Euro 2016 groups

Euro 2016 Team Preview: England

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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.

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Things You Didn’t Know About Group D’s Coaches

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The Panenka moves onto Group D now where it’s managed to uncover some real nuggets of Euro 2016 gold on the coaches of the group that contains holders Spain, Croatia, Czech Republic and Turkey. Care to wager a bet on which boss is getting the beers in?

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Euro 2016 Team Preview: Romania

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Romania only conceded 2 goals in their 10 qualifying matches where their defense provided an ample and solid base for them to precede to the tournament in France. Even though they’re not expected to set the tournament on fire with their cautious approach, it is entirely possible that the squad which possesses a mixture of experience and youth might just squeak through to the knockout-stage.

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England’s Excuses Part Four: An English Manager

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After the so called failure of the experiment in appointing an foreign coach to the England manager post, The FA went full circle and did their best to interview solely British and particularly English candidates. After smarting from the soap opera that was Sven-Goran Eriksson’s reign they opted for the familiar after their first choice option said no.

 The Panenka looks at the role of the worst England boss since Graham Taylor as an excuse for England’s failings on the international scene, we are of course talking about Steve McClaren.
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Euro 2016 Team Preview: Republic of Ireland

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If one thing is for certain, it’s going to be a party for The Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016. Every time The Boys in Green make it to a major final sporting history is made. Whether it be beating Spain on penalties, defeating England or scoring a last minute equalizer, there will never be a dull moment. This Ireland team is capable of making their own history as positivity oozes from the squad.

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England’s Excuses Part Three: A Foreign Manager

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After the formation of The English Football Association in 1863, it is insane that the nation that gave the greatest sport to the world could not find a native, adequate enough at the art of coaching, to take charge of the national team in 2001.

 The Panenka looks at the outcome that having a foreign manager had on the already damaged psyche of the England team in the period between 2001 and 2006.

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