Published: June 17, 2021 11:35 pm
Last Updated: June 17, 2021 6:55 pm
Euro Fantasy Football, June 18th updates
Friday’s Euro Fantasy Football action sees England play out their second group game of the tournament.
The day’s action will begin with Sweden vs Slovakia facing off. The former held their own against Spain last time out and likely fancy their chances against much weaker opposition on Friday.
Croatia will then take on the Czech Republic at 5 PM UK time. The Czech Republic have a great chance of finishing 2nd in Group D after picking up a win over Scotland on Monday.
And, the final match of the day pits England against Scotland at a major tournament for the first time since Euro 96.
A win for the Three Lions would all but guarantee their spot atop of Group D, whilst Scotland will be desperate to earn at least a draw to keep their hopes of making it to the knockout rounds alive.
Injury news
Sweden: Dejan Kulusevski and Mattias Svanberg have re-joined Sweden’s squad after recovering from Covid-19.
Sweden team doctor Anders Valentin had this to say on the pair:
“We have had daily contact with both Dejan and Mattias and both are fine. “We have of course followed the restrictions that apply in Sweden and feel completely confident that the boys will return to us in the squad as soon as they are guaranteed infection-free.”
Slovakia: Slovakia have no injury concerns at the moment.
Croatia: Borna Barisic missed Croatia’s opener vs England with a back issue but could be back to face the Czech Republic.
A Croatia spokesman said this on the defender on Monday:
“We got the update and situation is positive. The MRI did not show any serious injury, so he will be rested today and expected to make a quick recovery and join the team in full training soon.”
Czech Republic: The Czech Republic have no injury issues to report at present.
England: Dean Henderson has left the England camp due to injury and has been replaced by Aaron Ramsdale. Jordan Pickford is expected to start against Scotland anyway so your EFF team should not be impacted.
Elsewhere, Harry Maguire has said he is available to face Scotland after recovering from injury. Whether Southgate risks his start centre-back, however, remains to be seen.
Scotland: Kieran Tierney missed Scotland’s group opener vs the Czech Republic but would return to training on Tuesday, before once again missing out on Wednesday. As a result, his selection remains very much up in the air.
John Fleck is expected to be back involved vs England after missing Scotland’s first game due to testing positive for Covid-19.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 07: Kieran Tierney of Scotland during the International Friendly match between Scotland and Belgium on September 7, 2018 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Top 3 players to pick: Harry Kane, John Stones, Alexander Isak
Harry Kane, England (11.5m)
Harry Kane had a fairly quite game vs Croatia last time out.
However, it is quite rare the striker has too long of a goal drought for his country and should have a much better chance of getting in on the goals vs a weaker Scotland side.
Kane has scored 34 and assisted 13 in just 55 outings for England and it would be pretty surprising if he did not earn at least a couple of goal contributions in England’s next two games.
John Stones, England (5.5m)
With Harry Maguire sidelined, some may have been slightly concerned that England’s defence would suffer.
However, the Three Lions would dominate Croatia and limited them to very few chances.
So, whilst England may struggle in later rounds, clean sheets vs Scotland and the Czech republic seem much more likely, making John Stones a solid option.
TIRANA, ALBANIA – MARCH 28: Harry Kane of England celebrates with team mates (L – R) Declan Rice, John Stones and Mason Mount after scoring their side’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying match between Albania and England at the Qemal Stafa Stadium on March 28, 2021 in Tirana, Albania. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak, Sweden (8m)
As already discussed, Sweden would hold their own against Group E favourites Spain earlier this week.
Sweden would actually come close to winning the game a few times with several smart counterattacks.
At the heart of most of Sweden’s good moves vs Spain was Alexander Isak. The striker did not score then, but he should fare better against weaker opposition this time around.
Captain of the day: Harry Kane, England
Harry Kane is probably the most likely to earn you a decent return from your options on Friday.
The forward is due a good game for England and that could come against a poor Scotland team who lost 2-0 vs the Czech Republic last time out.
Isak could also potentially be a decent shout as Slovakia are generally quite average defensively and have shipped goals to teams such as Malta and Bulgaria of late.
Croatia vs Czech Republic betting tips: Preview, predictions & odds
Sweden vs Slovakia betting tips: Preview, predictions & odds
