We are down to the final four of the Euro 2020 as Italy will battle Spain, and England will face Denmark in the semi-finals.
Italy, Spain and England are undefeated in the competition, while Denmark lost twice in the group stages, but won their knockout games against Wales and Czech Republic in an impressive fashion.
On that note, let’s take a look at the 5 players to watch out for in Euro 2020 semi-finals:
Euro 2020 semi-finals: 5 players to watch out for
#1 Lorenzo Insigne – Italy
Italy winger Lorenzo Insigne has featured in four of five Euro 2020 games and was superb against Belgium in the quarter-finals. Insigne scored a magnificent goal from outside the box, which turned out to be the decisive goal.
Insigne’s quick dribbling, acceleration and ability to create something out of nothing will be a big threat to the Spain defence.
EURO 2020 semi-finals set ✅
🇮🇹🆚🇪🇸 Italy vs Spain
🏴🆚🇩🇰 England vs DenmarkWho are you backing to lift the 🏆❓#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/SjjvZ6PSAb
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 3, 2021
The 30-year-old could cause problems by running at the heart of the Spanish defence and test the defensive partnership of Pau Torres and Aymeric Laporte.
#2 Ferran Torres – Spain
Spain couldn’t unlock a stubborn Switzerland defence last time around, despite the Swiss playing the last 15 minutes and extra time with 10 men.
The Spaniards will have to try something different against Italy and their inspiration could come from the flanks. Manchester City winger Ferran Torres could be a good outlet for Spain, especially in counter-attacking situations.
With the excellent Leonardo Spinazzola out of the competition, Italy could field Emerson at left-back, who hasn’t had a lot of game time over the last year. Torres’ speed and dribbling could help Spain get in behind the Italian defence.
#3 Raheem Sterling – England
Another winger who has impressed at Euro 2020 and is England’s joint-leading goal-scorer of the tournament is Raheem Sterling.
Sterling has been exceptional on the left wing for the English at Euro 2020. He set up Harry Kane to open the scoring against Ukraine and was a threat throughout the game with his direct dribbling.
🔥 Balotelli, Van Basten, Ronaldo…
Stunning EURO semi-final goals! Favourite here? 🤤#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/TDX07AmDbS
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 5, 2021
Denmark could play their natural, free-flowing game which could result in gaps in their defence which England and Sterling can exploit. The Manchester City winger could be used to drive at the three Danish centre-backs and test them with his dribbling.
#4 Kasper Dolberg – Denmark
Kasper Dolberg has been instrumental in Denmark reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2020. The 23-year-0ld scored a brace against Wales in the Round of 16 stage, while scoring the second goal for the Danes against the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals.
The Nice forward has shown great composure in the final third, has helped link play up while being superb in the air as well.
Dolberg will be a key figure in the Danish attack alongside Mikkel Damsgaard, who has also been impressive at Euro 2020.
#5 Jorginho – Italy
Italian midfielder Jorginho’s performances have gone under the radar at Euro 2020, as his calmness and passing have been key in the Italians’ progression to the final four.
The Chelsea midfielder has started all five games in the base of the Italian midfield. He has provided cover to the backline thanks to his intelligent positioning, averaging 2.6 interceptions per game.
He has rarely given the ball away, completing 94% of all passes. Jorginho’s defensive acumen and his passing will be key against a strong Spanish midfield.
