Group A Teams: Albania France Romania Switzerland Fixtures Friday, June 10: France v Romania (20:00, Stade de France, Paris) Saturday, June 11: Albania v Switzerland (14:00, Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens) Wednesday, June 15: Romania v Switzerland (17:00, Parc des Princes, Paris) Wednesday, June 15: France v Albania (20:00, Stade Velodrome, Marseille) Sunday, June 19: Romania v Albania (20:00, Stade de Lyon) Sunday, June 19: Switzerland v France (20:00, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille) Squads: Albania: Key player: Elseid Hysaj - The energetic full-back will be one of Albanias biggest assets at the tournament. He's had a good season for Napoli playing in all but 1 of their league games, a fantastic crosser of the ball, most of Albanias attacks will start from him. One to watch out for: Lorik Cana - The CB (although has been used in midfield in the past) has had a decent career, playing for Sunderland, Lazio and PSG among others. He's strong, reliable and not afraid to get stuck in. The captain of the team with 90 caps, a great player and will be the heart of the Albanian team that's making it's debut in a tournament. Future star (23 years old and under): Milot Rashica - Despite only playing once for Albania, this kid will likely be the heart of the Albanian attack by the time the next tournament comes around. Aged just 19 he's already made 29 starts for Vitesse this season, with a return of 8 goals (not bad from the wing), a fantastic dribbler of the ball, playing him right wing and Hysaj right back will cause any team problems. France: Key player: Antoine Griezmann - I was torn between picking Griezmann or Pogba here, but went with Griezmann, he's had a superb season at Atletico, netting 31 goals in 51 appearances (in all competitions). Pacey, good on the ball with an eye for goal, he's got it all. One to watch out for: Gignac - I think Deschamps may favour him over Giroud as the starting striker for the Euros, he moved from Marseille to Tigres in Mexico last summer and has fired in the goals (28 goals in 38 games), most of them beauties. Future star (23 years old and under): Pogba would be the easy option here, but i'm going to go Kingsley Coman, aged 19 he's already won Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga winner medals. He's superb on the ball, full of tricks, pacey and looks like in a couple of years will be world class. Romania: Key player: Razvan Rat - Getting on a bit now (34!), but he's the captain and always plays his heart out for the national team. Hasn't had much playing time this season for Rayo, but imagine he'll start every game for Romania, and will certainly be a key part in their success if they manage to progress. One to watch out for: Bogdan Stancu - There doesn't look to be a lot of goals in this Romanian team, but any they do score will most likely come from this man. A goal every 3 games this season in Turkey and a semi-decent international record (1 in 4, including goals against Italy and Uruguay) Future star (23 years old and under): Romania have quite an old team with just 4 players aged 23 and under, sadly I am not familiar with any of them. Switzerland: Key player: Ricardo Rodriguez - How a bigger club (although Wolfsburg are nothing to be sniffed at), hasn't snapped him up yet I have no idea! A left-back who's probably one of the best crossers in the world at present, he's everything you want your LB to be. Quick, good defensively, fantastic going forward. He's got it all. Great dead ball deliverys as well and a decent penalty taker if Switzerland end up in a shootout. One to watch out for: Xherdan Shaqiri - Don't really need to write much here, i'm sure most of you are aware of him. A decent first season in the PL with Stoke, he was their best outlet against us when we visited, and Stoke were always going to lose as soon as Hughes took him off. A great talent. Future star (23 years old and under): Bree Embolo - A move to a big team beckons. Capable of playing either up front or on the wing, the pacy attacker scored 2 goals in Basels 7 Europa league games this season and scored 10 goals in the league to help Basel romp to the title. Wouldn't be surprised to see him start up front. Predictions + Bets: France should easily top the group. Switzerland should comfortably finish 2nd. I think Albania will pip Romania to 3rd place. France v Romania - France -1 handicap - 13/10 with PaddyPower Albania v Switzerland - Switzerland win - 4/6 with Bet365 Romania v Switzerland - Switzerland win - 10/11 with most bookies France v Albania - France win and clean sheet - 3/4 with Boylesports Romania v Albania - Over 2.5 goals - 6/5 with Boylesports Switzerland v France - France win - 10/11 with PaddyPower Group B Teams: England Russia Slovakia Wales Fixtures Saturday, June 11: Wales v Slovakia (17:00, Stade de Bordeaux) Saturday, June 11: England v Russia (20:00, Stade Velodrome, Marseille) Wednesday, June 15: Russia v Slovakia (14:00, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille) Thursday, June 16: England v Wales (14:00, Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens) Monday, June 20: Russia v Wales (20:00, Stadium de Toulouse) Monday, June 20: Slovakia v England (20:00, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, St Etienne) Squads: England : Russia : Key player: Roman Neustädter - Oddly the tournament will mark his debut for Russia, having previously declared (and made 2 friendly appearances) for Germany. He's now switched allegiances to play for Russia and i'd imagine he'll go straight into the starting lineup. A consistant defensive midfielder, he can also be utilised at CB and has played frequently (25+ games per season) for Schalke since moving there in 2012. Should be one of Russias best players in a somewhat bland and aging squad. One to watch out for: Artem Dzyuba - The striker has netted a goal every other game this season for Zenit (which isn't bad considering Zenit have been poor this season) and has the same form Future star (23 years old and under): Bit limited here as Russia have one of the oldest squads at the tournament and actually only have one player 23 or under, that's Aleksandr Golovin. Can't say i've heard of him or ever seen him play, but he's bagged 2 goals in 3 appearances for Russia and started in most of the games this season for champions CSKA. Slovakia : Key player: Marek Ham*ík - The attacking midfielder has missed just 23 league games since joining Napoli in 2007. Great vision, technique, finish and attitude makes him one of the most sought after talents in Europe. One to watch out for: Peter Pekarík - The right back has just had a decent season for Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga, making 12 appearances as Hertha narrowly (on goal difference) missed out on a spot in the Europa League. Fast with a decent cross whilst being quite strong, he's a decent all-rounder. Future star (23 years old and under): Ondrej Duda - Like with Russia, i'm a bit limited with options here. An attacking midfielder who's just won the Polish league with Legia, he looks a decent player, although playing in the same position as Hamsik I think he'll struggle to make an impact at the tournament. Wales: Key player: Gareth Bale. Don't really need to say much more than that really! One to watch out for: Ashley Williams. Will be the heart and soul of the Welsh team. Solid defender. Just what you want as captain. Future star (23 years old and under): Emyr Huws - Looked fantastic a couple of years ago at Birmingham, stagnated a bit since then but he's still only 22, he has time on his side. Predictions + Bets: England to top the group (!), Wales to surprise and finish 2nd. Russia 3rd. Slovakia 4th. Saturday, June 11: Wales v Slovakia - Both teams to score - 6/5 with Bet365 Saturday, June 11: England v Russia - Over 1.5 England goals - 6/4 with Betfair Wednesday, June 15: Russia v Slovakia - Under 2.5 goals - 8/13 with Boylesports Thursday, June 16: England v Wales - Both teams to score - 11/10 with Bet365 Monday, June 20: Russia v Wales - Wales - 5/2 with Boylesports Monday, June 20: Slovakia v England - Under 1.5 England goals - 1/1 with Boylesports
Group C Teams: Germany Northern Ireland Poland Ukraine Fixtures Sunday, June 12: Poland v Northern Ireland (17:00, Stade de Nice) Sunday, June 12: Germany v Ukraine (20:00, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille) Thursday, June 16: Ukraine v Northern Ireland (17:00, Stade de Lyon) Thursday, June 16: Germany v Poland (20:00, Stade de France, Paris) Tuesday, June 21: Ukraine v Poland (17:00, Stade Velodrome, Marseille) Tuesday, June 21: Northern Ireland v Germany (17:00, Parc des Princes, Paris) Squads: Germany: Key player: Thomas Muller - Hard to believe he's still only 26. I've never seen someone who's either positioning is so good, or either someone so lucky (and i'd go with the positioning part). A superb