AFTER last night’s opener of Scotland against Germany the Euros are now in full swing with three more games being played this Saturday.
The defending champions of the competition, Italy, will get their campaign underway as they will aim to retain their title.
The Italians won the competition in 2020 after beating England in a penalty shootout after coming from a goal behind in the match.
They will face a plucky Albanian side, who booked a place at their second ever Euros with a 1-1 draw in Moldova in their penultimate game.
READ MORE: The National's Euro 2024 charity sweepstake kicks off with Germany vs Scotland
Susie McCabe was lucky enough to draw the defending champions and will be hoping the Italian side can go the distance again – or maybe second if they face Scotland in the knockout stages.
McCabe has chosen the Carntyne Credit Union Foodbank as her chosen charity which operates entirely through donations and provides food to those who are struggling.
Up against McCabe and the Italians is Janey Godley, who drew Albania. Godley’s chosen charity is Baby Loss Retreat, who aim to support bereaved families after the loss of their babies.
Elsewhere, one of the tournament favourites Spain will kick off their campaign against a Croatia side who are no pushover as they are ranked 10th on FIFA’s ratings.
Chris Brookmyre was lucky enough to draw Spain and his chosen charity is Medecin Sans Frontieres, also known as Doctors Without Borders, a charity that provides humanitarian medical care.
Lesley Paterson was randomly assigned Croatia and has chosen Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, who are dedicated to supporting research to improve diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, as her charity of choice.
The third game on this Saturday and rounding off the first full day of football is Hungary against Switzerland.
Both teams have been the dark horses of the last World Cup and Euros so could be a surprise package, but with them being in Scotland’s group most of us would hope not.
Angus McNeil drew Hungary and has chosen Bethesda Hospice Stornoway who provide specialist palliative care for those who need it on the Isle of Lewis.
Alan Cumming was randomly assigned Switzerland and selected Scottish Trans, who help improve equality, rights and inclusion for trans people in Scotland, as his charity of choice.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel