Summer of sport
"I see them as capable of beating one of the big guns" - Sky's Nick Collins talks England's Euro 2016 chances
Were you surprised by any part of England’s initial 26 man squad?
I’ll admit to being surprised by Marcus Rashford having a place in the squad. If he does do well and manages to knock one of the senior players off his perch then he could go, which is great news. He’s a fantastic young player with a bit of X-Factor about him, who is an unknown quantity. Let’s hope he impresses in the one game that he’ll have against Australia.
The forward talent England have is fantastic. Daniel Sturridge got a goal in the Europa League final; it’s Wayne Rooney’s sixth major tournament; plus Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane. If they do take Rashford, England will certainly not have a problem scoring. I think if they have any difficulties, it will be at the other end.
What experiments do you think we’ll see in the warm up games?
Against Turkey, we’ll see Vardy and Kane because they’re the only two out and out strikers [that will have joined up with the squad by then]. In the Australia game, I think we’ll see Daniel Sturridge and Marcus Rashford, if not from the start but at some stage.
We’ll see Wayne Rooney at the tip of the diamond in one game and maybe out on the left of a three in the game against Portugal.
If all players prove their fitness, which 3 players do you anticipate missing the cut?
If there are no injuries and if Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere both prove their fitness, as well as their form, then I would expect it to be Fabian Delph, Danny Drinkwater and possibly Rashford [that drop out].
Do you think Eric Dier is a given for starting in central defensive midfield?
I think he’s very close to being that. The way he played against Germany was particularly impressive and he certainly brings a calmness and sense of authority to central midfield. He seems tailor-made for that role. You could see him alongside Wilshere with Dele Alli a little ahead of them as a midfield three behind a front three.
What shape of do you think we’ll see in the opening group game?
I do believe that England are going to have to be fairly attacking in the way they set out because they will have to score, as I’m not convinced that they will keep too many clean sheets. It might be a bit like Euro 2004 where England had plenty of goals in them, but just couldn’t stop other sides scoring.
Realistically how far into the tournament do you see England going?
I see them as capable of beating one of the big guns. That’s always been the problem at a major tournament, but I do think if they come across an Italy or Portugal this time, the outcome might be a little happier. I’m not sure if England could take out the likes of Spain, Germany and France back-to-back to actually go on and win it. But it wouldn’t surprise me if England are quarter finalists or even semi-finalists. That would be a significant step forward after the disappointment of [the World Cup in] Brazil.
Who do you see going on to win the tournament?
If I had to name a team right now, France would probably be the ones that I’d favour. Historically they’ve done well when they’ve hosted a tournament, winning both the 1998 World Cup and 1984 Euros. They just seem to be emerging at the right time with some good players that are only going to get better.
How do you rate the chances of the other home nations?
Their ambitions must be to make it through the group stages.
Wales will be difficult to break down and have a world class player in Gareth Bale. I think their maximum could be a quarter final.
If Northern Ireland get to the last 16, they’re a really tough nugget team that likes to bloody the nose of the bigger teams. Spain, Germany and England have all been beaten by them, so they could be interesting.
I think the last 16 is the Republic [of Ireland]’s target. They have the toughest group of all, which would be why if they weren’t to make the last 16 it wouldn’t be a disgrace at all. It’s possible to make the last 16 if you win one game though and you never know. Martin O’Neill is a very clever manager, who might be able to conjure up something against Sweden that will see them through in third place.
Which games do you think will be the big draw for pubs?
England’s first game without a doubt. It’s a Saturday evening with an 8 o’clock kick off, which will be a fantastic occasion and I think the pubs will be packed out that night. It should really get everybody into the swing of watching things from the pub and start that huge groundswell of support that you always see when England do well at a major tournament.
How important do you think pubs are for building up support for the home nations?
We always miss out because we’re out there covering England, but friends and family are always telling me how amazing it is back home as England progress through the tournament.
I think we’re in for a really fun summer and who knows? There could be a little bit of history along the way perhaps.
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