footballer who's movement, finishing and positioning is world class. Will certainly be bagging a few goals this tournament and could be a shout for Golden Boot (8/1) One to watch out for: Emre Can - Whether he'll be a starter or not i'm not sure, but he's an immense talent who hasn't quite come to the fore at Liverpool in the way i'd expect. Next season will be his under Klopp though i'm confident. Future star (23 years old and under): Where to begin? One of the youngest squads at the tournement with 8 out of the 27 man squad aged 23 or under. I'll go with Leroy Sane of Schalke for this though. A winger who at the age of 20 has almost 50 Bundesliga appearances under his belt for Schalke, he's fast, an insane dribbler with fantastic technique with a good eye for goal as well. No-wonder he's being linked with £40m moves to Barca and Man City. Northern Ireland: Key player: Steven Davis - Coming off the back a great season with Southampton, he'll be full of confidence. Scoring 5 goals this season (his highest ever PL total), he's usually utilised as an attacking midfielder for Southampton, but NI seem to use him a bit further back, but will nonetheless be the heart of the midfield. One to watch out for: Craig Cathcart - Finally holding his place down in the NI team, it's well deserved. I don't really need to sing his praises on here though do I? Future star (23 years old and under): Paddy McNair - Again a bit limited with options here with just McNair and McCullough eligible for this part. But it has to go to McNair who's been thrown in the deep end at Utd and managed just fine. Could end up a decent PL defender, although not sure his future will lie at Old Trafford. Poland: Key player: Lewandowski. One to watch out for: Arkadiusz Milik - The young striker may very well partner Lewandowski in the Euros, if he does, expect goals. He's flourished at Ajax over the past few seasons (including 21 goals in 31 games this season). He's got a great finish, is strong, tall (6ft 2) and fast. The whole package. Future star (23 years old and under): Piotr Zieliński - The Udinese (on loan to Empoli) man has had a fantastic season, with 4 goals and 4 assists, prompting speculation to a possible move to Liverpool. I expect him to play in the hole behind Lewandowski/Milik where he'll flourish. Technically brilliant, his dribbles tend to unlock defenses, and with the talent Poland has up front, he'll be producing assists this tournament I reckon. Ukraine: Key player: Yaroslav Rakitskiy - The CB is everything you want from a defender, ridiculously strong, good in the air, balls of steel and generally a scary mofo. Rock. One to watch out for: Yevhen Konoplyanka - The tricky winger will be the heart of most Ukranian attacks. Constantly linked with moves to the PL, a decent tournament could well seal that move for him, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton all been linked with him in recent months. Future star (23 years old and under): Maksym Malyshev - The 23 year old has played a key part in Shaktars season, even taking over captaincy from Srna when Srna was injured. Shaktar and Ukraine will have high hopes for him in the future. Predictions + Bets: Germany to disappoint in the group stages, but still finish top. Poland 2nd, Ukraine 3rd, NI to finish with 0 points (sorry the NI fans on here!) Sunday, June 12: Poland v Northern Ireland - Poland - 10/11 with Coral Sunday, June 12: Germany v Ukraine - Germany -1 handicap - 6/4 with PaddyPower Thursday, June 16: Ukraine v Northern Ireland - Ukraine win and clean sheet - 11/5 with Boylesports Thursday, June 16: Germany v Poland - Both teams to score - 10/11 with Bet365 Tuesday, June 21: Ukraine v Poland - Poland - 8/5 with BetFred Tuesday, June 21: Northern Ireland v Germany - Germany win and clean sheet - 3/4 with Boylesports Group D Teams: Croatia Czech Republic Turkey Spain Fixtures Sunday, June 12: Turkey v Croatia (14:00, Parc des Princes, Paris) Monday, June 13: Spain v Czech Republic (14:00, Stadium de Toulouse) Friday, June 17: Czech Republic v Croatia (17:00, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, St Etienne) Friday, June 17: Spain v Turkey (20:00, Stade de Nice) Tuesday, June 21: Czech Republic v Turkey (20:00, Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens) Tuesday, June 21: Croatia v Spain (20:00, Stade de Bordeaux) Squads: Croatia: Key player: Modric or Rakitic. Can't pick between them, both equally as important, both superb. One