Group B at Euro 2016 will feature one of the most anticipated matches in tournament history, but there is more to it than just England versus Wales.
England
‘The Three Lions’ are facing their most realistic chance at a deep tournament run in some time as Euro 2016. England had an impressive 100 per cent record in qualifiers winning all ten games while scoring 31 times and conceding only three goals.
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The side looks to be somewhat top heavy with Roy Hodgson having an array of forwards to choose from including Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Dan Sturridge, but lacking depth in the holding midfield and defence.
English squads have underperformed in recent memory for a variety of reasons, but the form of such players as Deli Alli, Kane and Vardy among others will be a confidence booster for both the national team and fans alike.
While on paper they may not be at the level of Germany or Spain, England is definitely capable of a deep run at France 2016.
Group stage prediction: First
Wales
The Welsh national team’s qualification is their first for a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup (Wales made the quarters of Euro 76, but at the time the tournament finals officially began at the semi final stage). Wales secured their spot at Euro 2016 finishing second behind Belgium in a tough group that also featured Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Manager Chris Coleman’s side play with the focus on star man Gareth Bale, but there is quality in the side in others such as Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ashley Williams.
It will be a tight race to qualify for the knockout rounds, but the quality of Gareth Bale will be the difference to see Wales through.
Group stage prediction: Second
Slovakia
Slovakia’s qualification campaign saw the side finish second to Spain, who they astonishingly beat at home.
As with a lot of the smaller teams at the tournament they will rely heavily on a few experienced, big names like Martin Skrtel, Marek Hamsik and veteran goalkeeper Matus Kozacik who was outstanding in qualifying.
The Slovaks will look to play on the counter attack due to limitations up front, but there is still an experienced core group of players who were present at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. They have big tournament experience as an asset which they will require if they are to push for second or third spot in the group.
Group stage prediction: Fourth
Russia
The Russian national team experienced a resurgence with a managerial change during the qualifiers after winning only two of their first six games under Fabio Capello. The Italian was given the flick in favour of CSKA Moscow manager, Leonid Slutsky, whose biggest influence was changing the mood in the dressing room leading to four wins in a row and qualification to Euro 2016.
Russia was offensively proficient scoring 21 goals in ten games leading them to second spot in Group G ahead of the more fancied Sweden, but it is at the back where an ageing defence will cause the most issues.
How they are able to cope with Gareth Bale against Wales may be the deciding factor for Russia’s chances at Euro 2016.
Group stage prediction: Third
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