Euro 2024: A look at 5 talking points ahead of the knockout phase

• The real drama of Euro 2024 begins with the knockout phase, which kicks off after the group stage ends next Wednesday, June 26
• Top countries like Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands have already qualified for the tourney's Round of 16
• Sports Brief looks at five key talking points ahead of the Euro 2024 Round of 16, including Germany's selection dilemma

The Round of 16 matchups for Euro 2024 are set following the conclusion of the group stage this week.

It's now knockout football, with the remaining teams vying for the title of European champions, and some exciting ties are on the horizon.

Sports Brief looks at five key talking points ahead of the Euro 2024 Round of 16, including Germany's selection dilemma and England's 'favourable' draw.

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Germany’s selection dilemma

Germany cruised into the Round of 16 as the host nation dominated Group A. Julian Nagelsmann's team has looked like strong contenders for the title on home soil, rebounding well from a challenging 2023.

They will face Denmark on Saturday evening, in a rematch of the memorable 1992 final where Denmark stunned Europe. Nagelsmann has a tough decision to make with Niclas Füllkrug pushing for inclusion.

The 31-year-old scored twice off the bench during the group stage, bringing his tally to four goals in six tournament appearances, all as a substitute.

His impressive record of a goal every 34.75 minutes will certainly be giving his manager a headache.

Italy's uphill battle

Despite being the reigning champions, Italy hasn't been in the spotlight much.

The Azzurri's unexpected Euro 2020 victory was anchored by the experienced duo of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci at the back. With both now gone, Italy has struggled to show the same dominance.

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They conceded the earliest goal in European Championship history against Albania, lost to Spain, and needed a last-minute goal from Mattia Zaccagni to advance past Croatia.

They face Switzerland next, a team solid in the group stage and consistent in reaching the knockout rounds of major tournaments, though they've only advanced from one of their last seven last-16 ties.

Georgia’s fairytale run

Georgia has been the story of the tournament, becoming the lowest-ranked team to reach the knockout rounds by beating Portugal. Making their major tournament debut, Georgia now faces Spain, the most impressive team of the tournament so far.

It's a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, and despite some star talent, Georgia will be huge underdogs in Cologne.

Just 10 months ago, Spain thrashed Georgia 7-1, with Alvaro Morata scoring a hat-trick. Few would have predicted a rematch in the last 16 of Euro 2024.

England's fortune draw

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Gareth Southgate has faced criticism despite England advancing as group winners, with their performances being underwhelming and unimaginative. Critics argue that Southgate has benefitted from favourable draws in past tournaments, with easier paths to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020.

England's opponents in those runs were considered beatable, and the team struggled against stronger sides. This year, Southgate has again received a stroke of luck as surprise runners-up finishes for France and Belgium have placed them in the other half of the draw, along with Germany, Portugal, and Spain.

England won't face any of these teams until the final, with the Netherlands being the highest-ranked team on their side of the draw, providing an unexpected boost for Southgate and his squad.

Austria vs Turkey showdown

Austria and Turkey, dark horse candidates, both impressed in the group stage. Austria, under Ralf Rangnick, topped a group including the Netherlands and France.

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Turkey’s mix of attacking flair and defensive vulnerability promises a thrilling rematch after their 6-1 loss to Austria in March.

These storylines set the stage for an exciting Round of 16 in Euro 2024.

Spain and Germain in same Euro draw

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that France and Spain will be on the same side of the draw as Germany and Portugal heading into the Euro 2024 knockout stage.

Pairings are determined by the outcomes of the previous round, ensuring a variety of potential match-ups where winners from one side face fellow winners.