The German Mentality Should Overcome France in the Semi-Finals

Three years ago, I interviewed Michael Ballack, owner of 98 caps for Germany and one of his country’s greatest-ever players, and I asked him why they always perform so well at major tournaments.  His face broke into a wide smile, and though his words might sound arrogant, they were delivered in a measured and matter-of-fact tone because they are impossible to argue with. “As German... 

Can Stuttering Hosts France Still Go All the Way at Euro 2016?

The French might have invited the rest of the continent to Euro 2016, but so far they haven’t been the most accommodating or entertaining hosts. Of course, they are unbeaten, and in to the quarter-finals, where they will Sunday night face Iceland at the Stade de France in Paris for a place in the last four. But it has all been a bit of a struggle; France have not glided through this tournament... 

England Need to Embrace a New Culture and Banish the Fear Factor

The best comedy has always been rooted in the truth, however bleak.  In the aftermath of England’s woeful capitulation to Iceland on Monday night, a darkly amusing Vine emerged of manager Roy Hodgson on the side of the pitch. It was in the 56th minute, with England trailing 2-1 to Iceland and desperately trying to find a way back into the game; the camera focused on an anxious Hodgson,... 

Eric Dier Has Emerged as England’s Most Important Player at Euro 2016

When England manager Roy Hodgson surprisingly decided to make six changes for the final group game against Slovakia on Monday night there was one player who was off-limits: Eric Dier.  Hodgson’s changes might have been an ill-advised act of self-harm, but he isn’t foolish, and there was never any doubt the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder would be selected for his third consecutive start... 

Should Wales Expect More from Gareth Bale at Euro 2016?

In the final minute of Wales’ 2-1 loss to England on Thursday afternoon, Neil Taylor launched a high cross in to the penalty area, and there was Gareth Bale rising to meet the ball with a header in an effort to rescue an unlikely point.  But of course, despite being directly in front of goal and making a good connection, Bale put his header wide of the post, and Wales were defeated. The... 

England Still on Course to Enjoy a Successful Stay at Euro 2016

Before the flying plastic chairs and marauding Russian ultras, before the pleas from Roy Hodgson and Wayne Rooney for England fans to behave themselves, and before the name-calling began with Gareth Bale, there was a football match in Marseille, France, last weekend. And in the dramatic four days since then, it seems to have been forgotten that England actually played rather well in their opening game. At... 

Triumphant Wales Now Pose a Real Threat to England at Euro 2016

It might have been an ugly, scuffed shot that came off a shin, but it was also arguably the most beautiful moment in Welsh football history. In the 81st minute, Hal Robson-Kanu snatched at a chance, from a piece of bad control from Aaron Ramsey, but he got just enough on the ball to give Wales a 2-1 lead.  They would hold on to it to secure their first-ever win at a European Championship,... 

Can Spain Make History and Make It a Hat-Trick of Titles at Euro 2016?

Spain’s qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 always looked too good to be true. At first glance, how could you possibly pick apart a record of nine wins from 10 games, which saw Spain score 23 goals and concede only three to qualify for the tournament as the comfortable winners of their group. It would seem ever so pedantic to cast aspersions. Even so, delve a little deeper, and Spain’s record... 

Can Cristiano Ronaldo Lead Portugal to Euro 2016 Success This Summer?

It all seemed so easy for Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer of 2004. Twelve years ago, a 19-year-old Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the final of the European Championship. This was a different Ronaldo: slimmer, less muscular and even less confident on the ball. But his raw talent was still obvious, and it helped take the hosts Portugal to their first final of a major competition. Emerging from the shadows... 

Wayne Rooney Could Still Be England’s Most Important Player at Euro 2016

The previous week, Marcus Rashford became the youngest-ever player to score on his England debut with his goal against Australia at the Stadium of Light. At the age of only 18 years and 208 days, Rashford had quickly made himself indispensable to an England squad already brimming with youthful talent. While England celebrated the arrival of another young hero, it was perfectly understandable that the... 

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