mrcasado wrote: Ill do this when i get back home, but Germany are always a threat at major tournaments

I think they like to lay low and then get charged up once the first match is underway

Christy wrote: AbCat wrote: Semi finalists I think will be Belgium, England, Poland, France. England have a shot if they keep Rooney in midfield, but if it goes to penalties again we'll need a keeper with sharper reflexes than Joe Hart to keep us in it. If it goes to penalties you will need players who aren't wearing an English jersey if history is anything to go by.

Our poor history in penalty shootouts is due to our tendency to favour keepers with 'leadership' over keepers with shot-stopping ability. Chris Woods, Tim Flowers, Nigel Martyn, and now Fraser Forster, all overlooked in favour of Peter Pensioner Shilton, David Falling-Oak Seaman, and Sleepy Joe Hart.

Just got tickets for Wales v Russia in Toulouse

Get in there

More than a little pleased

Good to see the mix of nationalities in the thread! Interesting to read the perspectives of those on the mainland.

There's a lot of sides capable of winning this tournament. Spain, Germany, France, Belgium, Portugal and England all have enough talent to go the distance.

If I was to pick a favourite, then I'd go for Spain, as they have the most complete side. Their midfield is very strong, so strong they can get away without playing a true striker. De Gea is the best keeper in the world and they have plenty of experience at the back. De Bosque is also proven and I think he will be determined to write the wrongs of two years ago.

Portugal are very dangerous. A mixture of proven quality and exciting young talent, they could light up the tournament. Alternatively though, they are prone to moments of madness and how invested Ronaldo is to helping/leading the team, instead of looking for the limelight. Their temperament and attitude will determine how well they do.

I just don't know with England. They have unreal attacking quality in the likes of Alli, Rooney (from midfield), Kane, Vardy, Sturridge and even Rashford will get you goals. But will they be able to get the balance right between attack and defense? With Roy at the helm, I very much doubt it. But if they can top a tough group and look convincing doing so, then they will certainly be dangerous.

philiom wrote: Just got tickets for Wales v Russia in Toulouse Get in there More than a little pleased

That's the only one I'm going to. Unless Wales progress past the group stages.