By Mikey Godsmark, Deputy Chief Writer
Team by Team
Two home nations will clash
on Thursday for the first time since Euro 96. Wales will both hope to progress
as they debut in the European Championships whilst England have one of their
best chances for major tournament success in 20 years. Russia and Slovakia
won’t be there to make up the numbers in a group where each team will be
disappointed not to progress to the last 16. Mikey Godsmark previews Group B.
England
There are always huge amounts
of expectation on England at major
tournaments and this year is no different. Since a hugely disappointing World
Cup, England have undergone a major turnaround, winning all ten of their
qualifying games including two impressive victories against Switzerland. However,
there are still major question marks over how England should line up in
Marseille on Saturday, especially over the inclusion of Wayne Rooney. There are calls for Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy to
start over England’s record goalscorer. The biggest concern for Roy Hodgson is
without a doubt the defence. Only three centre backs have been named in the
squad and quite how well the expected starting pairing, Smalling and Cahill, will
be able to cope with the likes of Gareth Bale is unknown. However the squad is
young, hungry and has one of the best attacks in the tournament. If they can
top the group and get a favourable draw, England could go far.
Prediction: Losing to France in the final.
Wales
Wales have
benefited from a 24 team tournament to qualify for the first time in their
history. They beat Belgium in Cardiff to get to France and finished ahead of
Bosnia, Israel and Cyprus. Many accuse Wales of being reliant of Bale throughout their qualification
campaign and there are definitely elements of truth in this claim. He scored
seven of their eleven goals as they finished 2nd in their group.
Wales’ progression through to the finals was also built on the back of a strong
defence which shipped just four goals. Reading’ Chris Gunter and Swansea’s Ashley
Williams were ever-present at the back on contributed to their seven clean
sheets. If this defensive prowess can continue throughout the finals, they
could do well but their lack of tournament experience could cost them.
Prediction: Third in the group, out in last 16
Russia
Russia’s disastrous
World Cup has been firmly left behind after Leonid Slutsky took over from Fabio
Capello, who was the best paid coach in Brazil. Russia qualified in second behind
Austria, to whom they lost twice, but ahead of Sweden. Zenit’s Atrtem Dzyuba scored eight goals in
eight games during qualifying including four goals against Liechtenstein. Igor Akinfeev will be vital to Russia’s
chances of getting through. Only England have more players playing domestically
in their squad and with seven CSKA Moscow, Russia’s team spirt will help them
to advance. However, their squad has recently been decimated by injury with Zhirkov, Kuzmin and Dzagoev all missing
out. Whether, recently nationalised, Roman
Neustader will play remains to be seen. Russia are one of the biggest
unknown quantities of the Euros.
Prediction: Second in group, out in quarter finals
Slovakia
Slovakia, like
Russia are a team of few stars, and should definitely be regarded as the
outsiders for the group. That being said, they are very capable of springing an
upset. Their hopes will probably rest on their on their two star players. Marek Hamsik was the top scorer in qualifying
with five goals which propelled his team to a second place finish in Group C
which featured a 2-1 victory over reigning champions Spain. In terms of
defenders, Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel played
eight games during qualifying and will be key to Slovakia’s hopes of springing
an upset.
Prediction: They won’t be outclassed but I can’t see
who they’re stronger that. 4th place.
Key Match
Wales v England, June 16th, 2PM, BBC One. Despite its horrendous kick-off time this clash of the
home nations should be a great game. Both teams will bring a large level of
support to Lens and depending on how the first games go ,this match should have
massive connotations on how the teams qualify.
One to Watch
When qualifying began Dele Alli was playing in League One. He
has now made seven England appearances and looks set to be either the top of a
midfield diamond, or in a midfield three. If he can continue what has been a
magnificent year for him, England are in business.
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