The cupcake groups are Group A (France, Romania, Albania, Switzerland) and Group F (Portugal, Iceland, Austria, Hungary).
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The group’s standout fixture is being touted as England’s June 16 clash with tournament debutants Wales in Lens, “but we’re just as excited about playing Russian Federation and Slovakia”, said Hodgson.
“There was a very good chance we would meet one of the home nations in the draw”, said Hodgson. Why not have a tough one close to home?
“We will take time out to study opposition players so that by the time of the games we know everything about them”. “We play them last so we do think we will have a good chance of getting out of the group”. As Gareth Bale underlined while recently recounting the story of how the English FA tried to poach him for the Three Lions, pulling on the red jersey means everything to the world’s most expensive player.
Wales manager Chris Coleman admitted that he would have preferred not to face England, who won all 10 of their qualifying matches, but said his side would relish the challenge. It is two good teams and to win 10 games in the campaign is a fantastic return.
“It’s not just about beating England, but we know they are a great team, I’ve total respect for Roy [Hodgson]”.
“(Leonid) Slutsky has done extremely well since taking over and has got them winning again. You can imagine the belief now among the players as a result of both. “I’m from Wales and love Wales and everyone knows how much I love playing for Wales.’ It was never an option and I would never want it to happen”. The group rounds out with Russian Federation who are themselves preparing for the 2018 World Cup and are looking to provide commanding performances ahead of that competition in three years.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment and whatever group we were in, and I’m not being flippant, I think we can beat any team on our day”. Belgium are the clear favorites, but any of Italy, Sweden, or Ireland could finish second or third.
“We will be up against it but they will be up against it too, if we perform like we can it will be a tough game that’s for sure”.
Conducted by UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino, with assistance from a number of leading football stars like France’s David Trezeguet, the draw was undergoing without Michel Platini, the European soccer governing body’s president who has been barred from all football activities for 90 days due to allegations of corruption alongside with current FIFA boss Sepp Blatter.
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On England’s prospects, he added: “For the first time in a long time we’re going into a tournament, without being disrespectful to any players, with no any real superstars”.
