Daily Euro 2020 Thread: Can England improve after a lackluster first two matches?

This has not been the start that England (4 pts) hoped for in the Euro 2020 group stage, with a fortunate win and goalless draw leaving everything up in the air going into the third matchday. A win or draw against the Czech Republic (4 pts) would secure a place in the Round of 16. Anything less would be tempting fate with Croatia (1 pt) and Scotland (1 pt) facing off in the other match.

Of course, England would be likely to advance as a third-placed team anyway should the Three Lions not be able to earn a result. However, simply moving onto the knockout phase is not the end goal, and unless Gareth Southgate’s squad shows some real improvement, it is difficult to see how this tournament ends well.

The team will need its captain to step up, as Harry Kane has been largely anonymous during the first two matches. Spurs fans are no stranger to this occasional frustrating play from the striker, but he typically figures it out sooner rather than later. Hopefully Tuesday’s matches can meet the excitement of Monday’s contests.

Czech Republic vs. England

• 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
• ESPN (USA), ITV 1 (UK)
• Harry Kane

Croatia vs. Scotland

• 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
• ESPN2 (USA), ITV 1 (4K)