Belgium are favorites, but both they and England will have been happy with the draw.
England
Nigeria’s Future In 5 Promising Premier League Stars
Nigeria failed to qualify for February’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, meaning these promising Premier League stars will remain with their clubs during the international tournament this February.
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Football in Gibraltar Keeps on Rocking
The tiny enclave with a population of just 30,000 gained UEFA membership in May 2013, allowing the British territory to take part in Euro 2016 qualifying and will next be competing for FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification starting in September 2016.
In an interesting twist, local domestic champions, the Lincoln Red Imps recently pulled off a major upset in a UEFA Champions second round qualifier against fellow Brits Celtic with the second leg due to be played next week.
The Panenka looks at a strange mix of football and politics in the British satellite state.
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The Panenka’s Top 10 Goals of Euro 2016
EURO 2016 Preview: England vs Iceland
The winner of this last-16 tie will play either hosts France or Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2016 quarter-final.
Euro 2016 Group B: Final Round Preview
England take on Slovakia in St Etienne while Russia play Wales in Toulouse in Group B where there is still all to play for. Both games kick off at 3PM ET on June 20.
England vs Wales: A 137-Year Footballing Rivalry
On June 16th 2016 the 102nd meeting between England and Wales will take place at the European Championships. As the Three Lions and the Welsh Dragons prepare to face each other, The Panenka looks at the history of clashes between the two British home nations.
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Croatia’s Systemic Racism Problem
In the last ten years Croatia have made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The majority of media coverage surrounding the team has been in connection to the racist behavior of their fans instead of the men on the pitch
The Panenka reviews Croatia’s racist history where the unwelcome behavior has not just been limited to the stands but throughout the national football association.
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Slutsky, Dzyuba Downbeat On Russia’s Euro 2016 Chances
Russia has enjoyed varied degrees of success since Guus Hiddink took the side to a third place finish at Euro 2008. Dreary football and failure to qualify for one of the last three tournaments in the years that followed meant that Russian football was struggling to comprehend it’s failure after witnessing some of it’s best performances.
The appointment of a new domestically respected manager and a strong finish to qualifying has revived expectations back home. The man in charge though is not so confident and has put an air of limitation on what his side can achieve.
Euro 2016 Team Preview: England
Perennial underachievers of major tournaments, a new era for England beckons with a number of high profile retirements in the recent past. Too good for the qualifiers, but not good enough for the tournament itself is a familiar story for England. However, a new hunger within England’s ranks is becoming very clear. After some surprisingly fantastic performances by English players in an unforgettable Premier League this season it still might prove a little too difficult NOT to allow England to expect glory this time around.
