Battle of Britain at Euro 2016
England to face Wales in Group B, Group E arguably the Group of Death
Fancy watching Gareth Bale torment English defenders?
Mark June 16, 2016 on your calendar.
For the Battle of Britain has materialised.
At a draw held in Paris this morning (Singapore time), England found out that they will be playing Wales at Euro 2016, along with Russia and Slovakia in Group B.
Led by Bale, one of the most fearsome forwards in today's game, Wales qualified for their first major tournament since reaching the 1958 World Cup. It is also the first time they have made it to the European Championship.
It could have been worse for Roy Hodgson's men though.
The toughest pool appears to be in Group E, where Belgium, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden and Italy will be battling it out in France next summer for a spot in the knockout phase.
Traditional powerhouses Italy, champions in 1968, can't afford to take it easy.
Belgium's golden generation of players, comprising the likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne, is all set to take Euro 2016 by storm.
Sweden will also be a force to be reckoned with, with veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic determined to end his international career on a high.
TEAMWORK
The Republic of Ireland have also proved in their qualifying campaign that they have superb teamwork to make up for the lack of star names.
The Finals will be held in 10 French cities next year, from June 10 to July 10.
For the first at the European Championship, 24 teams will play in the Finals.
The first round of the Euro 2016 Finals in France will comprise the following six four-team groups following the draw made at the Palais des Congress this morning (Singapore time).
GROUP A: France, Romania, Albania, Switzerland
GROUP B: England, Russia, Wales, Slovakia
GROUP C: Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Northern Ireland
GROUP D: Spain, Czech Republic, Turkey, Croatia
GROUP E: Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Sweden
GROUP F: Portugal, Iceland, Austria Hungary
The top two teams in each group and the four best runners-up advance to the last 16. The Finals begin on June 10 and end with the final in Paris on July 10. - Reuters.
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