“The co-efficient isn’t in our favour, but we have shown what you can achieve with team spirit and work ethic”.
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So if Ireland can even win one of their games, they have a chance of making third spot.
England, who have twice reached the semi-finals of the European Championship in 1968 and 1996, were placed in Group B alongside Russia, Slovakia and fellow home nation Wales.
Northern Ireland drew with reigning world champions West Germany, while Wales were only knocked out by Brazil, the goal scored by a 17-year-old Pele.
PARIS Dec 12 England manager Roy Hodgson and Wales counterpart Chris Coleman are eagerly anticipating their all-British Euro 2016 group match in Lens next year following Saturday’s draw for the finals.
After that is a clash against Italy in Lille on June 22nd.
“But, if I’m honest, I’d prefer it if we didn’t play England”.
As one of the top seeds, the Three Lions don’t have to contemplate facing the likes of Germany, Spain, Belgium, Portugal or the hosts France – but Italy could lie in wait.
Under Coleman Wales have risen up the world rankings and now sit 17th and the former Fulham manager, who admitted he did not want to face England before the draw, knows he must embrace the game.
He told the BBC: “The most important thing is to try and take something from your first game”.
There is absolutely no argument that Italy were the best team in Pot 2, and the Republic of Ireland are desperately unlucky to have drawn them.
Glenn said: “I think we’re going to have a good Euros”.
The worst possible scenario would see England pitted against the Italians – who beat them in the last two tournaments – Sweden and either Wales or the Republic.
“We have our games scheduled for March and I believe Martin has his games scheduled so it doesn’t leave us a lot of opportunity, but if we can help each other in any way I’m sure we will do”.
“Whatever we say or do, once the referee’s whistle goes it’ll come down to what those 22 players can do out on the pitch”.
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Responsible for 11 of their 19 goals during the qualification process, a figure second only to Robert Lewandowski, the charismatic Swede stands poised to become – along with Cristiano Ronaldo – the first player to score in four different editions of the European Championships.
