Euro 2016 preview and odds: England vs Russia

Published on: 11/06/2016

Euro 2016 preview and odds: England vs Russia

Stade Vélodrome, Marseille - June 11, 2016

Group stage - Group B

England will begin their 2016 UEFA European Championship campaign against the side that helped to eliminate them at the qualifying stage of Euro 2008.

Crunch time for Hodgson

Roy Hodgson is well known for getting his excuses in early and has already pulled the age and inexperience card, claiming that having such a youthful squad puts them at a disadvantage. However, he did highlight the enthusiasm within the group and how keen his players are to do well.

Much could depend on the starting XI that the England boss decides to field. Will he insist on starting tournament veteran Wayne Rooney? Or will he sacrifice his captain in favour of the in-form duo of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy? It is widely expected that Rooney will be given the nod with Vardy making way. Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana could provide further attacking support for the front two.

Russia have lost two of their key midfield players in the build up to this event, with both Igor Denisov and Alan Dzagoev ruled out with injury. Denis Glushakov is also a doubt, presenting something of a selection headache for the Russian coach Leonid Slutski.

Form (all competitions):

England: WWWLWWLWWW

Russia: DLLWLWWWWW

Betting predictions

England come into this game on the back of a three-game unbeaten run in all competitions, having won eight and lost two of their last 10 games. The Russians are without a win in their last three games but won six in seven prior to that.

Both teams will be looking for a good start with difficult games against Wales and Slovakia still to come - however, the Russians will be without at least two key players, giving the English the slight edge.

You can back England to win at 17/20 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 11/06/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (11/06/2016 15:46:52) but are subject to change.