7M News: England - Constellation of Stars to Make Their Cuts

Posted Tuesday, May 31, 2016 by 7M Sport

With Euro 2016 ticking the clock within fortnight, most of qualifying teams have released their final squad list and set their foots on the plane to France. Amongst these 24 brilliant squads, England are the ones who are flourished with up-rising stars, which plunged Roy Hodgson into dilemma to decide on two more players to drop owing to the squad limitation of 23 players. It may seems that would be a temporary headache for the 69-year-old Three Lion boss, but fair to say, many promising England yougsters among this squad are likely to make their mark in this France adventure, especially in their first Euro match against relatively vulnerable side - Russia.

It's admitted that nowadays England are no more the old-time Three Lion equipped with big names - David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. However, this squad is pumped by fresh blood, many yougsters would take their chances to engrave their name onto the Euro pitch.

So let's pin our eyes on their first Euro 2016 match against Russia. In their last 2 encounters, both sides grabbed 1 win, which could date back to the Euro 2008 qualifiers - England beat Russia 3-0 at home in their first leg, but then Russia turned the thorn back to England with a 2-1 win in the second leg. So from the past statistics, both sides share the winning percentage half-half, but it's that the true scenario?

Taking a glance at current Russia squad, we could find many familiar names on the list, such as Igor Akinfeev, Alexei Berezutski, Vasiliy Berezoutski, Sergei Ignashevitch, Igor Denisov and Roman Shirokov, etc - all these players capped for Russia International many times and were experienced, this may be Russia's advantage. But every coin has 2 sides, the shortage of talented youngsters may reduce Russia into a clumsy-style squad - low speed, awkward dribbling, soft defense.

Russia still remain an old-style squad

In contrast, England exude a different view of image: A flood of brilliant youngsters are selected into this new-generation England squad, which could put their rivals to the sword with agile footwork, consistent passing and quick movement. What's more, most of England young strikers scored at a prolific rate in their respective clubs, such as Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford - these potential goalscorers could bomb forward and find the back of the net. In the defensive end, England also featured with energetic players like Danny Rose, Chris Smalling,John Stones and Nathaniel Clyne. This resolute defensive line are physically available to block, clear and intercept.

Manchester United juvenile Marcus Rashford would be an instant hit for England

All in all, England are the favorite in their first Euro 2016 group match. With constellation of young stars in the squad, England may have a stellar start in France.