to watch out for: Mario Mandžuki* - Will more than likely be Croatias top scorer (I really don't rate any of their other strikers). A strong player, with a good finish and a lethal header, will thrive off Vrsaljko/Srnas crosses and Modric/Rakitics dead balls. Future star (23 years old and under): Tin Jedvaj - The 20 year old CB has been used sparingly by Croatia in the past, having only made 3 appearances. But he's certainly one for future and i'd probably rank him over Corluka at present. He can also play RB if needed, but it seems unlikely he'll get a game there with both Srna and Vrsaljko in the team. Hopefully he'll get some minutes! Czech Republic: Key player: Vladimír Darida - Will be the heart and soul of the Czech midfield, like he has been for Hertha Berlin this season who have exceeded all expectations. Small but surprisingly strong, he holds onto the ball well and has a great eye for a pass One to watch out for: Pavel Kadeřábek - Mentioned him multiple times this season in the transfer section as one we should go for if Hoffenheim get relegated. Sadly it looks like they've survived, but this guy is still worth a punt. A superb player (plays right-back), highly energetic, good crosser and a decent finish on him as well. Perfect all rounder. Future star (23 years old and under): Ladislav Krejčí - A winner of the Czech Talent Of The Year award back in 2011, this tricky winger has already played over 120 games for Sparta Prague, a great achievement. Not convinced he'll get much of a chance in this tournament however. Turkey: Key player: Arda Turan - The Barcelona man will be pulling all the strings in the Turkish midfield either from central or from the wing, he was absent from the England match due to the CL final next weekend. Great on the ball in every aspect, strong. He's a great player. One to watch out for: Oğuzhan *zyakup - A player in the similar mould to Turan, he's a fantastic dribbler and has a decent finish. Will most likely be used centrally with Turan out wide. Future star (23 years old and under): Hakan *alhanoğlu - A superb season with Leverkusen was topped off by a goal against England on Sunday, most renowned for his dead-ball ability, his free kicks are insane and i'd bet on him to bag at least 1 goal this summer. Spain: Key player: David Silva. No need to really say more, you're all aware of him and what he can do. One to watch out for: Nolito - The Celta Vigo winger has excelled for Celta Vigo in recent seasons prompting speculation of a move to Barcelona, he's tricky and an exceptional dribbler, something that Spain lack on the wing at present. Future star (23 years old and under): Álvaro Morata - Really think he's under-rated in Spain, he didn't have the best of times at Madrid and hasn't set the Serie A alight at Juve, but he's certainly a talent. Great finisher, good pace, he's a classic striker. Could well be starting now that Costa isn't in the team. Predictions + Bets: Actually think Croatia will top the group. Spain still undergoing a transition and will finish 2nd. Czech Republic 3rd and Turkey to finish bottom with 0/1 point(s) Sunday, June 12: Turkey v Croatia - Croatia - 5/4 with PaddyPower Monday, June 13: Spain v Czech Republic - Under 2.5 goals - 10/11 with Betfair Friday, June 17: Czech Republic v Croatia - No bet at the moment in this for me. May add one when squads are announced/see how they start Friday, June 17: Spain v Turkey - Spain win and clean sheet - 6/4 with Boylesports Tuesday, June 21: Czech Republic v Turkey - Czech Republic - 13/8 with Coral Tuesday, June 21: Croatia v Spain - Under 2.5 goals - 10/11 with Boylesports
Group E Teams: Belgium Italy Republic of Ireland Sweden Fixtures Monday, June 13: Republic of Ireland v Sweden (17:00, Stade de France, Paris) Monday, June 13: Belgium v Italy (20:00, Stade de Lyon) Friday, June 17: Italy v Sweden (14:00, Stadium de Toulouse) Saturday, June 18: Belgium v Republic of Ireland (14:00, Stade de Bordeaux) Wednesday, June 22: Italy v Republic of Ireland (20:00, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille) Wednesday, June 22: Sweden v Belgium (20:00, Stade de Nice) Squads: Belgium: Key player: Toby Alderweireld - He'll be an absolute rock at the back for Belgium this tournament. Fantastic defender. One to watch out for: Dries Mertens - I really can't place why, but I love Mertens so much, an average season at Napoli this year but hoping he can show the world what he's truly capable of again. Future