Euro 2016: Group B - Match Previews

It is day six of the European Championships, which brings about the start of the second group stage matches. Therefore, a preview of said matches will be given for all of the groups over the coming days. Each group will be posted in separate articles based on when the games are taking place.

The second bout of group stage matches begins this afternoon with Russia versus Slovakia in Group B. The other group clash is between two of the British based countries, in England and Wales, but that doesn’t kick-off until tomorrow.

Russia v Slovakia - Wednesday, 2pm

This is a match that has the makings of a close encounter. Russia’s last-gasp equalising goal against England on Saturday has been largely overshadowed due to the behaviour of a section of their so-called supporters. A threat of expulsion has been handed out to the Russian’s, with a suspended disqualification hanging over them. Should their fans cause any further trouble in or around the stadium, they will be removed from the Euros - that has to be on the minds of the Russian players a little. Leonid Slutsky will probably start with the same team, though. They will be hoping main goalscorer, Artyom Dzyuba, can impose himself on the game.

Slovakia, head into this game on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Wales. They find themselves in an unwanted position at the bottom of the group; another loss could prove catastrophic to their hopes. Star man, Marek Hamsik, did not get involved in the game as much as his side need him to, and without his offensive prowess, this team lacks a cutting edge. Ondrej Duda came off the bench and scored the leveller against Wales, he could be included in the starting line-up.  Slovakia can take heart from the fact that they have not lost back-to-back games in over two and a half years.

Both sides played out their games at the weekend in a conservative manner and that will likely be seen again in this fixture. Slovakia can, simply, ill-afford to lose and the pressure is really on them. Whereas, Russia were extremely poor for most of their game against England and they don’t seem to have the talent within their squad to change their style. Neither team is a high-scorer, so a drab match is to be expected between these two.

Prediction: 1-1

England v Wales – Thursday, 2pm

This is the 102^nd meeting of the two neighbours, most of which came in the old British Championships – England have won 66 of those encounters, but that counts for nothing. Ever since the two were pitted against one another at the tail end of last year, fans of both sides have been looking forward to this one immensely. There has been some choice words from players of each team about their rivals, but the real battle will take place where it matters, on the field.

Roy Hodgson’s England put in a pleasing performance against Russia, up until injury-time, anyway. A sublime free-kick from Eric Dier was cancelled out by a cruel Russian equaliser. Despite that, it was certainly a performance that this young England side can build on. Should England take the lead, the manager will again have to make the choice of, does he stick or twist – a decision he got wrong at the weekend. Since the team selected for the Russia fixture dominated large spells of the game, Hodgson is expected to stick with the same eleven. Wayne Rooney will be pivotal in this game; he put in a fantastic display before being substituted.

Even with Welsh superstar, Gareth Bale, not at his best against Slovakia, Wales still looked assured throughout the majority of the game. Top players deliver even when they are not at their best and Bale proved he is that, by despatching a dipping free-kick from all of 25 yards. The forward will be looking to take advantage of an unconvincing England defence, who seem to have a lapse every single game. The Welsh defenders will be in for a tough test; Captain, Ashley Williams has to be on top form. It will be an unchanged side; Chris Coleman has no need to change a winning fomula.

There is no two ways about it, England has to go out there and take the game to Wales, in order to get their first win on the board. The Welsh will probably sit back and soak up the pressure, with the hope of hitting England on the counter. Wales heads out there knowing that they only need a point to all but secure a place in the next round of the competition - that could lead to complacency on their part. The quality within England’s ranks may just sneak a win for the Three Lions in this one.

Prediction: England to win 2-1