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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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UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 24: Cesar Azpilicueta Tanco (L) of Spain in action against Antonio Candreva of Italy during the international friendly match between Italy and Spain at Stadio Friuli on March 24, 2016 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 24: Cesar Azpilicueta Tanco (L) of Spain in action against Antonio Candreva of Italy during the international friendly match between Italy and Spain at Stadio Friuli on March 24, 2016 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) /

Cesar Azpilicueta

The ever-reliable Cesar Azpilicueta will be hoping to help Spain put recent nightmares behind them. The 2014 World Cup campaign was as disastrous as Chelsea’s 2015/16 season as they failed to qualify from the group stages.

Given the extensive pool of talent that Vicente Del Bosque always seems to have at his disposal, no-one is expecting a repeat at Euro 2016. Having said that, a shocking 1-0 loss to Georgia in their last warm-up game has provided some reason to fear.

It will be interesting to see how much game time Cesar Azpilicueta receives. With Jordi Alba and the impressive Juanfran in the squad, Del Bosque will need to make some tough decisions for each fixture.

Azpilicueta did not have the greatest of seasons, but compared to his teammates he was one of the few (reasonably) bright spots. However, the fact that both Alba and Juanfran enjoyed incredibly successful years means that they may get the nod over him.

Nevertheless, the Chelsea full-back will likely take whatever opportunity he receives to show his worth.

Spain open their campaign against the Czech Republic on Monday, before taking on Turkey on Friday. They finish up with a clash against Croatia on the 21st. It’s a relatively tough group, but they will be expecting to qualify in first place.

Next: Cesc Fabregas

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