Thursday should be a fun day at Euro 2024. Two of the three matches feature perennially strong national teams facing off against one another and plenty of intrigue and storylines to go along with the rivalries.
Slovenia and Serbia have the early match after both teams had admirable performances in their openers. Then, England takes on Denmark after the Three Lions had an unconvincing win in the opening match. If England doesn’t have a better performance against Denmark, the result likely won’t be the same.
The final match of the day is the clear showcase match: Spain vs. Italy. That’s a meeting of two world powers that have seen plenty of one another in recent European Championships.
We’re looking at what the odds predict for each match and what we’re anticipating from each team.
All odds from BetMGM.
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Slovenia vs. Serbia
Kickoff time: 9 a.m. ET/2 p.m. BST/3 p.m. CEST
Records: Slovenia (0-1-0, 1 point); Serbia (0-0-1, 0 points)
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
Serbia can take pride away from its defeat to England, but not points. The Serbians may have confidence they can outplay Slovenia after doing so for most of the second half against England, but the pressure is on to get a win.
Slovenia was able to get a draw against Denmark, a positive result that gives the group longshots a real chance to advance. Slovenia has never made it out of the group stage of a major tournament.
Serbia is favored in this match. A win would be just Serbia’s fourth victory in a major tournament in the 21st century.
Denmark vs. England
Kickoff time: Noon ET/5 p.m. BST/6 p.m. CEST
Records: Denmark (0-1-0, 1 point); England (1-0-0, 3 points)
Venue: Frankfurt Arena
Winning with style isn’t as important as simply winning when it comes to major tournaments, but more is expected of this England team than what it showed against Serbia. The Three Lions were in control early and went ahead via Jude Bellingham, but the second half will not be one to remember. England managed just five shots against Serbia and was outshot 6-5 in that 1-0 victory.
How will this team respond? Denmark, on paper, is a tougher opponent. If England doesn’t win, the concern among the English will be palpable. That said, a controlled win will quell any fears and even a draw would secure a spot in the knockout stage.
The odds actually shifted a bit with England’s showing as well. The Three Lions were the tournament favorite, but they are now co-favorite with France.
Spain vs. Italy
Kickoff time: 3 p.m. ET/8 p.m. BST/9 p.m. CEST
Records: Spain (1-0-0, 3 points); Italy (1-0-0, 3 points)
Venue: Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen
This is a rematch of a semifinal from the last European Championship, which Italy won on penalties. These teams also met in the Round of 16 in 2016 (Italy won 2-0), in the final in 2012 (Spain won 4-0) and in a quarterfinal in 2008 (Spain won in penalties). This year, they meet in the group stage after both teams won their opening matches.
Spain had less possession than Croatia but was clinical in its finishing in a 3-0 win. That scoreline was one of the most impressive results for a team in the first set of group matches.
Italy’s score was far from impressive, going down 1-0 to Albania 23 seconds into the match before winning 2-1, but it was impressive how the Azzurri responded to that early deficit. The Italians led before the match was 20 minutes old and didn’t allow another shot on target the rest of the match. The Azzurri completed 93 percent of their passes, which will make for a fascinating matchup against a Spanish team that got out-possessed against Croatia.
Spain opened with an edge in the odds but is not a big favorite to win this match.
More Euro 2024 coverage
Why ‘provocative’ flags – including Russia’s – at Euro 2024 could see nations face sanctions
England starting XI to face Denmark: Foden? Alexander-Arnold? Gallagher? Our writers’ picks
Denmark Euro 2024 squad refuse pay rise to ensure equal pay with women’s team
The gaps that mean Spain may not be quite as good as their opening Euro 2024 win suggests
Spalletti is bringing out Italy’s real identity. The Tik-Italia vibes are even stronger than in 2012
(Photo of Nicolo Barella: Claudio Villa / Getty Images for FIGC)
