EXCELLENT OPENING WEEKEND: The time has finally arrived, tonight sees France take on Romania to open proceedings in EURO 2016. It has only been a couple of weeks since the club season finished, but it seems like it has been an eternity! There are plenty of great games in store in the first weekend, and of course having four home nations involved in the tournament adds to the interest over the next month.
HOSTS TO OPEN IN STYLE
I’m looking forward to seeing France playing tonight. In my eyes, themselves and Spain are the two to beat in the tournament. Of course Germany will be strong, but these two are my picks. Midfield is where they have a real advantage. The combination of Pogba and Kante will be extremely tough for the opposition. Kante as we know is full of energy and running, and is a terror for opposition in possession. Pogba is one of the best young players in the world. This is most definitely his stage to stamp himself as an absolute superstar.
Going forward they are strong too. Greizman is off a great year for Atletico Madrdid, and he’ll be playing up front with Giroud most likely. Although Giroud has not been great for Arsenal, his form in a France jersey has been excellent. Defensively they are quite strong too, Varane is an excellent player blessed with incredible speed which will make it tough for any teams looking to break against them. Of course they also have a top goalkeeper in Lloris, in what is looking like as very strong side from one to eleven.
I fancy them to really make an impression in this first game. They will look to play a good brand of football for sure, expect them to dominate the ball and create plenty of chances. Romania aren’t a bad side, but the French just have so much more quality. I can’t see the Romanians being able to upset a determined French side in front of their own fans. Look for this one to be a comfortable victory for France, and a frustrating night for Romania. Verdict – Back France win & France Clean Sheet
SET THE TEMPO FOR THE TOURNAMENT
England need to get off to a strong start in France. In so many of their recent tournaments they have stumbled out the gate, gotten through the group but ended up being an easy out in the knockout stages. If they are to make a run at this, they need to be playing good, positive football. If you’re not playing well, you may grab a win or two but it will be exposed by the better teams. Hodgson has to have an attacking approach, being conservative is no good for this group of players.
I think England have enough quality to get the win against Russia. The Russians are always a tough side to play against. They are always organised and tough to break down, but I fancy England having enough game changing players to grab the win and set themselves a good outlook for the rest of the tournament.
All they have to do to win is play positively, if they are conservative (as is Hodgson’s nature) then there could be trouble. If they grab a win here, then one more result and they are through. Look at our Irish teams in 88 and 94. When you have a good start you can really have a run at things. There is more optimism and confidence in the camp and it makes it easier to play. The pressure is lifted somewhat. For years England have had controversy over who plays where and who can play with who. That still exists, but with this squad they definitely have strength moving forward no matter who is picked so I am expecting goals. Verdict – England Win
TOUGH START FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
This is not a start you want in your first game in a tournament for a long time. Playing an improving Polish side who will be determined to top this group. The Polish fared well against Germany in the qualifiers, and will be confident they can crack a result against them again. So to secure top spot they also need to win the games against lesser teams. Unfortunately Northern Ireland are one of these lesser teams.
There is a very good price on this game as well. You can get Poland at 1.74 right now which is pretty generous. I think they are a bit underestimated in pricing. They have some solid players, and of course one of the best strikers in the world; Robert Lewandowski. Northern Ireland will find it tough going forward as well, as the Polish are decent at the back, plus with Laffery being a slight doubt it will be interesting to see how they approach each game. The Northern Irish were excellent in the qualifiers, but I can’t see them having much joy in France. Verdict – Poland Win
£25 IN FREE BETS
