Perennial underachievers England take on tournament overachievers Iceland on Tuesday morning, with hosts France awaiting the winner.
Here are some of the key talking points ahead of the clash:
Can the Icelandic wall stand firm?
Iceland’s successful group stage was built on the firm foundations of their defence, as they relinquished possession and trusted their systems and discipline.
Centre-backs, Kari Arnason and Ragnar Sigurdsson have been two of the Nordic nation’s best performers so far, with captain Aron Gunnarsson impressive just in front of them.
When given a rare opportunity on the ball, Iceland look to break quickly and this proved efficient when they scored against Portugal, Hungary and Austria. If they are to be any chance against their highly fancied opponents they will have to be tireless and focussed yet again.
Who does Roy put his faith in?
Roy Hodgson has a few selection headaches for this game. On paper he is afforded an embarrassment of riches in attack, however they have been largely underwhelming.
While Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane have been maligned figures in the Three Lions’ opening fixtures, Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy failed to replicate their goalscoring from the Wales great escape with disappointing performances in the drab stalemate against Slovakia.
Hodgson’s selections in the final third will be crucial to the side’s chances of progressing to the quarter-finals. Iceland have frustrated all of their opponents to date and have been difficult to break down. The longer the game stays scoreless, the more Iceland will grow in confidence so an early goal would be the perfect tonic for England.
England couldn’t possibly lose this one, could they?
Iceland’s entire population is a mere 330,000 and it is their first time ever in a major tournament. To enhance the fairytale, they do not have a professional league and their co-manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson is a part-time dentist.
England possess the most competitive and most-watched league in the world, with household names and the national side is laden with top quality players.
The Three Lions, however, are notorious for underachieving in major tournaments, not having won any trophies since their World Cup triumph in 1966. Despite their opponents being the minnows they are, there is always the danger that the overbearing weight of expectation will have a detrimental impact on Hodgson’s men.
Iceland will play without fear and expectation. They are already heroes in making it as far as they have after impressive results against Portugal, Hungary and Austria will mean they carry confidence into the Round of 16 – do not forget their incredible qualification form either.
There are plenty of ex-England players, commentators and media pundits who are anxious about England’s tricky matchup and with that in mind it’s almost certain to be a struggle, but surely, surely England will advance.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
