Euro 2020 power rankings: Can England make sure football’s coming home?

Euro 2020 enters the quarterfinal stage and the tournament has had a few surprises already. Will there be any more starting Friday? 

Euro 2020 is down to eight teams after a few major upsets dominated the Round of 16. France, the defending World Cup champions, and the Netherlands are both out. So is Germany.

That leaves plenty of room for three pre-tournament favorites (England, Belgium and Italy) to win it all. On the flip side, there’s also the possibility of more upsets (watch out for Denmark, Switzerland and the Czech Republic).

In fact, the European Championship has not been immune to an underdog winning it all in the past. The quarterfinal matchup in Munich on Friday between Belgium and Italy is like an early final. If you exclude England, these two teams are the strongest so far at this tournament. It certainly promises to be an epic match.

Indeed, all the games have had drama, and it seems as if any team can win this tournament. England’s stock has risen considerably after Tuesday’s 2-0 win against rival Germany in London. The Three Lions can finally redeem themselves from all the failures of the past few decades and finally guarantee, like the song says, that “football’s coming home.” Whether they will remains to be seen.

Here are the latest Euro power rankings ahead of the quarterfinals.

8. Ukraine (2-0-2) 

They may not be the most talked-about team at the tournament, but nonetheless, they scrapped by into the last-8 for the first time in history. At a time of so many upsets, why rule anyone out — even if it means having to face England on Saturday.

7. Spain (2-2-0) 

La Roja weren’t given much of a chance at this tournament, yet here they are. Not immune to mistakes, Spain have found a way to win and that’s what matters most at this stage of any competition.

6. Switzerland (1-2-1) 

The never-say-die Swiss melted France’s hopes at another trophy. This is certainly the tournament’s Cinderella team after a slow start.

5. Czech Republic (2-1-1) 

Knocking off the Dutch in the Round of 16 was certainly a shock. Patrik Schick has certainly proven that he’s a top-class striker. He’ll need to bag more goals if the Czechs want to reach the semifinals.

4. Denmark (2-0-2) 

This is everyone’s sentimental favorite. Can they continue to win? The Czech Republic certainly is beatable.

3. Italy (4-0) 

After a Round of 16 scare against Austria, the Azzurri need to look sharper offensively (will super-sub Federico Chiesa get the start?). If they can do that, then Belgium will have to take an early flight home.

2. Belgium (4-0) 

The Red Devils are the No. 1-ranked team in the world according to FIFA, but much of what they can do rests on Romelu Lukaku’s ability to score. There will be very little room for error against Italy.

1. England (3-1-0) 

Sweeping aside Germany was not only a morale-booster for the Three Lions, but another sign that Gareth Southgate’s side is for real. Harry Kane has been unstoppable at this tournament, catapulting England to the top of the heap.