What: Poland–Netherlands, group D.
When: Sunday 16 June, 15.00.
Where: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg.
TV/Radio: SVT, SVT Play, P4 Radiosporten.
+ Heavy casualties – in both teams
Poland's European Championship preparations have been nightmarish. Against Ukraine (3–1), striker Arkadiusz Milik suffered a serious injury that required surgery, and he will miss the entire tournament. And against Turkey (2–1), both substitute Karol Swiderski and the team's star player, Robert Lewandowski, were injured.
Later, it was confirmed that "Lewa" will miss the opening match against the Netherlands, and the 35-year-old is racing against time to be fit for the second group stage match against Austria.
The Netherlands have also suffered heavy casualties. Midfield star Frenkie de Jong was included in the squad despite a foot injury, but just a few days later, it became clear that he would miss the tournament. Teun Koopmeiners has also had to withdraw due to injury.
+ Had to interrupt the holiday
In the midst of all the injuries, gaps have suddenly opened up in the Netherlands' squad, which need to be filled. One who was previously overlooked was Borussia Dortmund defender Ian Maatsen. But now, after the injuries, he was called up and had to interrupt his holiday on the Greek island of Mykonos.
I got the call when I was on a boat. Then I just had to pack my things and fly here as quickly as possible, says Maatsen at a press conference.
Joshua Zirkzee has also been called up late to the squad.
What: Slovenia–Denmark, group C.
When: Sunday 16 June, 18:00.
Where: MHP Arena Stuttgart.
TV/Radio: TV4, TV4 Play, P4 Radiosporten.
+ Will Denmark get revenge for the World Championship?
Denmark had a good European Championship in 2021, when the team reached the semi-finals and were eliminated by England after extra time. Then came a disappointing World Championship, where they were eliminated in the group stage, but despite this, Denmark is seen as a team that can cause a surprise.
The squad is filled with experience at both championship and high international club level, but also with young and exciting potential. Players like Christian Eriksen, Manchester United, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Tottenham, and Simon Kjær, Milan, contribute with experience, while Rasmus Højlund, Manchester United, Morten Hjulmand, Sporting Lisbon, and Alexander Bah, Benfica, represent the potential.
+ National team icon in the squad – despite depression
Slovenia's star player Josip Ilicić is in the squad after many twists and turns.
The 36-year-old, then at Atalanta, suffered from depression in 2020, and shortly after fighting his way back in 2022, he was forced to take a break again due to mental health issues. Now he plays back in Slovenia, in Maribor, and his participation in the championship was long uncertain. But in the end, coach Matjaz Kek chose to include him.
What: Serbia–England, group C.
When: Sunday 16 June, 21:00.
Where: Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen.
TV/Radio: TV4/TV4 Play/P4 Radiosporten.
+ Abundance of stars – who will be dropped?
England is one of the big favourites. The team has world-class players in almost every position, and coach Gareth Southgate has been criticised for leaving stars like Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford out of the squad.
And ahead of the premiere against Serbia, the big question mark is: Who will Southgate drop in the attack?
Harry Kane is the captain and will likely start. But behind him, the competition for places is fierce.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, Bukayo Saka, Arsenal, Phil Foden, Manchester City, and Cole Palmer, Chelsea, are all among the world's best in their positions. And behind them are exciting names with great club seasons behind them, such as Eberechi Eze, Crystal Palace, Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa, Jarrod Bowen, West Ham, and Anthony Gordon, Newcastle.
+ High-risk match – no alcohol in the stands
Despite the premiere celebration, not everything is peaceful. German authorities have classified the match in Gelsenkirchen as high-risk, and therefore, special measures will be taken.
Among other things, fans will not be able to buy strong beer at the arena, only low-alcohol beer. Additionally, there will be over 1,000 police officers on site, writes BBC.
The reason is that both teams' fans have previously been involved in violent incidents.
A notable incident occurred in the European Championship final in 2021 at Wembley. Several fights broke out, English fans stormed the arena, and several people were injured and arrested by the police.
According to the police, around 500 Serbian hooligans are expected to enter the arena area on Sunday, and nearly 40,000 English fans, writes The Guardian.