star (23 years old and under): Michy Batshuayi - Apparently on the verge of a £30m move to the PL (Tottenham + West Ham are both being touted). I wrote an article on him back in 2014 (http://outsideoftheboot.com/2014/11/21/scout-report-michy-batshuayi-belgiums-latest-young-talent/), since then his career has exploded, with 2 goals in 3 games for Belgium and 17 goals in the league this season for Marseille. A very bright future. Italy: Key player: Giorgio Chiellini - An absolute rock and one of Juventus most consistent players. He's a scary, strong CB who loves to tackle. Strikers will be having a hard time up against him. One to watch out for: Gianluigi Buffon - Amazing how he's still going, but not only that, the level he's still performing at. Kept so many clean sheets this season which is incredible for a 38 year old. Future star (23 years old and under): Daniele Rugani - I honestly think in a few years time he'll be one of the best CBs in the world. Incredible reading of the game (it speaks volumes that in 55 Serie A games, he has amassed just 2 bookings, incredible for a CB of his age) that means he rarely has to tackle (think Maldini), he's strong and good in the air. A throwback, but will certainly be world-class. Republic of Ireland: Key player: Seamus Coleman - As demonstrated for Everton over the past couple of years, the right back is full of energy and ridiculously solid in both defense and attack. One to watch out for: Shane Long - I'm not a huge fan of his, but he's had a great season with Southampton, if he can carry that through to the Euros then he may well torment some defenses. Future star (23 years old and under): Only 2 in the squad and i've only heard of Christie, but not sure i've ever seen him play. Sweden: Key player: Zlatan. One to watch out for: Emil Forsberg - Having watched RB Leipzig a fair amount this season, this guy has caught my eye on many an occasion, a very attacking winger with great technique and flair. His 8 goals and 6 assists this season have helped Leipzig win promotion, and i'm sure he'll be a key part of both Swedens tournament and Leipzigs season next year. Future star (23 years old and under): Oscar Lewicki - I was very impressed with him at the U21 Euros last summer (I actually did a small piece on him here: http://outsideoftheboot.com/2015/07...s-tactical-player-report-sweden-0-0-portugal/) - Currently plying his trade in Sweden, a move to a bigger club beckons soon, maybe this tournament will spur such a move. Predictions + Bets: Italy 1st, Belgium 2nd, Sweden 3rd, Ireland 4th. The Belgian defense looks leaky without Kompany there, and I wouldn't be too surprised if Sweden nick 2nd place, but some of the Belgian odds are too good to turn down. Edit: Having seen that Italy team, i'd actually swap Belgium and Italy around.. Monday, June 13: Republic of Ireland v Sweden - Over 2.5 goals - 6/4 with most bookies Monday, June 13: Belgium v Italy - Both Teams To Score - 21/20 with Coral Friday, June 17: Italy v Sweden - Italy - 1/1 with Stan James Saturday, June 18: Belgium v Republic of Ireland - Belgium - 4/6 with Bet365 Wednesday, June 22: Italy v Republic of Ireland - Italy - 3/4 with Boylesports Wednesday, June 22: Sweden v Belgium - Belgium - 4/5 with William Hill Group F Teams: Austria Hungary Iceland Portugal Fixtures Tuesday, June 14: Austria v Hungary (17:00, Stade de Bordeaux) Tuesday, June 14: Portugal v Iceland (20:00, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, St Etienne) Saturday, June 18: Iceland v Hungary (17:00, Stade Velodrome, Marseille) Saturday, June 18: Portugal v Austria (20:00, Parc des Princes, Paris) Wednesday, June 22: Iceland v Austria (17:00, Stade de France) Wednesday, June 22: Hungary v Portugal (17:00, Stade de Lyon) Squads: Austria: Key player: David Alaba - The versatile Bayern Munich man is often used in central midfield for his national team (I also believe he's been used as a striker at times, as well as his more familiar position of LB) and will be the one pulling the strings and breaking down attacks. A huge talent. One to watch out for: Marko Arnautovi* - Coming off the back of a superb season for Stoke, the huge winger may well be given a chance up front for Austria. Should have a very good tournament I think. Future star (23 years old and under): Martin Hinteregger - Sadly hasn't had much of a chance at Monchengladbach this season, with just 6 starts to his name, but being around the great setup they have