There’s been a lot to like about the first week of Euro 2016 in France.
Forgetting the hooligan element (I’m not going to comment or pass judgement on what has or hasn’t happened), the football has been pretty decent across the board.
I’d include England’s performance against Russia in my list of highlights too, despite the obvious annoyance at conceding that last-gasp equaliser.
One of my pet hates in the footballing world is the negativity that oozes from a large percentage of the England fanbase at the first sign of things not going our way.
“Same old England” was a popular post on Saturday night after the 1-1 draw. But was it same old England? I really don’t think so.
Let’s put things in context, Russia aren’t a team that are going to go any further than the last 16. But, they are the second seeds in our group and boast a core of seasoned campaigners.
Drawing with them is no drama. I was as gutted as any fan when that looping header dropped in, but it happens.
We reduced them to long ball tactics and got stung by not taking more than one of our many chances. But the shape looked good, the football was easy on the eye and we looked menacing going forward.
Get Harry Kane off corners and find a more clinical edge and I’d imagine we’ll be a threat as the competition moves forward in the next week.
There has been reason to slate England teams over the years. This young side currently deserves better than the usual tired and clichéd negativity.
- It’s perhaps no surprise that Germany and Italy have been the most impressive sides so far.
Both possess a tournament mentality that the likes of England, Belgium and (at times) France seem to lack.
I’m still standing by the hosts to win, but World champions Germany looked ominous in seeing off Ukraine.
As for Italy, we’ve all fallen into the trap of writing them off.
Even though it’s not a vintage Italian squad, I’d not be surprised if they found a way to win the tournament.
