It’s time to ditch the party bus Leicester City players, because seven of you are suiting up to represent your country at the Euros.
Of course the majority of the Foxes contingent can party until the Premier League preseason kicks off again, but Danny Drinkwater (England), Jamie Vardy (England), N’Golo Kante (France), Andy King (Wales), Tom Lawrence (Wales), Andrej Kramaric (Croatia) and Christian Fuchs (Austria) have another trophy to chase.
After being part of one of the greatest underdog stories ever seen, the seven players selected by their country to play at Euro 2016 will be full of confidence heading into the tournament.
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The great story behind every Euros is that of the unknown player, the talent plucked from the depths of domestic competition capable of propelling their country to often unprecedented success.
Can any of Leicester’s seven fill that mould? Could an inspired Euros performance from Andy King propel Wales deep into the competition? They will be keen to make their mark in European competition, that is for sure.
Roy Hodgson will be looking forward to what Danny Drinkwater can produce for England, who after a stellar season in the heart of the Foxes’ midfield, will push for starting selection when England line up against Russia in their first match (12 June, 5am AEST).
Jamie Vardy will likely start up forward for the Three Lions alongside Premier League Golden Boot winner Harry Kane in what promises to be a delightful combination. Falling just short of Kane in the EPL goals tally, Vardy shone as one of the brightest stars in Leicester’s campaign.
He has not fared too badly in the red and white either, remember his debut?
Didier Deschamps has included N’Golo Kante in France’s squad, and the hosts will be hoping he can have the same impact on the pitch as he has for Leicester.
More than just a box-to-box midfielder, Kante has made a name for himself on the world stage already, nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award for his consistent season in England.
Andy King, the Leicester City journeyman, has been rewarded for his strong domestic season and has been included in the Wales squad along with young Foxes forward Tom Lawrence who is currently on loan at Cardiff City.
King is the only player still currently at Leicester who saw their rise from League One in 2008 all the way to Premier League glory in 2016.
He is also the first player to win the top three divisions with the same club in the Premier League era, and will be hoping to help Wales to unlikely European success in what is their first major tournament in 57 years.
Christian Fuchs, ever-present at left-back and a constant source of reliability for Leicester all season, has been included in an Austrian side that will go into the competition looking to upset the bigger nations.
And Andrej Kramaric, on loan at 1899 Hoffenheim, is part of Croatia’s squad as they also go into the tournament underdogs.
The 15th installment of the European Championships kicks off on 10 June and Leicester’s representation at the tournament is a sumptuous proposition.
Not contained to the Leicester City faithful, the array of players set to line up (some against each other) will draw attention from football fans all over the world.
The danger for Leicester however, is that while their players are gaining important exposure in Europe, interest from clubs will come in thicker and faster than it has already within the domestic scope.
But with the group Claudio Ranieri has fashioned, loyalty could still prevail over big-club interest, especially in defence of a title and with Champions League football to look forward to next season.
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