Euro 2016: Group B Outlook

Group B begins play tomorrow June 11th:

Group B:

Teams: England, Russia, Wales, Slovakia

Favorite: England

Projected 2nd: Russia

Wild Card: Wales

Best Player in Group: Gareth Bale - FW - Wales

Best Game: England vs. Wales June 16th

This match up pits two members of the monarchy against each other. There should be no shortage of scouting reports for either team as every member of both the English and Welsh squads play at some level in the English league system sans Gareth Bale. On paper England has more talent, but the key to this game will be whether or not the Welsh can capitalize on their familiarity with their foes from the East.

Sneaky Good Game: England vs. Russia June 11th

This will be the first game for both teams in the tournament. Russia's style of play could prove challenging for the Brits as the Ruskis will match their physicality and look to capitalize on the counter attack. This game should be exciting if you're a fan of physical big boy soccer and will be a good barometer for both teams as they pursue European glory.

Group B Outlook: Once again expectations are high for the English squad. They have the talent to make a deep run, but history has shown that talent alone doesn't win trophies. Underwhelming performances and premature exits have come to define the Three Lions in recent years, but is this the tournament where the Brits finally turn it around and make a run? The English press is notoriously cruel and will be quick to go for the jugular on any performance deemed less than perfect. Roy Hodgson's roster selection is focused on attack, with 5 forwards on the team plus winger/FW Raheem Sterling, compared with only 3 center backs on the entire squad. The projected three headed monster of Vardy, Kane, and Sturridge up front, with Rooney in attacking support, is as exciting and skilled as any front line in the world. Hodgson has also tapped England's young "Golden Generation" of players to play key roles this summer, which is a refreshing shake up from the stagnant player pool used for previous tournaments. The previous 'Golden Generation,' which featured Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Steven Gerrard, is out and now it's time for the youth to play center stage. England has looked good in the build up to the tournament and should win Group B. I just hope taking only 3 center backs doesn't end up biting Hodgson in his pale pasty British ass. It's critical that England starts off the tournament hot to relieve, at least some of, the monumental pressure their fans have put on them, and to keep the media jackals at arms length.