ALAN SHEARER PREDICTS EURO 2024 QUARTER-FINAL MATCHES INCLUDING BOLD ENGLAND CLAIM

The Euro 2024 quarter-finals are nearly upon us with some huge games to come as teams scrap to reach the latter stages in Germany - and now Alan Shearer has had his say on who he thinks will make it through.

There are two seismic contests on Friday as Spain take on hosts Germany, while Portugal face off against favourites France. England are in action again on Saturday as they play Switzerland.

The Three Lions were nearly stunned by Slovakia in the last-16 before a superb Jude Bellingham overhead kick and a Harry Kane header rescued a 2-1 win in extra time. The other game on Saturday will be Netherlands vs Turkey.

Former England star Shearer has given his verdict on all four matches - including a bold verdict on Gareth Southgate's men after their poor showing last time out.

Spain vs Germany

Luis de la Fuente's side have won every game at Euro 2024 so far and looked like one of the most dangerous teams - conceding just once so far in a 4-1 win over Georgia. They're up against a Germany side that has also dazzled at times, but one that has shown vulnerabilities after a 2-0 win over Denmark last time out. Shearer believes the hosts could be ousted early against a quality side.

"Spain have been the best team in the tournament from the first ball they've kicked to now," he told Betfair. "They've had a clear plan in how they play and what they do.

"They've got some really, really talented players. But they're going up against a good Germany team, who will have the backing of their home fans. I think this will be a great game. I do think that Spain might just be too good for Germany. There will be loads of goals in this game."

Portugal vs France

Cristiano Ronaldo's side were given an almighty scare against Slovenia in the last round after being taken to extra time and penalties following a 0-0 stalemate - though the European minnows had chances to take the lead.

Ronaldo himself missed a penalty in extra time and was left in tears and he'll have another huge challenge to face as his side take on heavily backed France - who Shearer feels will have too much for Portugal.

"It'll be a brilliant game with so many talking points. I suspect Mbappe will want to get the ball and be one v one with Pepe. Pepe's 41 years old, it's incredible that he's even playing.

"He did seem to struggle in extra time against Slovenia, which you can understand. France haven't clicked yet - they've scored three goals, one penalty and two own goals. But I'm still going to go for France. I think they might be too good in forward positions for Portugal.

England vs Switzerland

Gareth Southgate's men will be under the cosh again when they take on a very good Switzerland side who brushed aside Italy with confidence in the last-16.

England, meanwhile, looked off the pace from minute one before rallying to an unlikely extra time win over Slovakia, and former Three Lions star Shearer feels the team may be taken all the way against the Swiss.

"This is a really tough one to call because England have been really poor and they've just done enough in the end. Switzerland have been really impressive, they know their system, Xhaka wants to get on the ball, they've got pace up front.

"This will be a really, really difficult game for England, but I'm not going to go against them. I do think and hope the time has come for them to click - and there's no better time for them to click than the quarter-finals. I'm going to go for England. I do think it could go to extra time and penalties."

Netherland vs Turkey

The Dutch are the biggest team left on England's side of the draw but must first see off a plucky and talented Turkey side in the quarter-finals if they want to reach the semis.

Shearer believes this will be another close one but is backing Ronald Koeman's men to summon some Dutch courage to seal victory.

"It'll be a really tough game. I was really impressed with Turkey against Austria. What about that last-minute save from Turkey's goalkeeper? Goodness me. It was definitely similar to Gordon Banks' save. I was impressed with the Netherlands and how they clicked in their last-16 game.

"They had much more energy about them, Gakpo was a real menace and he deserved his man of the match award. I'll go for the Netherlands to get through.

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2024-07-05T15:51:35Z dg43tfdfdgfd