Belgium injury news, pick Spanish defender, captain Pablo Sarabia

By Josh Barker


Published: July 1, 2021 11:35 pm

Last Updated: June 30, 2021 1:37 pm

Euro Fantasy Football daily updates, July 2^nd

After a few days break, Euro 2020 is once again back on our screens on Friday, July 2^nd.

There are two games taking place today, with the remaining two quarter-final clashes getting underway on Saturday.

The first game on Friday will see Switzerland and Spain face off. Spain have looked much improved since their opening two group games, and have now netted 10 in their last two.

Switzerland, meanwhile, caused a huge upset by knocking France out in the last-16.

The second and final tie of the day on Friday will see Belgium and Italy go head-to-head.

Both sides are top quality and you would back the winner of this tie to go on and reach the final.

Injury news

Switzerland: Switzerland are not reporting any issues ahead of Friday’s game.

Spain: Spain also appear to have a clean bill of health prior to their quarter-final clash

Belgium: Both Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne would pick up knocks during Belgium’s win over Portugal.

And when speaking about the pair recently, Roberto Martinez did not seem confident they would be starting for Belgium in the quarter-finals:

“It’s quite positive for us. Eden and Kevin have no structural damage. They will remain with the squad. We won’t get them fully fit for Friday. In the next phase they will be fit to play. We take it day by day.”

Roberto Martínez on the injuries: “It’s quite positive for us. Eden and Kevin have no structural damage. They will remain with the squad. We won’t get them fully fit for Friday. In the next phase they will be fit to play. We take it day by day.”

— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) June 28, 2021

Italy: Giorgio Chiellini and Alessandro Florenzi missed Italy’s last game due to injuries.

However, recent reports suggest that both have a chance of featuring on Friday vs Belgium.

But given Italy have other decent defenders to chose from, such as Leonardo Bonucci, it is probably best not to pick the aforementioned duo for your side this week anyway.

Top 3 players to pick: Lukaku, Sarabia, Laporte

Romelu Lukaku, Belgium (11.3m)

The first player you should look to sign this week is Romelu Lukaku.

Granted, Italy have a superb backline and have conceded just one goal this summer.

However, if one man is going to finally break that backline it will be Romelu Lukaku.

The forward is having a superb tournament and has already scored three goals, with his pace and power proving to be a real nightmare for pretty much any backline he comes up against.

Pablo Sarabia, Spain (6.7m)

The next player you should look to sign is Pablo Sarabia.

The PSG man did not start in Spain’s opening Euro 2020 game vs Sweden.

Since though, he has become a key cog in Luis Enrique’s side, netting two assists and two goals in just over two games worth of minutes.

And with Switzerland’s defence pretty poor – they are yet to keep a clean sheet this tournament – another decent return from Sarabia does seem likely this week as well.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – JUNE 23: Aymeric Laporte of Spain celebrates after scoring their side’s second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group E match between Slovakia and Spain at Estadio La Cartuja on June 23, 2021 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Aymeric Laporte, Spain (6.2m)

The final player you should look to sign this week is Aymeric Laporte.

Laporte is one of the top scoring defenders left in the competition at present.

He has managed to help Spain keep two clean sheets, scored one goal and is almost a nailed-on starter for La Roja.

Captain of the day: Sarabia, Spain

Given his fine form vs Slovakia and Croatia, plus the poor defensive capabilities of Switzerland, Sarabia should be a smart captain choice on Friday.