The Three Lions go up against Euro 2016 surprise package Iceland in what could be a tense affair at the Allianz Riviera in Nice on Monday.
Although they sealed their passage to the Round of 16 undefeated, the general feeling remains that England underperformed in the group stages once again and should have emerged victorious from all of their matches, with the late concession against Russia a major disappointment.
Such build up leading into a tournament for the team’s performances to simply fizzle seems to be symptomatic of the nation’s fortunes at major international tournaments, a trend Roy Hodgson will obviously be hoping to buck as his side enters this knockout clash against an Icelandic team that, although is a massive underdog, has surprised thus far in France.
The smallest nation to ever qualify for a European Championship, Iceland have acquitted themselves with pride and professionalism, emerging from Group F in second place, also undefeated.
A duo of draws against Portugal and Hungary respectively was followed up by a dramatic late win against Austria, with substitute Arnór Traustason sliding in to net an injury time winner and secure an historic victory for the Nordic side.
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Key Battle – Wayne Rooney vs Aron Gunnarsson
If Wayne Rooney features – which he is expected to – he will equal David Beckham’s record for most caps by an outfield player for England with 115. However this will not be what potentially makes the Manchester United man so vital for the Three Lions.
Starting the first two games in a deeper role for Hodgson’s side, the 30-year-old has pulled the strings from midfield and orchestrated much of the play. His vision and superb passing range helps spread the play and launches attacks.
Against an Iceland side that is expected to sit back and absorb pressure for much of the game, such a commanding but also creative midfield performance will be required from the skipper, and a lot of the play is forecasted to stem from him.
Cardiff City midfielder Aron Gunnarsson, by contrast, will be tasked with ensuring both Rooney’s and Dele Alli’s influence on the game is quelled. His destructive and combative style of play will be pivotal to fortifying his side’s defensive third.
The 27-year-old’s leadership qualities in midfield will also be essential to establishing a strong structure in the middle of the park to withstand the flair and drive that England may provide. As well as this, Gunnarsson’s long throw ability is an alternative avenue for Iceland to score from, as seen in their previous match against Austria.
Team News
Hodgson is expected to make several changes to the side that started against Slovakia in England’s previous Euro 2016 clash, the first of which would be to restore Rooney to the starting lineup in place for Jordan Henderson.
Along with this, it is anticipated the England manager will bring Tottenham quartet Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Alli and Harry Kane back into the starting XI. Nathaniel Clyne, Ryan Bertrand, Jack Wilshere and Jamie Vardy are expected to make way.
Iceland are the only team apart from Spain who have started all three group stage matches with the same starting lineup. It is predicted Lars Lagerbäck and Heimir Hallgrímsson will stick by the same men for this encounter.
Alfreð Finnbogason will return to the bench having served a suspension for an accumulation of two yellow cards.
Head-to-head
The two nations have met just twice prior to this encounter. A 1-1 draw ensued in June 1982 in a World Cup warm-up match, with England winning the second clash 6-1 in 2004 prior to that year’s European Championship.
Previous Meeting
June 2004 was the last time the two sides met, as England walked away with an emphatic 6-1 victory. Rooney and Darius Vassell netted a brace each, whilst Frank Lampard and Wayne Bridge also got on the scoresheet. Heiðar Helguson was the sole goal-scorer for the Nordic nation on the day.
Prediction
It may be a very tight encounter, with Iceland most likely implementing their usual counter-attacking tactics and attempting to hit England on the break.
Although Hodgson’s side has seemingly lacked spark and inspiration in the final third of the pitch, the defensive third has been sound, with Joe Hart rarely breaking a sweat (that Gareth Bale free-kick aside). Eric Dier will also be vital in maintaining stability in midfield.
England have a plethora of individual talent to almost ensure they will find a way past a rigid and determined Icelandic side. They failed to do it against Slovakia, however with their full squad expected to return, the Three Lions should edge this one over a potentially tricky opponent.
England 1 Iceland 0
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