With Euro 2016 just days away, England look in fairly good shape. Victories against Turkey, Australia and Portugal, whilst not hugely convincing, provided a good way to warm up for the tournament. However, even the most optimistic Englishman would admit that there are a few sides that could cause the Three Lions some serious problems. Here’s four European giants who could break English hearts.
Spain
The reigning European champions had a torrid World Cup back in 2014. Since then, the Spanish have started to use younger players, with the old guard still there to provide experience and calm when it’s needed.
They have the brilliant David De Gea in goal and Andrés Iniesta must be considered one of the best players going to France despite his advancing age. Defensively and in midfield, the Spanish are extremely strong, with the likes of Sergio Ramos and Koke having had excellent seasons yet again.
However, Spain lack in the striker department. Following Del Bosque’s decision to leave out Chelsea’s Diego Costa, the Spaniards’ main goal threat is arguably 35-year-old Aritz Aduriz, who scored 36 goals in 55 games for Bilbao last season. However, his age may mean he will struggle to cope with the demands of playing regular tournament football.
The only other recognised striker in the European champions’ ranks is Alvaro Morata of Juventus. The 23-year-old managed just 12 goals in 47 games last season—hardly championship-winning form. This lack of striking options may prove to be the holders’ Achilles heel.
Belgium
The Belgians could prove to be the dark horses of the competition. The country is experiencing somewhat of a golden generation, and they possess incredible attacking talent in the form of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Defensively they look sound too, if the centre-back pairing of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld can replicate their club partnership for their country.
However, the loss of captain Vincent Kompany to injury is a big blow—his experience will be sorely missed. Furthermore, Belgium don’t seem to play in the way many expect or want them too. They remain a physical, hard-running side. Whilst this has been very successful for them, it’s unlikely to bring them European glory.
Still, the potential is definitely there. They have the talent at their disposal to win the tournament, but whether coach Marc Wilmots can get them playing as effectively as possible remains to be seen.
France
Such is the talent that the French have at their disposal, they really don’t need the added bonus of having home advantage. With the European Championship taking place on home soil, the French are justifiably favourites for most bookmakers.
It’s enviable that they have managed to assemble such a talented side whilst omitting players such as former Newcastle United man Hatem Ben Arfa, who had a stormer of a season at Nice, and Alexandre Lacazette, who scored 23 goals in 43 games for Lyon as they finished second only to the mighty Paris Saint-Germain.
Players such as N’Golo Kanté and Dimitri Payet had excellent Premier League seasons and England players will know to watch out for them. Coupled with the exceptional Paul Pogba and the wonderful Antoine Griezmann, the French have a side easily capable of winning Euro 2016.
However, they miss out on arguably their star striker in Karim Benzema, whose off-field disputes with team-mate Mathieu Valbuena have resulted in both of their omissions from the squad. No doubt Griezmann will be able to fill the void, but Dider Deschamps will have liked to have both in his squad.
Germany
If ever there was a team practically guaranteed to break English hearts, it’s the Germans. Whilst England did manage to beat the world champions in their own backyard back in March, Germany always turn up for tournaments. No doubt they’ll want to add the European crown to their trophy cabinet.
The Germans boast the most valuable squad of all teams in Euro 2016, and their side contains a lot of familiar names, with the likes of Manuel Neuer, Mesut Özil and Thomas Müller always guaranteed to perform for their national side, whatever their club form.
Alongside that, they have two of the best centre-halves in the world in Mat Hummels Jerome Boateng. Toni Kroos is an exceptional talent, as is Mario Götze. The only place the Germans arguably have any weakness is in the full-back positions, but that didn’t really seem to phase them in the World Cup. Of course, they’ve since lost the brilliant captian and right Phillip Lahm to retirement, but the Germans have plenty of quality to fill in for him.
The Germans will likely pose the greatest threat to England of all teams in the European Championship. Lets just hope it doesn’t go to penalties.
