Roy Hodgson is all set to make a few crucial changes to his starting XI for England’s round of 16 tie against Iceland on Monday night.
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Iceland, who are making their debut at the tournament, qualified for the knockout stage after a memorable 2-1 win over Austria saw them finish second in Group F.
England were spared the task of facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal when Iceland grabbed a last-gasp victor against Austria in their final group stage match. “Have you seen them?” says Anton.
We have the quality to win the tournament but we never seem to play with real confidence or swagger, nor enough fire and passion our belly. “And we know that even when Iceland has the best performance they have ever had, we can still lose against nations like England”.
Chisanga: I think Kane will be England’s key player tonight.
Rooney will beat Beckham’s record if England defeat Iceland and he is subsequently picked to play against France in the quarter final.
Wayne Johnstone, 47, of Manchester, said: “At the end of the day, we just couldn’t get a goal”.
England failed to qualify for the final tournament in 2008, the only time they have missed out since 1984. Iceland’s tactics might actually lead them to take the game to penalty shoot-outs.
“It has not been so common recently but if anybody has got it you should obviously still try to use it”, said Gunnarsson.
“We have a lot of respect for a very strong team like Italy”. However, the England boss does have the option of Leicester man Jamie Vardy on the bench, and said that he is prepared to play the 29-year-old, if England’s original plan does not work out.
Finishing second in Group B behind Wales put England into the more hard side of the draw and if they overcome Iceland they will have to face hosts France in the capital on Sunday. “Whichever way it goes, these players are winners already”.
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Iceland head into the clash as the underdogs, despite remaining unbeaten in a group with Portugal, Hungary and Austria, but Rooney has warned England can not afford to show a lack of respect toward Monday’s opponents.
