There is nothing to celebrate in terms of the current crisis facing the planet. The coronavirus has seen drastic measures taken to protect the public in a time of uncertainty. It seems as though Europe has been the worst hit and lockdown is in place in some countries and could spread to others shortly.
This has led to the postponement of the 2020 European Championship which will now take place the following year. However, for some players this has given them a second chance of appearing at the tournament. Many nations were resigned to having to participate in the competition without some of their important players but that will change when the tournament starts in 2021.
Beginning with Group A and there are three teams in particular who will be stronger at the tournament next year. Turkey could have key central defender Merih Demiral Back from a serious knee injury and that would be a huge boost to their chances. Wales will be hopeful Joe Allen, David Brooks and Chris Mepham all return to fitness and all three players could be in the starting XI for their first game against Switzerland.
Italy, who are one of the hosts could also welcome back a trio of players with Nicolo Zaniolo, Giogio Chiellini and David Zappacosta all likely to be fit.
Into Group B and Belgium could have Eden Hazard back to full fitness as he was looking a doubt following his injury prone season at Real Madrid. Group C and Netherlands were due to be without their striker Memphis Depay due to a knee injury but he will have had plenty of time to recover for the European championship in 2021. Jetro Williams also suffered a cruciate ligament injury but is now expected to be available for the Dutch.
Love being back on the grass with a ball at my feet 😍💪 pic.twitter.com/9b8klAmFmw— Harry Kane (@HKane) March 9, 2020
Love being back on the grass with a ball at my feet 😍💪 pic.twitter.com/9b8klAmFmw
England were preparing for life without Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford but the postponing of the tournament has given both players the opportunity to participate in Group D next year. Group F and France should be able to welcome back Paul Pogba who has endured a difficult season with injury at Manchester United. Both Kingsley Coman and Thomas Lemar have injury concerns at present but they could also be available in 2021.
Germany have Leroy Sane and Niklas Sule recovering from knee injuries but both players will now have plenty of time to prove their fitness and win their place back in the squad. Sami Khedira had knee surgery in December and he could also return to the Germany squad for the European Championship in 2021.
Player form is another issue which will have changed come next year. There are many players in Europe who were performing below their best for their club teams during the 2019/20 campaign but that could all change next season. It is also worth pointing out that players who were currently fit for the European Championship this summer could pick up knocks when the club season eventually resumes in Europe.
So, the move to stage the 2020 European Championship next summer could make a lot of difference for many nations, both positive and negative.