Euro 2016: The Frontrunners - 6. England

Throughout the early stages of Euro 2016, Liam Happe will be tracking each of the seven sides many (including the bookmakers) feel have the best chance of winning the tournament.

Today we turn our attention to England, who are now two games into their campaign and with four points to their name, should be able to guarantee themselves a spot in the knockout stages.

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ENGLAND (8/1): Group games: drew 1-1 vs Russia June 11; vs beat Wales 2-1 June 16; vs Slovakia June 20

Analysing England at a major tournament has been a bit of a broken record for quite some time. It’s been a case of ‘not if, but when’ they tumble out in a meek and disappointing fashion ever since their last respectable campaign at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

The removal of the final remnants of the irreparably-tarnished ‘golden generation’ and the rise of some truly exciting in-form talent has some wondering if the new wave can capitalise on the nation’s gradually-diminishing expectations for these sort of events. But, you know what they say - it’s the hope that kills you.

THE PREPARATIONS

Roy Hodgson’s squad selection caused the usual uproar, which was always going to happen, to be honest. Tottenham Hotspur’s fine form and use of young English players was rewarded, while West Ham United’s similar overachieving was not. There were worryingly risky call-ups (such as Man United teenager Marcus Rashford) and there were alarmingly safe call-ups (Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere).

Was Hodgson looking to select on merit and take gambles, or stick to familiar faces? It was hard to tell. In fact, the only real theme amongst his squad is that his choices all appear to be the most commercially-viable, in any scenario. Cue the conspiracy brigade and their ‘The FA are picking the team’ theories!

THE TOURNAMENT SO FAR

England’s first two matches provoked reactions on opposite ends of the spectrum. Neutrals raved about the way they outplayed the Russians, but were fast to condemn Hodgson for being so tactically complacent when 1-0 up. Everyone mocked the performances of both sides when the Three Lions unsurprisingly found themselves engaged in more of a scrap with Wales than a sporting contest, then couldn’t get enough of the double substitution which turned the game around.

The prevailing argument is that England haven’t shown enough to convince anyone that they have what it takes to go all the way. This is true, at face value. However, how many sides stand out as the very best from the first game to the final? If consistently excellent performances were a prerequisite, neither Germany nor Italy would have trophy cabinets as full as they currently are.

THE FUTURE

England only need to avoid defeat against Slovakia to be certain of a place in the last-16. In addition, even a loss to Marek Hamsik and friends is unlikely to leave England on the wrong side of the qualification line, regardless of the Wales/Russia outcome. That being said, Hodgson would be well-advised to treat this match as if England’s survival hinges on a win - because in a way, it does.

England’s recent record at majors versus what one would consider ‘top’ teams is horrendous. As soon as they encounter a fancied nation, they may as well book their flights home in advance. As a result, their hopes of a decent run in France may come down to whether they can ensure they finish top of their group and give themselves a strong chance of a less daunting last-16 fixture, giving themselves a bigger transition from the frustrations of Russia and the war that was Wales, and into a position where they can finally offer a good matchplay threat.

WHAT THEY SAID

Roy Hodgson was full of praise for Rooney, who entered a good showing as a central midfielder in a heated contest where outstanding individual performances were almost impossible.

“The importance of Wayne Rooney (against Wales) is not only in his offensive qualities and it’s nice to have a player like him in your team in midfield because he’s still a goalscorer,” Hodgson said.

“When chances come his way, he was a bit unlucky to get a shot blocked in the second half after some good footwork.

"But we’re happy with the composure he brings to the team, we’re happy with the calmness at times when it gets a bit frantic when you’re chasing equalisers and a winner.

"His long cross-field passes have always been a feature of his game, even when he played at centre forward. He dropped deep and had the ability to play those passes.

"And I think, in particular, having survived some doubts about him in the build-up to this tournament and the build-up to my selection of the 23, I’m so pleased for him that he’s shown everyone he’s still a very, very good player and still capable of having a big influence on the team, even if it wasn’t him (against Wales) scoring goals.

"We quite like the idea of having someone like him and Dele Alli in the team in midfield who can score goals, as well as the ones that play a bit further forwards.”