Forty-eight games down, three two go in Euro 2024, as the we reach the semi-final stage with two enticing clashes on the menu.
As Spain and France meet in Munich, England and Holland lock horns in Dortmund, as Germany’s two biggest football cities decide who goes to Berlin for Sunday’s finale.
Having hit 1/3 of our quarter-final punts (almost two with Gakpo), here at BestofBets, we’ve selected three more considerations for punters to peruse.
Declan Rice to have 1+ Shot on target – 5/2 (William Hill)
Scraping through the quarter-finals on penalties, England’s reward is a last four meeting with Holland, a game which could prove to be an open affair.
A first meeting between the sides in a major tournament since Euro ’96, Oranje may feel revenge is in order, whilst the Three Lions look to exact their own payback to Ronald Koeman for Rotterdam 1993.
In any case, this clash could be determined by a midfield battle, in particular England’s ever-impressive enforcer, Declan Rice.
The Arsenal man will be a pivotal figure, and we fancy him to get an opening or two from range.
Forcing Yann Sommer into a smart save in extra time last weekend, Rice has notched a shot on target in two of five games this summer.
If England once again push up the field but gather in pockets around the area, as has become custom this tournament, Rice could be in business for another.
Spain vs France – Under 1.5 goals – 33/20 (Unibet)
For the remaining two punts, we look to Tuesday’s opening clash as tournament favourites Spain look to finally put France out of their misery.
However, Les Bleus still carry that fear factor for many teams, given their recent successes.
Spain have looked by far the most at-ease side in Germany, and having put away the hosts in the last eight are still the ones to beat.
On paper, La Furia Roja look to bring the goals, but that could be countered by Didier Deschamps’ spluttering French machine.
Whilst Spain have netted 11 goals in their five outings, France have not scored more than a single goal in any game, with just three in total up to this point.
With the stakes so high, there is enough to suggest an open but goal-shy affair, and at a decent price.
Nico Williams to score – 11/2 (BetUK)
Just to appease our own doubt, we are looking at another angle in case the goals do flow in Munich, and Nico Williams is the man to look at.
Spain’s flying winger, Lamine Yamal may have captured more column inches, but the Athletic Club forward has blossomed in the Euros.
Finally on the scoresheet against Georgia, the in-demand Williams will be baring down at an obdurate French back line, but all the same can cause problems.
Having come to life after the Croatia game, the winger has had chances in all three games since – rested against Albania.
Williams could yet be on the move to Barcelona later this summer, and his talents will be further showcased here, at very tasty odds.
The Euro 2024 semi-finals begin on Tuesday.
