Now that the draw is out and the leagues are wrapping up I figured it would be a good time to start this thread. Also I realize some people on here may not appreciate the trolling and off hand comments so I will do my best to be on my best behavior to actually facilitate good discussion in this thread. Its an international tournament, lets put our club differences aside and watch it for the good football we are hopefully going to see this year.

The tournament this year is expanded to include 24 teams. The biggest miss from the Tournament is Netherlands, who could not qualify despite their impressive World Cup showing in 2014. Albania, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, and Wales are probably the most notable inclusion at this tournament. Its their first appearance at the Euro's ever. Wales also has a monumental matchup against rivals England in the group stage.




GROUPS

Group A
France
Romania
Albania
Switzerland

Group B
England
Russia
Wales
Slovakia

Group C
Germany
Ukraine
Poland
Northern Ireland

Group D
Spain
Czech Republic
Turkey
Croatia

Group E
Belgium
Italy
Republic of Ireland
Sweden

Group F
Portugal
Iceland
Austria
Hungary

Schedule:
Group A
France v Romania (2000, June 10, St-Denis, ITV)
Albania v Switzerland (1400, June 11, Lens, BBC)
Romania v Switzerland (1700, June 15, Paris, ITV)
France v Albania (2000, June 15, Marseille, ITV)
Romania v Albania (2000, June 19, Lyon, BBC)
Switzerland v France (2000, June 19, Lille, BBC)

Group B
Wales v Slovakia (1700, June 11, Bordeaux, BBC)
England v Russia (2000, June 11, Marseille, ITV)
Russia v Slovakia (1400, June 15, Lille, BBC)
England v Wales (1400, June 16, Lens, BBC)
Russia v Wales (2000, June 20, Toulouse, ITV)
Slovakia v England (2000, June 20, St-Etienne, ITV)

Group C
Poland v Northern Ireland (1700, June 12, Nice, BBC)
Germany v Ukraine (2000, June 12, Lille, BBC)
Ukraine v Northern Ireland(1700, June 16, Lyon, ITV)
Germany v Poland (2000, June 16, St-Denis, ITV)
Ukraine v Poland (1700, June 21, Marseille, BBC)
Northern Ireland v Germany (1700, June 21, Paris, BBC)

Group D
Turkey v Croatia (1400, June 12, Paris, ITV)
Spain v Czech Republic(1400, June 13, Toulouse, ITV)
Czech Republicv Croatia (1700, June 17, St-Etienne, BBC)
Spain v Turkey (2000, June 17, Nice, ITV)
Czech Republic v Turkey (2000, June 21, Lens, ITV)
Croatia v Spain (2000, June 21, Bordeaux, ITV)

Group E
Republic of Ireland v Sweden (1700, June 13, St-Denis, BBC)
Belgium v Italy (2000, June 13, Lyon, BBC)
Italy v Sweden (1400, June 17, Toulouse, ITV)
Belgium v Republic of Ireland (1400, June 18, Bordeaux, ITV)
Italy v Republic of Ireland (2000, June 22, Lille, ITV)
Sweden v Belgium (2000, June 22, Nice, ITV)

Group F
Austria v Hungary (1700, June 14, Bordeaux, ITV)
Portugal v Iceland (2000, June 14, St-Etienne, BBC)
Iceland v Hungary (1700, June 18, Marseille, BBC)
Portugal v Austria (2000, June 18, Paris, BBC)
Iceland v Austria (1700, June 22, St-Denis, BBC)
Hungary v Portugal (1700, June 22, Lyon, BBC)

[Edited on April 26, 2016 at 9:46 AM. Reason : a]

[Edited on April 26, 2016 at 9:46 AM. Reason : a]

4/26/2016 9:38:13 AM

My early pick is France. Obviously not surprising or controversial but I honestly think they will be the team to beat this year with that squad. Their success likely depends on how the egos will gel at the tournament. Dark horse for me is Poland.

