For Iceland, whose population of 330,000 makes them the smallest country to have qualified for a major tournament, the game in the Mediterranean city of Nice brings the chance to score one of the biggest upsets in football history.
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England’s failure to win Group B, coming second to Wales, resulted in Roy Hodgson’s side entering the side of the draw which included favourites France, holders Spain and world champions Italy.
Nevertheless, this will be the third encounter between England and Iceland, with the Three Lions winning the last match 6-1.
Hodgson, however, said if the Football Association don’t want to extend his contract then he would not request for the same, Sport24 reported.
The victor of Monday’s game will play France in Paris on Sunday.
On paper, England will have bigger challenges to hurdle in UEFA Euro Round of 16 against Iceland.
Supermarket Iceland has acknowledged a glaring issue with its decision to sponsor Euro 2016 underdogs Iceland as the team prepares to shock the English national side.
Against Wales, for example, the average position of all England players, apart from the two centre-backs Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling, was inside the Wales’ half.
Defeat in the last 16 to the lowest remaining side in the draw would surely see his hopes of a new deal go up in smoke, despite the support of Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn over the weekend.
“But I personally think it’s refreshing if Roy gives him a vote of confidence to say: ‘Okay, you haven’t done as well as you should do but I believe in you.’ That will be a massive boost for Raheem and exactly what Raheem needs”.
Attacking defenders don’t tend to win you trophies, so this is the moment for England’s talented forward players to shine.
Germany decimated Slovakia at a canter, and England fans know exactly how hard we found it to take apart Hamsik and co.
“We’re doing our best for the team, for him (Hodgson) and for our country”, striker Harry Kane said.
“(Monday) is the ultimate test because if we don’t win (on Monday) that’s the end for us.
What time does England vs Iceland kick off?
Hodgson has known Lagerback for around 40 years and is wary of the threat posed by his long-term friend’s team.
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That said, captain Aron Gunnarsson will look to launch balls into the England box with long throws whenever possible – meaning that some test of England’s defending in aerial battles can be expected.
