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.
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.