BTW anyone going to the tournament? Got tickets to Croatia vs Czech Republic and I am excited for that. I also have a ticket to the quarterfinal on July 1. If England win the Group and then win the round of 16 matchup then that Quarterfinal will be England vs Someone else. I am hoping it happens. Also going to see if we can get tickets to Belgium vs Sweden.

4/26/2016 9:39:42 AM

Why would you not put the American TV schedule?

I'll post thoughts not from my phone later..

4/26/2016 10:18:28 AM

lol sorry, used the easiest format I could find.


Here is the actual schedule sorted by date:

Schedule (All matches on ESPN/WatchESPN):

Group stage

Friday, June 10
France vs. Romania -- Saint-Denis (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Saturday, June 11
Albania vs. Switzerland -- Lens (3 p.m. CET/9 a.m. ET)
Wales vs. Slovakia -- Bordeaux (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
England vs. Russia -- Marseille (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Sunday, June 12
Turkey vs. Croatia -- Paris (3 p.m. CET/9 a.m. ET)
Poland vs. Northern Ireland -- Nice (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
Germany vs. Ukraine -- Lille (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Monday, June 13
Spain vs. Czech Rep -- Toulouse (3 p.m. CET/9 a.m. ET)
Rep of Ireland vs. Sweden -- Saint-Denis (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
Belgium vs. Italy -- Lyon (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Tuesday, June 14
Austria vs. Hungary -- Bordeaux (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
Portugal vs. Iceland -- Saint-Etienne (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, June 15
Russia vs. Slovakia -- Lille (3 p.m. CET/9 a.m. ET)
Romania vs. Switzerland -- Paris (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
France vs. Albania -- Marseille (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Thursday, June 16
England vs. Wales -- Lens (3 p.m. CET/9 a.m. ET)
Ukraine vs. Northern Ireland -- Lyon (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
Germany vs. Poland -- Saint-Denis (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Friday, June 17
Italy vs. Sweden -- Toulouse (3 p.m. CET/9 a.m. ET)
Czech Rep vs. Croatia -- Saint-Etienne (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
Spain vs. Turkey -- Nice (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Saturday, June 18
Belgium vs. Rep of Ireland -- Bordeaux (3 p.m. CET/9 a.m. ET)
Iceland vs. Hungary -- Marseille (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
Portugal vs. Austria -- Paris (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Sunday, June 19
Romania vs. Albania -- Lyon (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)
Switzerland vs. France -- Lille (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Monday, June 20
Russia vs. Wales -- Toulouse (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)
Slovakia vs. England -- Saint-Etienne (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Tuesday, June 21
Ukraine vs. Poland -- Marseille (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
Northern Ireland vs. Germany -- Paris (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
Czech Rep vs. Turkey -- Lens (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)
Croatia vs. Spain -- Bordeaux (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, June 22
Iceland vs. Austria -- Saint-Denis (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
Hungary vs. Portugal -- Lyon (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
Italy vs. Rep of Ireland -- Lille (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)
Sweden vs. Belgium -- Nice (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Round of 16
Saturday, June 25
RA vs. RC -- Saint-Etienne (3 p.m. CET/9 a.m. ET)
WB vs. 3A/C/D -- Paris (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
WD vs. 3B/E/F -- Lens (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Sunday, June 26
WA vs. 3C/D/E -- Lyon (3 p.m. CET/9 a.m. ET)
WC vs. 3A/B/F -- Lille (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
WF vs. RE -- Toulouse (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Monday, June 27
WE vs. RD -- Saint-Denis (6 p.m. CET/12 p.m. ET)
RB vs. RF -- Nice (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Quarterfinals
Thursday, June 30
W37 vs. W39 -- Marseille (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Friday, July 1
W38 vs. W42 -- Lille (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Saturday, July 2
W41 vs. W43 -- Bordeaux (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Sunday, July 3
W40 vs. W44 -- Saint-Denis (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Semifinals
Wednesday, July 6
W45 vs. W46 -- Lyon (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Thursday, July 7
W47 vs. W48 -- Marseille (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

Final
Sunday, July 10
W49 vs. W50 -- Saint-Denis (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET)

4/26/2016 11:00:05 AM

It won't happen but here's to hoping Kane, Vardy, and Alli will pull out a decent performance for England.

