The eagerly-anticipated arrival of the Football League fixtures was a great release for fans who have had to sit through two turgid weeks of what is supposed to a showpiece European Championship Finals.

Only Spain and Austria have come out of the group stages with any credit but now that it’s knockout football, you’d expect a little more oom-pah-pah performances over in Germany.

The hosts face a tough route to get to the final while England can only get better but if only Gareth Southgate takes off his blinkers and brings in Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo and Ollie Watkins.

As for who will lift the trophy on July 14, it’s Spain for me.

NICK HARRISON

Most of the big-hitters haven’t got going yet in Germany but there’s been no major casualties so far.

Only losing eight teams is a bit of a farce and something that needs looking at if it remains a 24-team tournament going forward but now it’s time for the remaining teams who haven’t clicked to step up a gear.

Spain look the team to beat but everyone will fancy their chances after making it into the last 16.

And what about Georgia? They were outstanding against Portugal to secure the win they needed to progress and can take heart from Wales’ run to the semi-finals eight years ago.

RICHARD WILLIAMS

With just eight of the 24 nations being eliminated in the group stage, it was always going to take time for Euro 2024 to heat up.

Apart from 20 minutes against Serbia and 90 seconds versus Slovenia, England have looked toothless and disjointed.

They are in the preferable half of the draw and Gareth Southgate’s side should reach the quarter-finals at the expense of Slovakia.

I can see impressive Austria making it all the way to the final, where they will meet France, with the masked and marked man Kylian Mbappe.

SHAUN DAVIES