‘Group of Death’ begins on Day 5 of Euro 2020

The ‘Group of Death’ gets underway today at Euro 2020. We’ve got everything you need to know…

Euro 2020 – Looking ahead to Day 5

The so-called ‘Group of Death’ at Euro 2020 gets underway today with Hungary taking on Portugal at the Puskas Arena at 5pm (UK). Later on today, two of the favourites to go far in the tournament go head-to-head as France take on Germany at the Allianz Arena at 8pm (UK).

If you want to see the full schedule along with the venues and kick-off times, then make sure you take a look at our Fixture List.

Players to Watch

Joao Felix (Portugal)

Since quitting Benfica for Atletico Madrid in the 2019 off-season for a whopping €126 million, the golden boy frontrunner has had his ups and downs at the Wanda Metropolitano. Sometimes sublime and decisive, at other moments unconvincing and petulant. But there can be no denying that the 21-year-old is a rare talent and has the skills and vision to change a game at any given moment. With his vivid imagination, wonderful array of skills, and clever mobility, he makes it all look so effortless. Why wouldn’t he rise to the occasion? This is a stage made to measure for someone of his gifts.

The good news for the starlet is that for all Fernando Santos’ innate caution, the Portugal boss has made a point of sticking by him in recent times. He started six of Portugal’s eight fixtures in 2020. He scored three goals and set up another. Whether used as a false nine or on the left side, he generally has looked the part. Fernando Santos clearly recognises what Felix has to offer as a difference-maker. Cristiano Ronaldo may no longer have the mobility, but he does have the creative impulses of Felix to feed off. Given the freedom to roam laterally and vertically, Felix’s magic touch could be Portugal’s trump card.

Joao Palhinha (Portugal)

25-year-old holding midfielder who has proved a revelation this term for Portuguese league pacesetters Sporting. Deservedly earned his first call-up to the national squad in March. At a time when William Carvalho and Danilo are not playing regularly for Betis and PSG respectively, Palhinha could soon overtake them both.

Niklas Sule (Germany)

As long as he manages to control his weight – an issue which the media have flagged – Sule will have a crucial part to play for the Nationalmannschaft at the Euros. The Germans do have a soft centre at the back and they have to be pleased that Bayern man-mountain Sule is now available again after missing much of last season with an ACL injury.

France’s Euro 2020 Squad

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Mike Maignan, Steve Mandanda

Defenders: Lucas Digne, Léo Dubois, Lucas Hernández, Presnel Kimpembe, Jules Koundé, Clément Lenglet, Benjamin Pavard, Raphaël Varane, Kurt Zouma

Midfielders: Kingsley Coman, N’Golo Kanté, Thomas Lemar, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot, Moussa Sissoko, Corentin Tolisso

Forwards: Wissam Ben Yedder, Karim Benzema, Ousmane Dembélé, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Thuram

Germany’s Euro 2020 Squad

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Bernd Leno, Kevin Trapp

Defenders: Emre Can, Matthias Ginter, Robin Gosens, Christian Günter, Marcel Halstenberg, Mats Hummels, Lukas Klostermann, Robin Koch, Antonio Rüdiger, Niklas Süle

Midfielders: Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, İlkay Gündoğan, Jonas Hofmann, Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos, Jamal Musiala, Florian Neuhaus, Leroy Sané

Forwards: Kai Havertz, Thomas Müller, Kevin Volland, Timo Werner

Hungary v Portugal: Head-to-Head Record

Hungary Wins: 0
Draws: 4
Portugal Wins: 9

France v Germany: Head-to-Head Record

France Wins: 14
Draws: 7
Germany Wins: 10

Will today’s games be on TV?

Today’s games will be broadcast in the UK on ITV. If you want to see a complete list of what dates, times and television channels every game is on, then make sure you take a look at our TV Coverage List.

Group F: Hungary v Portugal (5pm, Puskas Arena) ITV / ITV Hub
Group F: France v Germany (8pm, Allianz Arena) ITV / ITV Hub

How can I download World Soccer’s Euro 2020 Special?

Finally, if you want to get the inside track on every finalist at this summer’s tournament, then make sure you download a digital version of our Ultimate Euro 2020 Guide completely free of charge by clicking here. Alternatively, you can find your nearest store selling physical copies of World Soccer by clicking here.

We’ve taken a closer look at the finalists and their likely squad lists (were yet to be confirmed before publication), as well as the opinions, tactics and profiles from our global network or correspondents. You also receive a free Euro 2020 Wallchart when you pick up a physical copy of the magazine.