4/26/2016 3:17:30 PM

^^ Agreed. I doubt it as well but God do I want to be in that quarter final in Lille singing God save the queen. I really hope it happens. Think we have a decent shot. Cautiously optimistic.

4/27/2016 1:07:07 AM

Luke Shaw out for the Euro's. Gutted for him and England. Best LB we have by a country mile and fucking Moreno had to break his leg. I hope Moreno misses the next world cup that cunt.

5/13/2016 1:46:08 PM

What other LBs are there. Fucking Keiran Gibbs gets more caps for England than he does games for Arsenal.

I'm guessing Danny Rose must start?

5/13/2016 7:22:21 PM

how much fatter is Luke Shaw going to get this summer now that he's out for the Euros?

5/13/2016 7:43:53 PM

Was that inbred looking Scouser supposed to be any good? Or was a RB. Whatever happened to him?

(Flanagan I think)

5/14/2016 4:38:37 PM

Interesting Roy

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley (Everton), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Andros Townsend (Newcastle United), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)

[Edited on May 16, 2016 at 8:06 AM. Reason : added squad]

5/16/2016 7:52:35 AM

eh, not much more we could do honestly with the midfield/defense. I am worried that we only have three proper center halfs and one of them is John fucking Stones. If Chris Smalling gets hurt in the lead up we are literally fucked in defense.

I would imagine Delph, Rashford, and one of Townsend/Wilshere will be cut. Likely Townsend. I am happy for Ryan Bertrand but where the fuck is Michail Antonio? Criminal to leave Antonio out after the season he has had but thats woy for you I suppose. Would take Antonio over Walker/Rose in all honesty. Can play either side and offers a lot of threat going forward. Missed a beat there Woy.

Preferred starting line up:

-----------Hart--------------
Clyne Smalling Cahill Rose
-----------Dier--------------
---Henderson Wilshere----
-----------Alli---------------
-------Rooney Kane--------

I think the diamond works best with the line up we have and the out of form wingers in the team. Henderson and Wilshere starting together worries me a bit simply because of match fitness. Wouldn't mind seeing Drinkwater or Milner start alongside one of Hendo/Wilshere.

This would allow Alli to play in his preferred position and also allow Clyne/Rose to bomb up the wings for width. We could tactically switch this up depending on the game to something like this if we are chasing:

-----------Hart--------------
Clyne Smalling Cahill Rose
---Henderson Wilshere----
Sterling--Rooney--Vardy
------------Kane------------


And to something like this if we are defending:

-----------Hart--------------
Clyne Smalling Cahill Rose
------Dier--Drinkwater-----
---Wilshere----Milner------
-----------Rooney-----------
-------------Kane-----------

Compact and tight with Dier and Drinkwater sitting ahead of a shaky defense.

My early prediction of England results:

England v Russia (2000, June 11, Marseille, ITV)
2 - 0 Win

England v Wales (1400, June 16, Lens, BBC)
1-1 Draw

Slovakia v England (2000, June 20, St-Etienne, ITV)
3-1 Win

This would hopefully allow us to top the group with Wales either dropping points elsewhere or on GD. I think having the Wales match 2nd is crucial as the winner of that will likely top the group. England tops the group and makes the QF and I will be watching us play in Lille so I am really hoping we don't fuck this up but we likely will. The potential scenes if England were to win that QF would be incredible. Realistically a QF is the best we can hope for unless we have some favorable draws after the group stages. Unrealistically, its coming home lads!

[Edited on May 16, 2016 at 10:37 AM. Reason : a]

5/16/2016 10:34:47 AM

How on earth that is a Euro England squad is beyond me. So much dead weight in there..

