England have become notoriously bad “starters” in global tournaments, and if Russian Federation play a tight game that doesn’t overexpose their defense against the likes of Sterling, Chamberlain and Kane – then they have a good chance of getting a draw, or even a win.
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“England “have a lot of respect for Wales”, Hodgson said, as they are “very organized, they have a strong spirit and a good spine”. He always wants to perform for Wales, he knows how important he is and the way we play and this is our first tournament for many years.
It will be the 102nd meeting between England and Wales since they first clashed in 1879. “I’m looking forward to having new acquaintances”. Hopefully all the big stars who come here will have nights off when they play against us, that would certainly help us in terms of how we can do in the tournament.
Group B: England, Russia, Slovakia, Wales.
Dyke said: “We had a one in two chance of either drawing Wales, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland”.
IT’S an understatement that last night’s Euro 2016 draw could’ve gone better for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“I think Belgium are an excellent team, and are among the favourites for the final stages”, the Azzurri coach said.
“I am happy with our Euro 2016 group”, tweeted Mueller, adding: “hold back against us, Lewy!” “We just have to get that out of the group”.
Quite apart from assessing the opposition, Ireland have shown enough in the latter stages of this campaign, particularly in both legs of the play-off with Bosnia, that they are a team on the ascendancy.
The two teams will duly meet in Lens, an hour from Calais, in Group B on June 16.
“The belief is there with the team and the fans and I’d like to see them do something special to put Wales on the map”. You look at Ukraine as a game to win – no pressure though.
The Republic were placed against Belgium, Sweden and Italy in Group E, prompting manager Martin O’Neill to quip “I thought I was coming here to enjoy the draw and I’m not so sure that is the case any more”.
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But he remains confident his players will be able to rise to the challenge.
