Euro 2021, or Euro 2020 as it’s still officially known, is now well underway. Here’s how to watch all the quarter-final action live and for free.
Last year, Euro 2020 was all set to kickstart a bumper summer of sport until the coronavirus intervened. The pandemic-induced lockdowns throughout Europe led UEFA to postpone the tournament by a year, but it’ll still take place in various locations across the continent. Portugal are the holders, having defied the odds to upset hosts France five years ago. However, neither will be making the final this time around, having both lost in the last 16. With Netherlands and Germany also now out of the competition, there’s a great opportunity for a first-time winner of the tournament. That includes England, who ended Germany’s tournament in front of a raucous Wembley crowd. The Three Lions take on Ukraine next, and will feel like they have a real chance of reaching the final. Learn more in our separate guide to when England is next playing. However, the other side of the draw is where most of the established sides remain. Belgium are number one in FIFA’s World Rankings, and are joined by the likes of Italy and Spain in the last eight. Judging by how the knockout games have gone so far, don’t discount one of the underdogs springing another surprise or two. Here’s everything you need to know, including the fixtures, schedules, match locations and how to watch from where you’re based. Euro 2020, otherwise known as the UEFA European Football Championship, is the 16th instalment of the men’s football tournament that took place every four years between 1960 and 2016. The pandemic means that schedule has had to be adapted slightly, although UEFA is still referring to this year’s competition as ‘Euro 2020’. All 55 UEFA member states get a chance to qualify for in the event, but only 24 teams made it through to the final tournament. Portugal are the defending champions from Euro 2016, but neither they or any of the countries in which matches are held gained automatic entry to the tournament. Previous winners have included Spain (1964,2008,2012), Greece (2004), France (1984,2000), Denmark (1992), Netherlands (1988), Germany (1972,1980,1996), then Czechoslovakia (1976), Italy (1968) and the Soviet Union (1960), but never England. We came third back in 1968, and joint-third in 1996, so it’s time for England to bring it home. The long wait for the tournament to get underway is over. Euro 2020 began on Friday 11 June 2021, with 51 matches played between then and the final on Sunday 11 July 2021. The BBC and ITV are sharing the broadcasting rights for Euro 2020.
