This European Championship promises loads of exciting
matchups and we can’t wait to see who comes out on top. Looking on as Leicester
City lifted the Premier League trophy has been a huge confidence booster for
underdogs who now firmly believe that they can win major trophies if they play
with discipline and show character on the field. The excitement of Club
football is sure to spill over into the Euros as we see our favourite stars
take the field when the tournament kicks off at the Stade de France on the 10th
of June.
England continues its trend of looking like the strongest
team on paper, but unlike yesteryears, this team is based on solid foundation
of young talent. With the likes of 20-year old Dele Alli, 21-year old Harry
Kane, Eric Dier and Jack Wilshere manning the front, the English team looks
surprisingly young and exciting to watch. What Roy Hodgson must remain aware
of, is the defence, that has seemed scrappy at best and prone to misfiring. The
lack of major silverware could also hamper English chances of getting through
the home stretch of the tournament. Portugal under coach Fernando Santos look
to be a determined lot, putting up great defensive displays and not losing a
single qualifying match under the new coach. The talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo
is still in his prime even though Portugal are not the side they used to be
when they made the finals only to lose out to Greece in 2004. But if their
showing in pre-Euro friendlies was any indication, the team is not one to go
down without a fight. Special mention to 40-something Ricardo Carvalho, who is
back on international duty and put on a gritty display in the last friendly
against England.
Hosts France must capitalize on the home ground advantage
and a side that boasts of sensational players coming off excellent seasons with
their respective clubs. While youngster Paul Pogba remains the highlight, don’t
forget to watch out for Premier League sensations N’golo Kante and Dimitri Payet
are sure to bring their A-game after leading their clubs to great success in
the Premier League. Add to that the striking prowess of Oliver Giroud and
Antoine Griezmann and you know France could very well take the trophy home this
time around. Amidst calls of the end of an era, Spain look to regain some lost
glory after a forgettable showing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Veterans Andre
Iniesta, ‘keeper Iker Casillas take the field amidst rumours of international
retirement. But you can never count the tiki taka players out, especially when
striker Alvaro Morata, defenders Juanfran and Hector Bellerin and midfielders
Thiago Alcantara and Koke are coming off great seasons with their respective
clubs. Expect some veteran action from Cesc Fabregas as well.
We do expect some of the lesser known teams to make a mark
though. Slovakia is led by the experienced Martin Skrtel and Marek Hamsik could
really weave some magic in the midfield. Switzerland will be anchored by the
promising Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri. Wales could come out all guns
blazing under captain Gareth Bale’s guidance. The Euros have a lot to live up
to this time around.
Author’s Bio:
Goldengoals.com is an online football
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