there will benefit him hugely. His parent club is Red Bull Salzburg from Austria, due to the partnership they have with the other RB clubs, i'd say it'll be a certainty that he'll be playing for RB Leipzig in their first Bundesliga season next year, where he'll prove his worth. This tournament is a great way of showing his quality. A classic old-school defender with some modern quality thrown into the mix. Hungary: Key player: Ádám Szalai - Hungarys main goal threat, he looked a real talent a few years ago when he was at Mainz but his career has steadily been going downhill with a series of quick moves and loans. Still though, he remains Hungarys best player in my opinion. A chance to resurrect his career. One to watch out for: Afraid I don't really know much about any of the other Hungarians, which makes it a surprise that Tozser wasn't called up. Future star (23 years old and under): Not familiar with any of them! Iceland: Key player: No surprise here, Swanseas maestro Gylfi Sigurðsson. Good on the ball, fantastic dead ball delivery (which Icelands generally tall strike-force must love). Great player One to watch out for: Kolbeinn Sigþórsson. I like this striker, big and physical but with a good finish and technique (think a Nordic Deeney). Didn't think he got a fair crack when he was at Ajax and hasn't really impressed this season at Nantes, but if he bags early in the tournament his confidence will be sky high and he'll be a handful for defenders. Looking forward to the battle between him and Pepe. Future star (23 years old and under): Sadly not familiar with any of the 5 youngsters included. Portugal: Key player: Ronaldo. Obviously. One to watch out for: William Carvalho - A real workhouse that'll most likely be the heart of the Portugese midfield. He's brave, tough in the tackle with a good range of passing. Future star (23 years old and under): Renato Sanches - Has just sealed himself a €35m move to Bayern aged just 18. He's well acquainted with international football picking up 40 caps for various age groups (only 2 caps for the senior team so far). He's fast, a good dribbler with a good range of passing. Can't say i've watched him more than a couple of times, but he's impressed me. Predictions + Bets: A very open group and one that's quite hard to predict. Hungary will finish bottom of the group due to their generally poor squad, that's aging quickly. I think Iceland will be the surprise package of the group. Portugal likely to disappoint, but perhaps scrape through. Iceland first, Austria 2nd, Portugal 3rd, Hungary 4th. Tuesday, June 14: Austria v Hungary - Austria - 17/20 Tuesday, June 14: Portugal v Iceland - Iceland double chance - 13/10 with BetVictor Saturday, June 18: Iceland v Hungary - Iceland - 13/10 with BetFred Saturday, June 18: Portugal v Austria - Both teams to score - 10/11 with Bet365 Wednesday, June 22: Iceland v Austria - Iceland - 14/5 with PaddyPower Wednesday, June 22: Hungary v Portugal - Portugal - 6/10 with Boylesports
Outstanding work! :sign15::sign15::sign15::sign15::sign15::sign15: The big question however is, what about a fantasy league?
Why do you think Ukraine will outperform NI? Think you might be quite surprised by NI and I'm guessing you haven't seen a lot of us over the past 2 years.
Tbh, I haven't seen a lot of NI recently, neither have I seen a lot of Ukraine, but i'm basing it on a mix of players (I think Ukraines key players in Rakitskiy, Konoplyanka, Yarmolenko etc are of a higher quality than the NI key players), as well as Ukraine generally performing better against similar teams (you drew 1-1 against Wales, Ukraine beat them, you beat Slovenia 1-0, Ukraine beat them 2-0, you lost 2-0 to Chile, Ukraine lost 1-0 to Spain etc). It's by no means a given and just my opinion based on what I know about each team and their results!
Fair enough but we do have a PL core to our team with Cathcart, Evans, McCauley and Davis. I'd put Steve Davis ahead of all those Ukraine players if I'm being honest. We conceaded a last minute penalty to draw 1-1 with Wales but fair enough. I don't really get the Spain/Chile comparison though? And you left out the Ukraine/Slovenia draw for some reason, which was their most recent result against Slovenia. You can make that similar teams method work either way: NI beat Slovenia 1-0, Ukraine drew with Slovenia, NI beat Latvia 1-0, Ukraine drew with Latvia 1-0. Think our group will be tight between Poland, Northern Ireland and Ukraine.
