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Euro 2016 quarter-finalists analysed by Charlie Nicholas

Germany midfielder Julian Draxler (left) celebrates with team-mates after scoring
Image: Germany are looking good at Euro 2016, says Charlie Nicholas

Charlie Nicholas provides us with his analysis of the remaining nations at Euro 2016, and their chances of lifting the trophy.

The majority of favourites progressed from their final-16 ties, although Spain and England both suffered upsets at the hands of Italy and Iceland respectively.

Here's what Charlie makes of the remaining sides in contention...

Charlie predicts
Charlie predicts

Agree with Charlie? Follow his Sky Bet tip here.

Italy (13/2 with Sky Bet)

Italy were excellent against Spain but what it was was a tactical masterclass and they're masters at suffocating games after going 1-0 up.

Graziano Pelle of Italy celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 round of 16 match between Italy and Spain
Image: Graziano Pelle's Italy shocked reigning champions Spain

I don't think they'll be as comfortable against Germany and Gianluigi Buffon is going to be key. The save he made at 1-0 from Gerard Pique was absolutely extraordinary.

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Key player: Gianluigi Buffon

Germany (3/1 with Sky Bet)

The winner of this quarter-final is the winner for me. The German machine is just starting to get going. They've got the pace, power and aerial bombardment threat to break Italy down.

Mario Gomez risolve la gara contro l'Irlanda del Nord. Tre reti 'fiorentine' ma è Perisic a consegnarci la Spagna (Getty Image)
Image: Mario Gomez has proved a crucial focal point in Germany's attack

I know they have defensive questions but how bad are their problems really? Jerome Boateng might be a doubt but Benedikt Howedes, a World Cup winner, coming in is hardly a huge concern. 

Merson's last-eight predictions
Merson's last-eight predictions

Who is the Magic Man tipping in the last eight of Euro 2016?

Mario Gomez has gone from the bench to being a real Golden Boot contender because of the quality of the creative players around him. Sami Khedira is key in holding and letting the attacking players go and do their thing.

My good friend Phil Thompson tipped them up and I have to say it's looking a very good bet.

Key man: Sami Khedira

Quarter-final prediction: Germany 2-0 Italy and Gomez to score first  (25/1 with Sky Bet)

Iceland (40/1 with Sky Bet)

I'm chuckling away at the Iceland situation. Of course we have to respect their shape and effort but there are pundits saying they've done a Leicester, but they haven't! Leicester were a side of real quality but Iceland were just a long throw and a goalkeeping error against England.

Iceland beat England at Euro 2016
Image: Iceland stunned England in the final 16

Mentally and physically they'll be on their knees after another huge effort and I think reality will kick in here.

Key man: Gylfi Sigurdsson

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France (3/1 with Sky Bet)

I think France will deal with the situation of having to take on this Iceland side a lot better and I'd imagine the Premier League based players will relish succeeding where the English players failed.

Antoine Griezmann scored twice for France against Republic of Ireland
Image: Antoine Griezmann scored twice for France against Republic of Ireland
Antoine Griezmann scored twice for France against Republic of Ireland
Image: Antoine Griezmann scored twice for France against Republic of Ireland

They should have more than enough to break down Iceland but I'm not convinced at all that they'll have enough to go further and win the Euros and Didier Deschamps isn't brave enough and doesn't know his best team.

Key man: Antoine Griezmann

Quarter-final prediction: France 3-0 Iceland and Antoine Griezmann to score first (22/1 with Sky Bet)

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