ANTICIPATION ahead of a major tournament always surrounds the England camp and Euro 2016 is no different. Quays News sport reporter Polly Riggs analyses the Three Lions’ group as the youngsters plot their road to glory…
Euro 2016 is almost upon us, and there seems an aura of excitement around the England squad as opposed to the usual feeling of resignation that has been a more permanent fixture than Wayne Rooney’s bald spot in recent competitions.
The rising of both Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the domestic Barclays Premier League this season has left fans wondering if maybe, just maybe, the likes of Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane could bring England a slice of international glory.
England have named the youngest squad at the 2016 competition, with Hodgson taking a gamble on bright stars such as Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, who surged into contention for the team after netting two goals on his Premier League debut against Arsenal.
Despite their inexperience at this level though, England have won their last three international friendlies, most recently beating a 10-man Portugal side 1-0. This will surely give the team a confidence boost ahead of their opening game on Saturday (June 11) against Russia, which is held in Olympique de Marseille’s Stade Velodrome.
There has been much debate over Hodgson’s controversial decision to leave title-winning midfielder Danny Drinkwater at home, favouring Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere in the central midfield role. Some argue that Wilshere’s injury-ridden season should have gifted the spot to the Leicester man, but Wilshere’s on-the-ball vision and technical ability could prove crucial for England, particularly against Wilshere’s teammate and Wales international Aaron Ramsey.
Biggest scam jack wilshere in the England squad #EURO2016 #ENG when was the last time he played 90 minutes?
— Grumpus Maximus (@PseudoLawyer) June 7, 2016
Speaking of Wales, their inclusion into Group B alongside England adds an extra dimension of spice to this year’s competition. Wales’ talismanic striker Gareth Bale, fresh from a Champions League final win with Real Madrid, will be their tour de force if they wish to progress from the group.
Bale was, however, outshone by ex-Paris St Germain superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Wales’ most recent friendly – a 3-0 thumping by Sweden – so will be under pressure to perform in their opening game against Slovakia.
England play Wales just after midday on June 16, in what’s sure to be a fiercely contested battle of the home nations with so much pride on the line for both sets of fans.
https://twitter.com/TheSpursRamble/status/740220832908234752
Russia will be hoping to do well in this year’s competition after their sporting successes have been overshadowed by doping controversy in recent weeks. A stuttering pre-tournament performance saw Russia suffer two defeats in their last three international friendlies, including a 4-2 defeat to hosts France.
However, as the second seed in the group, Russia are more than capable of testing England’s young side in the opening encounter.
Completing Group B are Slovakia, who face Wales first in the late kick-off. Slovakia notably beat World Cup holders Germany 3-1 at the end of May, and will be hoping to cause a similar upset if they are to progress from the tricky group.
Liverpool veteran Martin Skrtel will be a key figure in the Slovakian defence, with Napoli’s playmaker Marek Hamsik also holding great potential further forward.
Was looking forward to seeing Russia this Euros under Slutsky after he transformed them but without Dzagoev, Zhirkov and Denisov….na
— Shadi C. (@CherishingChams) June 7, 2016
TalkSport place England as fourth favourites to win the competition, at a respectable 9/1, while Wales sit much further down at 100/1.
But with title-winning Leicester City given odds of 5000/1 at the beginning of the domestic season, it’s anyone’s guess what could happen in France this summer.
With 24 teams competing in this year’s finals, the four best third placed teams in their respective groups will also earn a place in the last-16, so could football really be coming home, 20 years after that song?
By Polly Riggs
@pollyriggsug
Recent Comments