poland and the Netherlands at the iconic Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. The Dutch team, known for their total football philosophy, will look to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. With a squad brimming with talent, they are expected to be one of the tournament’s front-runners.

Poland, on the other hand, will rely on their disciplined defensive structure and the goal-scoring prowess of their talismanic striker. This match is more than just a battle for three points; it’s a test of tactical wits between two footballing philosophies.

Form Guide
Poland: WWDWWD
Netherlands: WWLWWW

Head to Head
Poland 3 Wins, 7 Draws, 9 defeats, 19 for, 28 against

It will be a Portuguese officiating team this afternoon, with the fourth official from Bosnia

Referee: Artur Soares Dias
Assistant referees: Paulo Soares and Pedro Ribeiro
Fourth official Irfan Peljto
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Martins

Michał Probierz, Poland coach:

We know how strong the Netherlands are. We have respect for them, but we are not afraid of them. There has been progress in Robert Lewandowski’s recovery, so we hope he will come back for the game against Austria. Our tactics? If we go into the game just to survive, it won’t work. We have a plan and I hope we will stick to it. We have prepared our players well in terms of analysing our opponents; we have shown them clips from 20 Netherlands games.

Ronald Koeman, Netherlands coach:

Every opponent [in the group] is difficult: maybe not at the same quality level as France, which is the second match, but Poland are a well-organised, strong, defensively solid team. They are physically strong and, of course, always have a number of [talented] players in midfield. So we shouldn’t assume we are just going to win the first game. We will have to be very fit and sharp for that.

Slovenia vs Denmark: The Dark Horse Challenge

Slovenia and Denmark face off in Hamburg in what could be one of the tournament’s most intriguing encounters. Denmark, still riding high from their impressive performances in recent years, will look to assert their authority early on. Their team-first approach and solid work ethic make them a formidable opponent for any side.

Slovenia, often considered a dark horse, possesses the ability to upset the established order. Their compact style and counter-attacking threat could pose significant challenges for the Danish defence. This match is set to be a true test of resilience and determination.

Form
Slovenia: DWWDWL
Denmark: WWWDLW

Head to Head
Slovenia 0 wins, 1 draw, 5 defeats, 3 for, 14 against

Switzerland will provide the bulk of the officials in charge of the game:-

Referee: Sandro Schärer
Assistant referees:Stephane De Almeida  and Bekim Zogaj
Fourth official: Donatas Rumšas (Lithuania)
Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San

Matjaž Kek, Slovenia coach:

For a country with a small player base like Slovenia, it’s important to create a strong and consistent line-up. This success is no coincidence and qualifying for EURO 2024 speaks for itself. The truth is, we are not seen as group favourites; instead, we’re seen as outsiders.

Denmark are one of the top ten teams in Europe, many see them as dark horses for this EURO. They are the favourites, but we want to have our own winning mentality.

Kasper Hjulmand, Denmark coach:

The most important thing is that we are true to ourselves; that we play our football our way according to our philosophy. We have to be aggressive and dominant and watch out for the qualities in Slovenia’s game. They are extremely good at turn-overs, particularly because of Šeško who is a bright star in European football. They have Oblak in goal and they have a good manager, who has been working with the team for a long time.

England vs Serbia: A Battle of Expectations

The day concludes with England taking on Serbia in what promises to be an electrifying encounter. England, carrying the weight of expectation from their passionate fanbase, are determined to go one step further than their previous tournament outings. With a squad full of young talent and experienced heads, they have all the ingredients for success.

Serbia will enter the fray as underdogs but are no strangers to causing upsets. Their robust playing style and clinical finishing make them a dangerous opponent on their day. This match is not just about skill; it’s about handling pressure and rising to the occasion.

Form guide
Serbia: WLWLDL
England: LWDLDW

Head to head
Serbia 4 Wins, 5 Draws, 6 defeats, For 21, Against 25

An all Italian team will officiate this game, they will be

Referee: Daniele Orsato
Assistant referees: Ciro Carbone and Alessandro Giallatini
Fourth official: Ivan Kružliak SVK
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati ITA

Interview with Gareth Southgate

I’m excited by the challenge of trying to do something that no England team have ever done. We’ve never won a European Championship. We’ve never won a tournament away from home. We’ve never been to a final away from home.

[Serbia] have good individual players and fantastic collective spirit. We know this is a difficult opening game for us and we have to play at our very best to win. Everyone is available. We have a decision whether Luke [Shaw] is a possible to use from the bench or not, but everyone has trained today and is available.