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    Midweek Mix: International soccer returns as Euro 2020 build-up continues

    Seb SternikSeb Sternik1 June 2021
    England team Nov20

    England team Nov20

    With the European Championships just around the corner, participating teams are stepping up their preparations. Here’s what’s coming up this midweek…

    Croatia vs Armenia (Tuesday - 17:00 BST)

    One thing's for sure - Gareth Southgate and his team will most definitely tune in for this one.

    England kick off their 2020 European Championship campaign with a clash against Croatia on June 13. With that in mind, there will be a lot of eyes on their friendly with Armenia.

    Luka Modric, Croatia

    Croatia captain, Luka Modric

    Generally speaking, Croatia are in poor form. Zlatko Dalic's side have only won two of their last seven games - the two victories coming against Malta and Cyprus.
    Armenia, on the other hand, are in the midst of a five-match winning run. What's more, they're unbeaten in eight.

    This could be a lot closer than most think.

    Betting: Croatia to win by a one goal margin at 3/1 (Sky Bet)

    Poland vs Russia (Tuesday - 19:45 BST)

    One of the headline games this midweek takes place in Wroclaw as Poland go head to head with arch rivals Russia.

    Both these nations will be participating in the upcoming Euros and both will be keen to gather a bit of momentum.
    poland world cup 2018

    Poland's team at the 2018 World Cup

    Poland have only managed one win in five games. However, their three defeats in that time did come against England, Italy and the Netherlands - all top-ranked nations.

    Russia have struggled in recent internationals, having only won two of their last nine. This has all the makings of a competitive draw.

    Betting: Draw at 23/10 (bet365)

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    Norway vs Luxembourg (Wednesday - 18:00 BST)

    On first sight, you may be inclined to back a Norway blowout. I'm here to persuade you otherwise.

    For a fifth successive time, Norway have failed to qualify for the European Championships. Their recent results have been rather disappointing after managing just two wins from five and also suffering a couple of 3-0 defeats to Turkey and Romania.

    Norway's Erling Haaland

    Luxembourg aren't Brazil 2002 but they've only lost by three-plus goals once since October 2019. What's more, they have also won three of their last eight - including a victory over the Republic of Ireland.

    Betting: Norway to win 2-1 at 7/1 (William Hill)

    Netherlands vs Scotland (Wednesday - 19:45 BST)

    Scotland are preparing for their first Euros since 1996. To put it into perspective how long ago that was, Motorola was the hottest new phone on the market and the film Independence Day had its big release.

    The Scots will be hoping to enter the tournament with a bit of confidence and nothing would help them more than a positive result against Netherlands.
    John Mcginn, Scotland

    John Mcginn celebrates scoring for Scotland

    Frank de Boer's men are also gearing up for the Euros and they come into this game having won four of their last five games. This will be a tough test for Steve Clarke's side.

    Betting: Netherlands to win by a two-goal margin at 7/2 (SkyBet)

    England vs Austria (Wednesday - 20:00 BST)

    The Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough will play host to England's clash with Austria.

    The Three Lions are eyeing their fifth straight win as Gareth Southgate finalises his plans ahead of the Euros.

    Gareth Southgate with Trent Alexander Arnold

    Austria are no pushovers and this will be a good test. Before their 4-0 loss to Denmark, Franco Foda's side enjoyed an eight-match unbeaten run.

    Betting: England to win to nil at 11/8 (bet365)

    READ MORE: Three Lions start final Euro 2020 preparations

    Germany vs Denmark (Wednesday - 20:00 BST)

    It's true that for the past few years, Germany have been a shadow of their former selves. 

    However, there does seem to be a new wave of positivity in Die Mannschaft's camp following the returns of Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller.

    Joachim Low with Thomas Muller

    What's more, Joachim Low's decision to step down after the Euros could galvanise the national side even further as they try and give Jogi the best of send-offs.

    With Denmark in good form, this is without doubt a fixture to add to your watch list this midweek.

    Betting: Over 2.5 goals at 17/20 (Unibet)

    France vs Wales (Wednesday - 20:05 BST)

    Wales will go into their second successive European Championships without their manager, Ryan Giggs. Rob Page has been assigned as the caretaker boss as the team look to emulate their 2016 success.

    Their pre-tournament test couldn't get any tougher as Wales travel to Nice for a clash with the reigning world champions, France.

    Karim Benzema is back in the French squad

    After six-years, Karim Benzema is back in the French squad and if he plays, he will be looking to make an immediate impact. Benzema, alongside his star-studded teammates, will provide Wales with the ultimate test.

    Betting: France to win 2-0 at 9/2 (Unibet)

    READ MORE: Wales look to cause upset against Euro 2020 favourites France

    Belgium vs Greece (Thursday - 19:45 BST)

    Belgium are expected to send a message of intent when they take on Greece on Thursday night.

    After years of promise, the clock is ticking for the nation to finally deliver silverware at a major competition.

    Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku

    With the golden generation approaching their 30s, Roberto Martinez's side have a great balance of quality and experience.

    Greece are in good form. However, if Belgium field their strongest side, this contest is only heading in one direction.

    Betting: Belgium to win by a margin of two goals at 3/1 (SkyBet)

    READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold's most iconic moments for Liverpool and England

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