WE’RE now down to just eight names in The National’s Euro 2024 charity sweepstake as the quarter-finals were confirmed on Tuesday night.
There are now eight people left hoping to win £1000 for their chosen charity – and we’ve even added a little bonus for whoever knocks England out of the competition.
Even if they don’t go all the way, if a team does knock Gareth Southgate’s side out of the competition then we’ll donate £100 to the charity they’re representing.
Here’s a look at who’s left in the competition.
Stephen Flynn
Unfortunately for Flynn, he won’t be able to take advantage of the extra £100 on offer as he has drawn England.
They scraped through the last 16 with a tight 2-1 win over Slovakia and will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Despite his entry in the sweepstake though, Flynn has already been joking that he’s a big fan of a Toblerone bar.
He’s playing for Community Food Initiatives North East.
Alan Cumming
The Scottish actor was perhaps a bit torn in the group stage, having drawn one of Scotland’s opponents in Switzerland.
Following a strong showing in the groups, Switzerland comfortably dispatched holders Italy 2-0.
They’ll be hoping they can put England out as they look to reach a first semi-final at a major tournament.
Cumming is hoping to raise money for Scottish Trans.
Chris Brookmyre
Scottish writer Chris Brookmyre has arguably drawn the strongest team in the tournament so far.
Spain eased their way through the group stage, winning three games from three, scoring five and conceding none.
Despite Georgia taking a 1-0 lead in the last 16 tie, Spain comfortably won 4-1 and will face Germany in the quarter-finals.
Brookmyre is playing for Médecins Sans Frontières.
Mark Nelson
Scottish comedian Mark Nelson has drawn hosts Germany, who have also looked strong from the beginning of the tournament.
They’ll be hoping to put home advantage to use following a 2-0 win over Denmark in the round of 16.
It’ll be a tough match in the quarter-finals for them though as they’re set to face Spain.
Nelson is hoping to raise money for Marie Curie.
Zara Gladman
Many would have picked France to win the tournament before it started, though the recent World Cup finalists haven’t looked at their best.
They finished second in their group before picking up a 1-0 win over Belgium in the round of 16.
It’s all about getting the job done though, and France will be hoping they can improve in the next round against Portugal.
Gladman is playing for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Tadhg Hickey
Hickey has drawn Portugal in our sweepstake and will be up against Gladman’s France in the quarter-finals in a rematch of the Euro 2016 final.
Despite getting off to a good start in their opening two games, Portugal have trailed off slightly.
The group stages ended with a 2-0 defeat to Georgia before they progressed to the quarter-finals on penalties against Slovenia after a 0-0 draw.
He is hoping to raise money for UNRWA.
Ian Blackford
The SNP’s former Westminster leader drew Netherlands in the sweep, which he was particularly pleased about given it’s the place he used to call home.
On the pitch, it’s been something of a mixed bag. After picking up a 2-1 win against Poland, there was a 0-0 draw with France and a 3-2 loss to Austria.
They put in their best performance in the round of 16 though as they dispatched Romania 3-0.
Blackford will be hoping that fine form continues as he looks to raise money for Lucky2BeHere.
Iona Fyfe
In what was arguably the biggest shock in the round of 16, Iona Fyfe’s Türkiye defeated Austria 2-1.
Many had been impressed with Austria since the beginning of the tournament although it’s Fyfe’s side who are now in the quarter-finals.
It’s worth noting as well that the winner of the Netherlands against Türkiye will play England should they progress against Switzerland.
Fyfe is playing for the Glasgow-based charity Refuweegee.
