There’s always someone who spoils the party when it comes to England and major tournaments. Quite often it’ll be in the most controversial circumstances. Ronaldo in 2006, Beckham in 1998. Then there are the moments of pure marvel like Ronaldinho in 2002, or Maradona (and his hand) back in ’86.
Naturally, every two years’ things are going to be different. It’s going to be England’s year. At least according to fans, pundits, and newspapers anyway. Roy’s Boys will have to be wary though, while they may know many of the Welsh side, they’ll be stepping into the unknown somewhat with Slovakia and Russia.
The teams have only ever met a handful of times, with it being seven years since the Three Lions last faced either side.
So if you’re reading Roy, bookmark this page, because here are the three danger men across the Group Stage.
Artyom Dzyuba
First up for England is the Russians, who finished just behind Austria in Euro 2016 qualifying to automatically qualify for the tournament. A large part of that was down to Zenit striker Artyom Dzyuba who bagged eight goals in just 10 games – and he’s not stopped scoring since either. Dzyuba was the feature of our Euro 2016 player in focus last week.
He’s netted 20 in all competitions this year and the Russian fans are quietly confident he could help cause a shock against the Three Lions, especially with their shaky defence.
Only Lewandowski, Ibrahimovic, and Muller scored more in qualifying and he’ll want to set the record straight after not being included in his national squad four years ago.
Gareth Bale
Obviously this man needs no introduction, and Bale is perhaps his finest form since joining Real Madrid back in 2013. He’s already sent out a message claiming the Three Lions are under pressure, and they certainly will be when the Welsh wizard picks the ball up and marauds forward.
Many of the Welsh hopes will be pinned on Bale’s back, and throughout qualifying he rarely disappointed. He netted seven in the build up to the tournament, and in every game he did score they rolled away victorious. Will he take that run into the Euros? The Welsh will certainly hope so…
Marek Hamšík
England fans and Roy Hodgson will be hoping the Group is wrapped up before they take to the field against Slovakia in Saint-Etienne, but if they need a result they’ll have to keep real close tabs on Marek Hamšík.
The Napoli player has been a mainstay in the national team, and has even been linked to the likes of Real Madrid after impressive form this season. While the Slovakians will be trying to keep the likes of Dele Alli and Ross Barkley at bay, England will have to do the same with this man.
His energy wears even the fittest of teams down, and Hodgson will have to keep him quiet if they’re going to avoid a potential banana skin.
Thatsagoal.com Team
Latest posts by Thatsagoal.com Team (see all)
- Boxing Day Competition to Win A Share of £772.40 from thatsagaol and bet365 - December 22, 2016
- Boxing Day Enhanced Odds Offers for Betting on the Premier League - December 22, 2016
- Everton vs Liverpool Enhanced Odds Bets for New and Existing Customers - December 19, 2016
- Premier League Football Accumulator for Tonight to win £180 from £10 - December 14, 2016
Follow us