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Chelsea at Euro 2016: players, manager and transfer targets

By Yves Binda

A picture taken on June 8, 2016 shows a the logo of the EURO 2016 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis before the Euro 2016 opening match to be held in two days. / AFP / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD (Photo credit should read KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images)
A picture taken on June 8, 2016 shows a the logo of the EURO 2016 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis before the Euro 2016 opening match to be held in two days. / AFP / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD (Photo credit should read KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images) /
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BERLIN, GERMANY - MARCH 26: Gary Cahill of England runs with the ball during the International Friendly match between Germany and England at Olympiastadion on March 26, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – MARCH 26: Gary Cahill of England runs with the ball during the International Friendly match between Germany and England at Olympiastadion on March 26, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill is Chelsea’s only representative in the England squad for Euro 2016. The club’s once proud pool of home-grown talent has diminished in recent seasons, leaving the veteran as Chelsea’s only man.

England, as usual, enter the tournament with an avalanche of hopes and dreams behind them. Memories of 1966 have resurfaced in the last few months as Euro 2016 neared. These are all poorly founded, but it won’t stop the English from thinking that Roy Hodgson can somehow lead the Three Lions to victory.

Cahill will likely have a huge role to play at the centre of defence. Alongside Chris Smalling, the pair will be relied upon to keep conceded goals to a minimum. The attack has looked impressive in the pre-tournament friendlies, but Cahill and his colleagues need to step up further down the field.

England are in a group with Russia, Slovakia and neighbours Wales. They will be expecting to emerge in first place, but English football is always unpredictable. Fans are harbouring hopes of reaching the final, while fearing that a group stage exit is on the cards.

Cahill will be wearing the armband should Wayne Rooney not be on the field. With the large contingent of travelling fans, the defender should be able to feed off the energy to put in some decent displays.

The first game takes place on Saturday against Russia, before the ‘derby’ with Wales on Thursday. Their last group match is on the 20th against Slovakia.

Next: Cesar Azpilicueta

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