Somehow missed the draw with Slovenia when looking at Soccerway! The comparison with Chile was done based on FIFA rankings (Chile 3rd, Spain 6th) - again not the most accurate of examples but i'd put them around the same level. I think Poland have a lot of class and will comfortably finish 2nd, and may very well be the surprise underdogs of the competition. But hey, what's life without a bit of disagreement!
I'm obviously extremely optimistic but I think we can get through the group, maybe even in 2nd. I think if we keep Lewandowski quiet we should be ok. I think the occasion as well will boost us, our first ever appearance at the Euros and although the other teams in our group also have loud fans I think when the matches are on we will have a slight edge in that sense. Plus, no pressure on us either!
France v Romania Albania v Switzerland Wales v Slovakia England v Russia Poland v Northern Ireland Germany v Ukraine Spain v Czech Republic Austria v Hungary Portugal v Iceland £5 return £860
Managed to get tickets for the England Russia game. Originally went for B1 vs B4 as I wanted to go to the Velodrome and then got lucky with the draw! I'm more optimistic about England this year. I don't by any means think we'll win it but I at least think the football will be more exciting - looking forward to the possibility of a Kane and Vardy partnership. I also think Poland could be dark horses, they looked very good in qualifying and have got a few fantastic players. I think France will end up winning it though.
England squad at 11am. Sounds like Hodgson is going to pick crocked Wilshire. How he gets in is beyond me. 68 minutes yesterday where he looked (understandably) short of fitness. Idiotic decision.
Not that I agree with much that is said on MOTD, all 3 pundits were dead against Wilshire and were talking up Drinkwater who they feel has more than deserved a place over the course of the season.
Fu**ing Delph, Rashford and Wilshere called up, what a joke. I mean the first two will most likely be cut from the final 23 but still. I don't necessarily buy the West Ham love in for Noble but surely he's ahead of Delph in the pecking order.
Hodgson "Rashford deserves his chance" Yes.....he's played 10 times for Man Utd, 2 England U16 caps, 2 England U18 cap, 1 England U20 cap......that's fully deserving isn't it. Now don't get me wrong, he looks an exciting player and I'm pleased for him, but there are far more deserving cases than him. Troy Deeney this season played 43 games and scored 15 goals. Better strike rate than 1 in 3, but is not even considered. It's only because Rashford plays for Man Utd, and I hate that type of selection policy.
Provisional 26 named - BBC Sport Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Tom Heaton. Defenders: Nathaniel Clyne, Kyle Walker, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Ryan Bertrand, Danny Rose. Midfielders: Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Fabian Delph, Eric Dier, Danny Drinkwater, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Raheem Sterling, Andros Townsend, Jack Wilshere. Strikers: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy.
Loved Roy's logic today. On Wilshere and Henderson - 'I want players that are fully fit, it doesn't matter how many games they've played.' On Walcott - 'he hasn't played enough games'.
Apart from Portugal 2004 Rooney hasn't turned up at a tournament yet, why does Hodgson think he's going to do so now? So what he's scored 50 goals for England, I don't think Bobby Charlton played against San Marino and that ilk very often.
I'll just leave this here.... With 12 goals and seven assists to his name, Deeney has also won the most aerial duels in the Premier League this season (231) and created more chances than any other striker (54). http://www.skysports.com/football/news/18804/10276980/england-euro-2016-squad-according-to-the-stats
Hodgson should just keep his mouth shut and say he's picking the squad he thinks will be do best. When he tries to come up with logic for why Wilshire is picked, Walcott isn't and Rashford is then he just starts looking like a bumbling idiot.
Don't think the squad really matters tbh. We have a decent first 11, and a really poor squad. Hopefully we won't have to use the squad.
Delph and Wilshere over Mark Noble.......... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! WOY HAS LOST IT!!!
"Walcott and Andros Townsend are not similar players. Townsend was unlucky to lose his place in the squad but since he has gone to Newcastle he has done very well. Walcott has not had regular games." Wilshere: 1 start, 2 off bench Delph: 8 starts, 7 off bench Rashford: 10 starts Townsend: 12 starts 1 off bench Walcott: 15 starts, 13 off bench Alright mate.
