HOME NATIONS RIVALRY: There has certinaly been ups and downs for the Home Nations thus far in EURO 2016. Wales started strong with a victory while Northern Ireland tasted defeat and both England and the Republic of Ireland recorded draws which they will both feel they could have won! This afternoon sees two Home Nations face each other, and I for one am really looking forward to what promises to be a fascinating game.
SHAPING GROUP B
Group B has become very interesting after Slovakia beating the Russians yesterday afternoon. As we know, if Wales win today they will secure their spot in the last 16 of the competition. What it also means is that if England win today’s game, they will be in a great position to win Group B. The odds in this one are heavily in England’s favour, too much so in my opinion. I think 1.66 is a very short price for this game if you were to go by the first games both teams played. England did play some good football and definitely should have won their game, but Wales also showed a lot of quality against Slovakia, being very worthy victors.
I can’t back England at the price given, I just don’t fancy them that much here. This is a rivalry game, two Home Nations taking each other on, which means to a degree form goes out the window. Both teams will be really up for this one, and will be looking for bragging rights over their neighbours. I expect both sides to really go for it in this one. England need to after drawing their first game of the tournament, and although Wales don’t need to I’m sure they would like the comfort of being qualified going in to their last group game.
I don’t have any doubt that England will score in this one. They have so much quality going forward, and being honest, Wales won’t be able to hold them out at the back. The question then is, can Wales score. I feel that they will. Ramsey will relishing this game, and plays really well going forward in a Wales jersey. Then of course you have Gareth Bale, between the two of them I think they will conjure up a goal and cause England a lot of trouble. Verdict – Both Teams to score at 2.3
TWO FAMILIAR SIDES
After being in the same qualifying group, I’m sure Germany and Poland were not overly happy with drawing each other in EURO 2016. They both won a game each against each other in qualification, so I’m sure they have plenty of respect for each other as teams. It wouldn’t normally be a tough game to call with the World Champions taking on a lesser side, but Poland have been improving constantly and pose the Germans a real threat tonight!
The Polish system suits them well against the Germans, especially with their two danger men playing up front. It forces Germany to stay honest, not to flood too many forward. The German defence is weaker than in years past, and with two quality, strong players like Lewandowski and Milik playing up front I definitely see them grabbing a goal tonight. While Poland will respect to the Germans, I don’t think they will be afraid of them.
After winning their opening game they will probably see this as a ‘what’s to lose?’ situation. If they don’t get the result they will still fancy themselves to beat Ukraine in the final game, and if they do get a result they could easily win the group. I think they will really go for it tonight, and with their record against the Germans I think they could cause a lot of trouble. Not confident enough they would win at 7.0, but they could snatch something. Verdict – Lay Germany at 1.6
ITALY IMPRESSIVE AGAIN
Another tournament where Italy have come in a bit under the radar, but now look like they could make a real run in this tournament. In the first round of matches they are the team that impressed me the most. They dominated the Belgians, who many people were talking up, and were fully worth their 2-0 win.
Sweden impressed me before the tournament as they beat Wales, but as we all know, friendlies are not a true reflection of where a team is. They were poor for parts against Ireland, and were lucky to get the draw in the end. Zlatan didn’t really show up for the game, and without him being near his best they will struggle against the Italians. Even if he has a good game, I think Italy have too much, and can be had at a pretty decent price. Verdict – Back Italy at 1.91
CROATIA A WILDCARD
I like this Croatian side. They also impressed me in their first game, and I think they are a sneaky dark horse in this tournament. They have possibly the best midfield partnership in Modric and Rakitic, and play a good style of football. Mandzukic is a decent striker up front. He can be a bit erratic, but is a quality finisher.
Czech Republic don’t offer a huge amount in my eyes. I think they are a solid team who will be hard enough to beat, but I wouldn’t be afraid of them beating the Croatians here. I think the Croats will have too much quality here. Verdict – Back Croatia at 1.84
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