Group B - Final round preview

How they got here

England

It was a hell of a ride, but England was in fact able to get to the last game in first place, with qualification, virtually, assured. Roy Hodgson’s squad put on two good matches, with the Russia one being more productive and against Wales the one with the happy ending. They showed good and various attacking outlets, but their defense still got them into trouble and something needs to improve for the knockouts.

Wales

Bale and his team have been great in spirit, even if sometimes they cannot unleash their attacking prowess. They almost got here in first place, but the late Sturridge goal brought them down. But after two games where they beat Slovakia and went head-to-head against England, they’ve got to believe Russia is beatable and first place possible.

Slovakia

Hamsik has been one of the highlights of the Euro, living up to the expectation of his nationals and scoring one of the goal of the tournament. On the first game, much like his team, he started well, but his fantastic run didn’t end up in goal and he couldn’t really pass that moment. But against Russia, Hamsik set the pitch on fire with a great first half that won the match for his team.

Russia

With a lot of problems, both in and out of the pitch, the Russians are still pretty much in the race for qualification, due to their fighting spirit that brought them a draw against England, that they did not deserve at all, and still allowed them to endanger Slovakia’s first ever win at a Euro.

What they need

England

They face their biggest test so far, as Slovakia is as organized as Wales and has considerably more offensive prowess. England knows that they only have to match the Wales game to not fall down to third, and a win is surely on the eyes of Hodgson, to face the knockout stage in full confidence

Wales

Everything is still open for Wales as they need to at least draw to make absolutely sure they are, at least, third. They’ve been performing fantastically and they will face a very underwhelming Russia and Coleman needs to pass the message the first place is possible and try to go for the win.

Slovakia

Depending on the other result, the draw might be enough for Slovakia against England, but it’s very unlikely that we see them content with that, and rather see the offensive force that they can be, trying to get the win and, as long as Wales doesn’t win, the first place.

Russia

It’s almost miraculous that Slutsky’s team arrives to the last game pretty much still with everything open. But they got the late goal against England and almost got the draw against Slovakia, and know they know the win against Wales, matched up with what happens in the other game, will get them, at least, a very good shout for one of the 3^rd place spots.