Verney and Beezley are back later than usual after last week's technical glitch prevented the previous post from going live on the web.
It isn't the happiest return either after England's embarrassing Euro 2016 exit to minnows Iceland, which caused Roy Hodgson to quit his post as manager, but more on that later.
The tournament is now down to its final eight teams so let's look back at the round of 16 action and what Verney and Beezley think will happen next.
MOMENTS OF THE KNOCKOUT STAGES SO FAR
The tournament will have new winners this year as holders Spain, who had won the previous two European Championships, were knocked out in the round of 16 following a 2-0 defeat by Italy. Iceland and Wales kept their dreams alive by beating England and Northern Ireland respectively, while world Champions Germany, and Belgium, comprehensively beat Slovakia and Hungary. Host France needed a quick-fire double to come from behind to beat the Republic of Ireland, while Poland and Portugal also progressed. But what do Verney and Beezley think of the recent action?
JV: Whilst I was gutted to see England eliminated, the story of Iceland's journey is a wonderful one and fair play to them for still being in the tournament against the odds. Wales are left flying the flag for Great Britain and, although they fully deserve their place in the quarters, the fact we beat them and are no longer in it is all the more frustrating. Before the tournament began I predicted France to claim the title and, although they were far from convincing for large spells against Republic of Ireland, I'll stick to my guns with Les Bleus. However, Italy and Belgium have been more convincing than the French so far so we'll have to wait and see what happens. The moment that stands out for me above all others from the round of 16 came from Switzerland. Despite losing on penalties to Poland, the sublime overhead kick scored by Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri is easily one of the goals of the tournament.
RB: Italy 2 Spain 0... Whoops Spain, that didn't go to plan?! Italy, however, were my outsiders for the tournament. Whilst everyone was branding Spain, Germany and France I was stood at the back going “you forgot Italy?!” Chiellini and Pelle (Is that the Southampton guy?) for Italy. So yeah either way we get new champions! Iceland and Wales are flying the flag for the underdogs! Germany, Belgium, Italy or France could win it in my opinion! Verney stole my line about Shaqiri!
ENGLAND
Finishing second behind Wales in Group B meant a round of 16 tie against Iceland, who scored a dramatic late winner against Austria to finish as runners-up above Portugal in Group F. We took the lead after just four minutes through a Wayne Rooney penalty but fell 2-1 behind before the midway point of the first half following goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson. There was still plenty time for England to muster a comeback but it wasn't meant to be for the Three Lions as another international tournament slipped through their grasp. So what were the verdicts of Verney and Beezley.
JV: When we found out we were going to be playing Iceland I felt cautiously optimistic. I knew if we could hit our true potential we could prove far too big match for Iceland, but we had to make sure we didn't underestimate the minnows despite the fact they were playing in just their first ever major international tournament. Unfortunately, I think we did underestimate them and were made to pay the price and far too many of the players underperformed. What summed it up for me was the fact that our best player on the night by far was Marcus Rashford, who was only actually on the field for a little over five minutes. What were the other players doing for 85 minutes? Team selection and tactics also left a lot to be desired. Whilst it can't be denied that Harry Kane had a superb season for Spurs in the Premier League, he didn't do much to impress at the Euros and I still don't understand why fellow striker Jamie Vardy only started one game. Vardy didn't enter the action against Iceland until the hour mark but why weren't him and Rashford introduced a lot sooner? I rate Kane as a striker but when things are not going your way why on earth didn't Hodgson make changes quicker, especially in a knockout game? Joe Hart's mistake for the second goal cannot be ignored either and I don't think too many of England's players impressed during the tournament. We had 10 more shots on goal compared to Iceland but just couldn't capitalise and that really is embarrassing. After France had looked below par for large spells against Republic of Ireland, I genuinely thought we could have matched them had we reached the quarters. This tournament could have been our best chance in years to win a tournament but we threw it all away. Iceland deserve huge credit for the number they did on us, but they are a side we should be beating so there's no excuses.
RB: Yeah I'm missing this part, I'm still embarassed about this and I believe Rooney should retire from international football, and Hart couldn't catch a cold! Well that's that... on the other side though Iceland fully deserved it! They outplayed us, showed more passion and more importantly scored more goals! The only shining light was Rashford for all of 5 minutes!
I think I covered the gist of it, leaving Beezley with the simple task of summarising. Top work!
QUARTER FINALS
It will be difficult to try and enjoy the Euros with the same enthusiasm following England's exit but there is no denying that there are some excellent ties coming up in the last eight, especially Germany Vs Italy. So what are Verney and Beezley's predictions for the quarters?
JV: Germany's clash with Italy is arguably the pick of the ties and one that is very hard to call. A lot of neutrals would no doubt be tempted to go for Germany but Italy, who had been given little chance by some before the tournament, cannot be written off. My head says Germany, but my heart says Italy, so I'll go with the Italians but I won't be surprised at whatever outcome this game ends up with. Although England are out and, despite the fact some Welshman enthusiastically celebrated our exit, I would genuinely like to see Wales to well. Belgium will provide difficult opposition after scoring eight goals in their last three games. I think it will go to extra-time and even penalties and I'll go for Wales simply to stay loyal to the home nations. On paper hosts France should beat Iceland but football isn't written on paper and you never know what surprises Iceland might spring next. France will need a fast start and to not leave it as late as they have in some of their previous games, but I think they'll still win. But before all those games is the first quarter final between Poland and Portugal. Portugal have had a poor Euros and didn't win any of their group games, so I hope Poland beat them, but Cristiano Ronaldo's men will be a tough nut to crack and I think they will win 3-1.
RB: Portugal Vs Poland- you have to say Portugal should convincingly win but look at the England game! Italy Vs Germany- far too close to call and I'm honestly not sure, but I'll take a shot... Italy! Wales Vs Belgium- On the form of Hazard alone I can't look past Belgium here! France Vs Iceland - I can't see past France.. Iceland beat us and deservedly so but I can't see France showing them such disrespect!
When we return next time eight will be down to four, the disappointment of England's exit will still be leaving us with a feeling of what might have been, and we'll be closer to knowing whether any of the surprise packages could yet win the Euros.
KEEP TAKING THE ROAD TO PARIS WITH US!
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