5/16/2016 2:19:28 PM

^ who would you replace any of the dead weight? I see a lot of talent in the squad. Smalling has been a brilliant center half this year and is England's best center half by a mile. Midfield is a bit light but Wilshere usually puts in very good performances for England and I am sure he will use this opportunity to prove he still has a lot to offer. Henderson had a good year last year and perhaps not as great this year but he is a good option to have. Drinkwater has had a fantastic year if you ask me and I am glad to see him involved. The Tottenham contingent, especially Alli, Dier, and Kane have been terrific this year and while I believe Alli and Dier are young they can prove to be vital for this England team.

I think the squad is a lot more balanced than the one we took to Brazil and there is plenty of youth in there as well. The most worrying part is that Rooney and Hart are literally the only ones with big game and tournament experience. This is why I think we will struggle down the stretch. Wish Sterling and Sturridge were in better form but they are good options off the bench. England has depth for once, depth that we can actually rely on to shift the nature of any game. Roy Hodgson is the biggest question mark in this team. There is talent present in the squad and a good manager can at least get this team to a quarter final.

[Edited on May 16, 2016 at 3:13 PM. Reason : a]

5/16/2016 3:12:01 PM

Just seen glimpses but I forget how brilliant Wilshere can be on the ball. Shame injuries will rob him of a great career. I actually like the midfield setup though Wilshere should be lying deeper. Rooney at AM is pretty good too.

Kane, Alli and Dier are all great but Spurs fullbacks should be nowhere near the starting XI... Rose especially.

[Edited on May 22, 2016 at 1:09 PM. Reason : PS- I know Rooney isn't in this squad-- I mean in the team I like him at AM]

5/22/2016 12:55:28 PM

After reports of Zlatan coming to United today I had to pull the plug and get Belgium vs Sweden tickets. So going to 5 matches now:

- Romania vs Switzerland
- Poland vs Germany
- Czech Republic vs Croatia
- Sweden vs Belgium
- Quarterfinal

Can't freaking wait!

5/23/2016 10:35:23 AM

If the other 10 forwards get hurt Dyer can play up top

5/27/2016 4:21:08 PM

Marcus fucking Rashford!

5/28/2016 1:41:59 AM

no Ronaldo. Down to 10 men in first 15 minutes. At Wembley. England drawing 0-0 with no real offensive threat. Its bloody coming home!

EDIT: CHRISTOPHER SMALLING! Man United saving England's blushes.

[Edited on June 2, 2016 at 4:30 PM. Reason : a]

6/2/2016 4:29:39 PM

Anyone else excited for this? I think this Tournament is going to be even better than the last World Cup. Very unpredictable and the expanded format makes it a bit more fun. No team stands out besides Germany and France really and I think we are in for a great tournament.

6/10/2016 9:28:13 AM

leaving work early to go watch the opener - getting excited

6/10/2016 9:34:57 AM

damn. Nice. I am headed to France on Tuesday so can't leave work early unfortunately. Will certainly be watching though!

6/10/2016 9:38:30 AM

That isn't good news for David De Gea. Sexual assault allegations aren't a good look.

6/10/2016 11:46:28 AM

It's just a few minutes of action. I don't see him getting punished at all.

6/10/2016 11:54:15 AM

just being the pimp he is

6/10/2016 11:57:49 AM

Part of the story left out: Police corroborated the protected victims testimony and found no evidence of wrong doing by the players.

Also it wouldn't surprise me if young footballers were messing with prostitutes. Lots of money and no real world experience.

[Edited on June 10, 2016 at 1:24 PM. Reason : a]

6/10/2016 1:24:03 PM

Kante and Payet starting. Nice.

6/10/2016 2:33:07 PM

Giroud out there missing sitters.

6/10/2016 3:54:53 PM

for real. France should be up 1 but Romania should have 1 more as well.

