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Five things to watch out for before the quarter-finals

There are only seven matches left in Euro 2024 and this tournament has taught the eagle-eyed spectators a lot as we approach the quarter-finals.

One of the English, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey, Portugal or Switzerland will be European champions, but what will give the countries a horn for future players?

Ahead of the final eight, we pick five things to look out for over two working days.

Gakpo's resurgence

The Netherlands have not lived up to expectations so far and are under heavy fire from local pundits, but one player who can hold his head high is Cody Gakpo.

Liverpool's forgotten striker has got a new chance to play at the national level after many seasons on the bench.

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Despite scoring eight Premier League goals in 35 games last season, he has netted three for the Dutch in four games at Euro 2024.

His strike against Romania sent his team to the quarter-finals but the question remains, why did he do better for his country than his team?

The answer is simple, he is given enough game time and freedom under Ronald Koeman to operate across the front line as a provider and complement.

Greizmann's anger

Antoine Griezmann has been a key player in the French team for 10 years but has not been able to get the result he wanted so far at Euro 2024.

Apart from the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the 33-year-old is regarded as one of the best players but will time catch up with him?

Les Bleus are yet to score a goal in open play in this tournament, the only goals scored being a penalty and two own goals.

Griezmann still plays a free role in midfield but struggles to provide for the likes of Kylian Mbappe.

If France are to win the title, they will need the Atletico Madrid man to step it up.

Youth stars

Euro 2024 has seen some young stars mature into top players on the biggest stage.

Players like Arda Guler, Kobbie Mainoo, Lamine Yamal and Jamal Musiala have all played important roles for their country but their work is far from over.

With Ronaldo's penalty miss against Slovenia the other day, it feels like there is a changing of the guard in football and more responsibility is falling on young shoulders.

16-year-old Yamal represents the tournament's youngest star and alongside the likes of Nico Williams, Spain look to be a strong contender.

But there are plenty of young talents who will be looking to stop Luis de la Fuente's side on their way to the finals.

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Changing of the guard?

England have been the talk of the tournament for poor reasons and are running out of time to get into gear.

Reports indicated that the Three Lions were preparing for Switzerland with a back five that will be missing Marc Guehi due to suspension.

Gareth Southgate's men switched to a different form in extra time against Slovakia and looked very dangerous.

Bukayo Saka has switched to left-back but with Luke Shaw nearing full fitness, more options are available for the quarter-finals.

If England want to live up to their favourites, they will have to be more attacking against the Swiss.

Giants collide

There is no hiding away from the fact that one side of the Euro 2024 draw features four football giants alone.

France vs Portugal and Spain vs Germany are two tough contests and the quarter-finalists will want to go all the way.

On the other hand, England and the Netherlands will both be backing each other to reach the final, but it won't be easy.

Turkey and Switzerland have already upset two big countries and if their opponents are not careful, they will repeat their antics from the last 16.

All four teams will be watching on Friday before their big games later in the day.


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