Euro 2016: Guide to Group B

As we head into day two of the tournament, last night we saw Dimitri Payet score a sublime long-range screamer to claim an opening game victory for France. It’s now time for the start of Group B, where England will be looking to overcome Russia and Wales face Slovakia. The following team guide will hopefully give you an indication of what is to come from those teams.

Group B: England, Russia, Slovakia and Wales

England

It’s about time the Three Lions actually did something at a major tournament. It’s been twenty years since they progressed deep into the later rounds and a further thirty years since their only success. Roy Hodgson’s men had a marvellous qualifying campaign, winning all ten of their fixtures. On the back of that they have also defeated France, Germany and Portugal within the last few months, which can only breed confidence.

There has been a huge revamp to the squad since their appalling World Cup two years ago, with an astonishing eleven new additions. There is many exciting youngsters all the over the park for this team, in particular, John Stones, Dele Alli and Marcus Rashford. Another newcomer is Leicester City’s industrious forward, Jamie Vardy. The former non-leaguer has come on leaps and bounds this season, scoring an incredible 24 Premier League goals. Captain Wayne Rooney’s position has come under a little bit of threat; his side need him to turn up on the big stage for once.

Finding the net shouldn’t be an issue for this team, but it must be said that, they are a bit suspect at the opposite end and really need to tighten up. Although Gary Cahill is occasionally unconvincing, he should now have the required experience to help out his fellow defenders. It is essential that England get off to a good start. They have never won their first game at the Euros (Drawn 4, Lost 4).

How will they do?

It is impossible to predict how this team will do. They have the potential to progress well into the later rounds, but you just never know what England team is going to turn up. If they are allowed to play their natural game, with little fear, the possibilities are endless. This young team has gone under the radar over the last couple of years, which could play into their hands. They will get through the group-stages. A semi-final appearance would be seen as a successful tournament, given their recent history.

Star man – Harry Kane

A couple of years back Harry Kane was an unknown quantity. His meteoric rise with Spurs has been fascinating; he won the Premier League’s Golden Boot this season. Kane has real star quality that is for sure. The centre forward hasn’t completely found his scoring boots for England, but it’s only a matter of time before his international career really gets going. There is no doubt Kane will be England’s starting striker, his goals will be paramount for his side. A nation’s hopes are resting firmly on his shoulders.

Russia

In July 2015, the Russian FA surprisingly axed Fabio Capello because they feared they may not qualify. They turned to CSKA Moscow boss Leonid Slutsky, whose change of formation and man-management style has proved to be more fruitful. Under Slutsky they won their four remaining qualifying matches. The team now plays with more flare down the channels and their forward players have been finding the net on a regular basis. They will be looking to build on their awful record of just two clean sheets in 15 games at the Euros.

The biggest worry for this Russian side is their lack of pace in defence. Despite a wealth of experience in Sergei Ignashevich and the Berezutski twins, they struggle massively against quick strikers. The coach has opted to only take three forwards, but each of them poses a threat. Young talent Aleksandr Golovin has found the net twice in his three appearances from midfield, the 20-year-old could be one to keep an eye on. Alan Dzagoev is Russia’s best player; unfortunately, he has been struck down with an injury and will not be heading to France this summer.

How will they do?
Now that this team is playing with more confidence and composure, they could be a tough test for anyone. This Russia team may not be as talented as they have been in previous years, but they have a wealth of experience and the odd bit of talent here and there. They will certainly fancy their chances of getting out the group-stage, but beyond that, it’s difficult to see their defence being able to contend with big-name strikers.

Star man – Artyom Dzyuba

The Zenit St. Petersuburg striker has an extremely big ego, but of late he has finally been backing that up. After failing to live up to his potential for many years, the centre forward has been in scintillating form so far this season, scoring a goal in every other game in the Russian top-flight. He also notched a further 6 in this season’s Champions League. Standing tall at 6’5”, Dyzuba is a menace in the air. The Russians will be counting on him finding the net as often as possible.

Slovakia

The Slovaks enjoyed an accomplished qualifying campaign. This will be their first ever European Championship tournament. Their most notable win came over three-time champions, Spain. This is yet another defensive-minded, hard-working team, which is shown in their squad selection, as they have opted to include just two strikers.

There are many names in this squad that the avid fan may recognise - Jan Mucha, Martin Skrtel, Dusan Svento, Miroslav Stoch, Vladimir Weiss, Robert Mak and Jan Gregus have all spent time in England. Juraj Kucka is a vital member of the midfield; he sits in front of the defence and does the majority of the dirty-work, which grants his fellow team-mates in front of him a bit more freedom. The wildcard of the squad is young midfielder, Ondrej Duda, 21; he has a sharp burst of speed, complemented by an array of tricks. The Legia Warsaw man is hoping to earn a transfer to a bigger club this summer. Vladimir Weiss made the joint-most assists in qualifying (6).

How will they do?
As previously mentioned, Slovakia defeated Spain during qualification, showing they can beat anyone on their given day. Group favourites England should take this opponent very seriously. In reality they don’t have enough to reach the latter stages of the tournament, but they will have their sights firmly on at least securing that second spot. It could be a real scrap between Slovakia, Russia and Wales to make it through.

Star man – Marek Hamsik

This guy is a top, top player. Put it this way, if you manage to nullify Hamsik then you will almost certainly stop Slovakia. In recent times he has come under much scrutiny for not performing for his country, but after a string of instrumental performances over the last couple of years that has since been put to bed. The Slovaks have very little else to offer in forward positions, so most of the attacking emphasis lies with the creative midfielder. He helped guide Napoli to a second-place finish in Serie A and will be hoping to carry that form into the Euros with him.

Wales

Chris Coleman’s team had a brilliant campaign, qualifying for their first tournament since 1958. In their group they took 4 points off one of the favourites for the championships, Belgium. It’s been years since the Welsh had a decent side capable of even challenging for a place at a tournament, let alone getting through at a canter. Just four players registered a goal on their way to qualifying - the least of any team at the Euros. But with their astute tactical approach, they have become very hard to beat, as well as deadly on the counter-attack. On their way to the finals they only conceded 4 goals, losing on just one occasion.

Keeping clean sheets and frustrating opponents is going to be Wales way to success, and with James Collins and captain Ashley Williams in the middle of their defence, they have two solid individuals. In central midfield Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey will be crucial to this team; Allen’s job will be to break up play and protect his defence, whereas Ramsey will push forward at every opportunity and hope to provide a goal-threat. Wales lack a recognised goal scorer up top, but what they do have is two hard-working individuals in Sam Vokes and Hal Robson-Kanu, both of which will be vying for a starting berth.

How will they do?
After their qualifying campaign, Wales head into this tournament with an awful lot of confidence. They don’t fear anyone and relish a challenge. The games against Russia and Slovakia will determine whether or not this team will get out of the group-stage. A second or best third-place finish is a more than realistic aim for this side. If they were to progress through into the knockout rounds, Wales will be tricky encounter for anyone, but they will probably come up short against a good team.

Star man – Gareth Bale

Well that wasn’t a hard choice. The glorious Gareth Bale is one of the top players in the world and is undoubtedly the best player in this Wales squad. He makes up for what they lack up front, by compensating for his team-mates shortage of goals; he scored 7 goals during qualifying. Bale has had another immense season with Real Madrid and comes into the tournament on the back of a Champions League triumph. He has had his injury problems, though, so it is imperative that he maintains his fitness. The attacker will no doubt be the difference maker for this Wales team.