And Then There Were Eight: Euros Quarter-Finals Preview

It's that time again. We now reach the business end of this year's summer tournament, where eight nations remain in with a shot at European glory. El Chumbazo's George Frith takes you through what to expect from each game.

Spain v Germany

KO 5pm, 05/07, Stuttgart Arena

Friday's first quarter-final clash sees the two strongest nations so far go head to head in Stuttgart, in what could very well have been the final had the draw for the competition gone another way. Spain go into this one with the better form, as the only side in the tournament to have won all 4 of their games, and boast the second-highest goal tally in the tournament, with 9 goals so far. However, they are bested by one nation who have racked up 10 so far - you guessed it, Germany. Despite an underwhelming run-up to the tournament, Germany flew out of the gates against a poor Scotland side on day 1, and have yet to slow down. They have played some exceptional football backed by a home crowd desperate to see Die Mannschaft lift the Henri Delaunay trophy for the first time since 1996. Spain will not be an easy opponent, however, with the highest attempts of any side so far with 84, and three clean sheets, showing their quality at both ends of the pitch.

El Chumbazo Predicts:

George: This feels like it could go either way. Both sides have impressed me throughout the tournament, and it's a shame that one of them will be out come Friday evening. Despite the home advantage, I fancy Spain in this one, Lamine Yamal to shine once again. Spain 3-2 Germany (AET).

Jack H: Spain vs Germany is set to be the game of the round in my opinion. I could genuinely see the winner of this winning the tournament. Both have been in great form but I think Spain are a more solid team, likely to expose a relatively fragile German defence. Spain 2-1 Germany.

Jack B: Arguably the two best performing teams of the tournament so far, I think this will be a tight and entertaining affair, but I think the home advantage will give the Germany the well needed push to get past the Spaniards. Spain 1-2 Germany.

Portugal v France

KO 8pm, 05/07, Volksparkstadion, Hamburg

Someone had to follow the absolute blockbuster that Spain v Germany is shaping up to be, and that responsibility falls to Portugal and France - the clash of the 'talismanic' forwards. France have thus far failed to light up the tournament as many had predicted prior to kick-off (sound familiar?), with talisman Kylian Mbappé suffering a broken nose in the opener against Austria. Mbappé made his return in the final group stage game but has only scored once so far in 3 games. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score so far, yet leads the line for a very strong Portugal side who are more than capable of going all the way, with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva instrumental in midfield. Crucially, it is Diogo Costa's penalty heroics that have led Portugal to this stage, saving three penalties on the bounce against Slovakia in the last-16, the first keeper to do so in the history of the competition.

El Chumbazo Predicts:

George: I don't think there will be much in this one, to the point where penalties may be the only way to set these two apart. Portugal 1-1 France, Portugal to win on penalties.

Jack H: Portugal vs France will be a tight affair. I think this could go all the way with France struggling to convert chances but also having a strong defence, Portugal may be frustrated. On penalties, especially after their display against Slovenia with Diogo Costa, Portugal should reach the semis. Portugal 1-1 France, Portugal to win on penalties.

Jack B: It’s been an underwhelming tournament so far from France, not seeming to reach the heights they have in previous tournaments, but I still back them to be able to get past Portugal relatively comfortably. Portugal 0-2 France.

England v Switzerland

KO 5pm, 06/07, Düsseldorf Arena

Thankfully, England play on Saturday, allowing the English a day to relax in between the General Election and what is sure to be a nerve-wracking quarter-final against European Championship stalwarts Switzerland. The Swiss have had a very impressive run so far, scoring 7 goals in 4 games, and confidence will be high following a comfortable dismantling of a poor Italy side, who failed at their attempt to retain their status as Europe's kings. So much has been said about England at this point, that I think we're all aware of the situation we find ourselves in here. Whilst in name, Switzerland is a less daunting prospect as a Spain or a Germany, I think we're in for yet another tough watch.

El Chumbazo Predicts:

George: I'd hate to predict an English loss here, but if I'm honest, this could really go either way. Judging by the performances of the Swiss, I wouldn't expect an England clean sheet, and we all recognise the problems England have had with scoring. If changes are made, however, we might finally show up in this tournament. I think it's going to be a tough, tough day. England 2-2 Switzerland, England to win on penalties.

Jack H: Switzerland have a rock solid core so I think England will have a tough time breaking them down. If we don’t make changes to the starting XI I could certainly see the match going to extra time. With wholesale changes rumoured for the Three Lions, I'll remain optimistic and say England 1-0 Switzerland (AET).

Jack B: This is the toughest one to predict. Switzerland played a very mature & dominant performance against Italy, something different to what Slovakia played. We know England’s problems, we don’t need to talk about them. However, with news coming out that England will switch to a back 3, I think we will see improvements because of this. England 2-1 Switzerland (AET).

Netherlands v Turkey

KO 8pm, 06/07, Olympiastadion, Berlin

The final quarter-final sees the Netherlands take on Turkey in Berlin. Both sides have done well to reach this stage, and it is likely that this one could be an exciting matchup. A 3-0 victory over an impressive Romania side will have built confidence in the Dutch camp, however, their record so far has been somewhat underwhelming, particularly a 3-2 loss to Austria (who Turkey overcame 2-1 to reach this stage, thanks to a brace from Merih Demiral and an impressive defensive display). This will be a crucial game to keep an eye on, especially if England can progress to the semi-finals, as the winner of this will face England/Switzerland in Dortmund next week, for a shot at a place in the final.

El Chumbazo Predicts:

George: If I'm honest, I've not really been convinced by a Netherlands side in recent tournaments, and the same is true here. I could see Turkey continuing the fairytale with a historic victory here. A spot in the semi-finals would equal their best record in this competition, having reached them only once before in 2008. Netherlands 1-2 Turkey.

Jack H: This match should be an entertaining affair, with both sides potent in attack. The Netherlands looked defensively better against Romania but across the tournament they have shown they can be exposed. I was impressed by Turkey’s disciplined performance against Austria but they must be aware of the Dutch attacking quality which may overload the Turkish back line. Netherlands 3-2 Turkey (AET).

Jack B: My shock of the round is that Turkey will manage to get past the Netherlands & reach the semi finals. They showed great defensive discipline against a very strong Austria team, and against a Netherlands team that have looked inconsistent this tournament, I back Turkey here! Netherlands 1-2 Turkey.