6/10/2016 3:57:11 PM

I see England fans are being complete assholes in Marseille. Guess I shouldn't be surprised.

^ tbf to Giroud I'm not sure France would have a clue without him up top right now though. For all the talent they seem to play one way.

[Edited on June 10, 2016 at 4:00 PM. Reason : X]

6/10/2016 3:59:36 PM

I really wish that USA could play in this. Would be good exposure for us.

6/10/2016 4:07:38 PM

Such a Giroud goal

6/10/2016 4:19:58 PM

^^ That is what happens when you don't want to pay the kings tax you filthy yankee.

[Edited on June 10, 2016 at 4:22 PM. Reason : a]

6/10/2016 4:22:37 PM

Arsenal and West Ham coming through for France. Awesome goal from Payet.

6/10/2016 4:57:30 PM

Hey wazza, why are your countryman acting like savages? Embarrassing and I thought England fans got over that years ago..

[Edited on June 11, 2016 at 11:35 AM. Reason : I really like Wales but Ramsey's hair is making me want to root against them]

6/11/2016 11:33:56 AM

BALE!!!!!

6/11/2016 12:12:35 PM

English hooligans and Russian ultras getting along splendidly, I see.

6/11/2016 1:29:44 PM

Lol at that England lineup. Gotta shoehorn Shrek in I guess.

On the bright side, less chance for Jack to get hurt.

6/11/2016 2:41:28 PM

He's the captain you twat

6/11/2016 2:42:44 PM

LoLanna finishing is peak

[Edited on June 11, 2016 at 3:53 PM. Reason : Game needs Jacks technical ability now...]

[Edited on June 11, 2016 at 3:55 PM. Reason : And vardy. FFS lalanna and sterling panic in front of goal]

6/11/2016 3:25:15 PM

Lol England always sucks so bad

6/11/2016 4:47:57 PM

6/11/2016 4:50:59 PM

EngLOLand

6/11/2016 5:13:18 PM

Quote :

"Hey wazza, why are your countryman acting like savages? Embarrassing and I thought England fans got over that years ago.."

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36515213

Next time you can keep your premature ejaculation in your pants.

England played really well. Should have beaten Russia by a few goals. Their goal was lucky AF. This one is on Roy and Sterling. Tired Russian team, England was all over them in the first 45 min. You have a PL title winning striker on your bench. Who do you bring on? The guy that has played 90 minutes the whole season. Vardy would have made it 2-0 if he had come on for Sterling.

Sterling should never see an England kit ever again. Fucking disgrace.

[Edited on June 13, 2016 at 9:07 AM. Reason : a]

[Edited on June 13, 2016 at 9:07 AM. Reason : a]

6/13/2016 9:04:49 AM

^Kane shouldn't have been taking corners. Dude is 6"2'. He should be in the box. One of the midfielders should be taking corners.

6/13/2016 9:55:12 AM

^^lol that link mentions 6 English arrested and that English fans have been involved in multiple skirmishes, including a pic of a bunch of them shirts off and ready to go

6/13/2016 11:05:56 AM

Not denying what English fans did as well but Englands FA coordinated with French authorities and banned known hooligans from travelling to France. We did our job. There will always be some idiots that get through. The Russian FA blatantly ignored this and their fans even brought weapons to start fights.

How you can put the blame solely on English fans in Marseilles is beyond me when at this point it has been well established that the Russian hooligans and French ultras were responsible for most of the violence.

6/13/2016 11:45:39 AM

What? Who put the blame solely on English fans? You are just the only European on this board. Should we ask you about Russians too?

6/13/2016 11:56:47 AM

To be fair the actual stadium issues were all on Russian fans. And I posted that before the game. However it was absolutely partially the England fan behavior the two nights preceding that led to the scenes on those days.

Idiots chanting about Nazis bombing France and taunting ISIS. In Marseille.

6/13/2016 4:15:20 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTRgdtQGd5M
lmao

6/13/2016 4:19:52 PM