European Championship 2016 Draw

Haha, yes - massively! We could get out of the group, but England do not fare well even against ordinary, but well-organised, teams with a single superstar player, the most recent example being vs Uruguay in the World Cup. I don't reckon we'll finish top, at any rate.

 

And the rest!

 

Quite often a team with Belgium's profile will win the Euros, though. Dutch win; Czechs getting to the final; and even the unexpected Greek win, who of course had no sort of profile in the public's mind before then. It's the perfect tournament for them - weather, location, language, no unknown football styles. I fancy them to step up here, at least to the final, and possibly to add to the European nations who have more Euro tournament wins than England. Though of course the modern pattern seems to be the nation who wins the World Cup for the first time in years goes on to take the Euros, and then get to the final of the following World Cup, before being dethroned.

 

France have some excellent young players as well, I think France v Germany final.

 

I also think either France or Zee Germans to win it. Can't call Belgium a dark horse when they're ranked 1st in the world Interesting to see how they get on though cos on paper they have an amazing squad but I never bought into the hype pre Brazil and they weren't that good there either, if it all clicks for them though they could certainly win it.

I'll be keeping an eye on Austria, I also think Wales could suprise some teams, they have something a lot of other sides (ourselves included) lack, which is a genuine world class player.

 

The rankings list is hardly a true reflection of who is best. I'd consider them underdogs in a tournament setting.

 

Underdogs compared to the Germans and French yes, but they're still what 3rd/4th favourites? (Haven't checked!) So I wouldn't call that a dark horse personally.

 

And Spain, I would say those 3 are well ahead, with Belgium being in the next tier ability wise, more likely to win than us obviously. They have a lot of great individuals.

 

I agree that Austria are dark horses.

Wales is another dark horse.

 

Spain and Germany are the favourites. And France, as hosts. But there are a lot of teams that are capable of winning this time.

 

Oh yeah apologies - forgot about Spain. Would imagine Belgium are 4th favourites though and I just can't consider a team amongst the favourites as a 'dark horse'.

 

I agree.

 

Maybe underdog is the wrong word, I would expect the other 3 to all at least make the semi finals and would be pretty disastrous for them if they didn't. On paper maybe Belgium have the 4th best team, although I can't see them getting past the quarters/semis if I'm honest. I think one of the lesser teams will progress at their expense.

 

They're only dark horses from the perspective of their history in major tournaments. But that's about it.

They've got a very good squad.

 

Spain need to get rid of Costa as he stifles their attack. They need a player who is very flexible. Aduriz being a fine example. He's old for footballer but at the moment he is very fit, in great form and has that superb ability to finish off a move.

 

Wales did beat Belgium in the qualifiers

 

Yes, to be perfectly honest I hadn't realised they were at the top of the rankings, so I agree the dark horse part is wrong! I suppose I just expect more people would back Germany, Spain and France before Belgium.

 

Okay okay I get it I was wrong, I take it back!

Could I have got away with saying England...?? Nah who I am kidding!

 

You could certainly say England were a dark horse. Trouble is with dark horses, you go skint backing them.

Quite a lot of young talent in the England side. If they all stay fit and find a way to play together, who knows? Not impossible they could get their heads in front in a bunch finish. They'll need luck in running though, obviously.

 

I still can't believe he chose to represent Spain as he never suited their style and Brazil were crying out for a striker like him at the WC last year!