Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Euro 2016: Here's why teams will dread facing England...

June 22, 2016 14:33 IST

‘We're going to look to build on three good performances’

Jamie Vardy

IMAGE: England players react during the Euro 2016 match against Slovakia. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images.

Other countries will dread the prospect of facing England in the Euro 2016 knockout rounds, midfielder Eric Dier has said, despite his side's failure to secure top spot in Group B.

After a goalless stalemate against Slovakia on Monday, England were overtaken by Wales and will next face whoever finishes second in Group F out of Hungary, Iceland, Portugal or Austria in a Round of 16 tie in Nice next Monday.

"Of course we couldn't win them all but in general our play has been very positive, and I am sure there are plenty who won't want to face us," Dier told reporters in France, where England also drew against Russia before beating Wales.

"We shouldn't be fearful of anyone... that's the wrong word. We'll wait and see, but we should not fear anyone."

England goalkeeper Joe Hart echoed Dier's sentiments and praised the performances of his side in the tournament.

"We're going to look to build on three good performances. Result-wise it's not been great but performance-wise, I don't think anyone will be looking forward to playing us."

However, Iceland captain Aron Gunnarsson said he would relish the prospect of taking on England if they advanced to the next round.

Iceland, who are second in the group, face Austria in their final pool game on Wednesday, while Hungary take on Portugal.

"Playing against England in a finals would be something special. It would be a dream for every Icelander. We have always looked towards England in the finals," Gunnarsson, who plays in the second tier of English soccer with Cardiff City, said.

"The Premier League is the most watched league in Iceland and the most talked about. It would be memorable."

- Euro 2016 Coverage 

Euro 2016 Schedule

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.