Dimitri Payet and potential Chelsea transfer target N’golo Kante drove France to victory last night, while Gary Cahill is set to play for England tonight at Euro 2016.
France managed to squeeze past Romania last night as Euro 2016 got underway. West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet and Leicester City’s N’golo Kante were instrumental in the win. Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, meanwhile, is set to feature for England today as the Three Lions begin their quest for glory.
The evident underdogs in Romania gave France a tough ride on Friday, nearly spoiling the party for Euro 2016’s hosts. Olivier Giroud gave Didier Deschamps’ men the lead in the 57th minute.
GOAL!! Olivier Giroud scores the first goal of #EURO2016 and France lead 1-0 #FRAROU https://t.co/YxmNnpSPTF
— STV Sport (@STVSport) June 10, 2016
Payet put a beautiful ball into the six-yard box and the Arsenal striker was able to beat goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu to head it into the back of the net.
However, Patrice Evra then brought down Nicolae Stanciu to concede a penalty. Bogdan Stancu stepped up to slot the spot-kick.
GOAL! Romania equalise! Stancu slots home from the penalty spot after Evra's clumsy foul. Game on! #FRAROU 1-1 https://t.co/GpD9Kxmlmx
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 10, 2016
Romania put up an impressive fight and it was only a sublime effort that made the difference between the sides. Dimitri Payet carried on his sensational form from the 2015/16 Premier League campaign to leave an early impression on Euro 2016. The forward unleashed a thunderous strike to give France the lead in the 89th minute.
Great goals are always better with commentary. #FRA #EURO2016 https://t.co/0Fmjtfp5Y9
— Simon Head (@simonheadsport) June 10, 2016
Sublime.
Kante, a player linked with a Chelsea move in recent weeks, was one of the best players last night. After taking the league by storm with his irresistible midfield play last season, he has brought it with him to the international stage. More performances like this will just increase his value exponentially.
Euro 2016 continues today with a triple-header to keep you busy on Saturday. The first game sees Albania and Switzerland square off in Group A’s other fixture. The likes of of Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri should prove too much for Albania.
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After that, two of the home nations are involved. Wales first take on Slovakia with Gareth Bale looking to carry his country to the knockout stages.
Then, it’s the big one. England will start another campaign filled with wholly unreasonable hopes of glory as they clash with Russia. Chelsea’s Gary Cahill should get the start at the centre of defence, alongside Manchester United’s Chris Smalling.
Roy Hodgson has a wealth of similarly talented players to choose from, although no-one is exceptional. Will Jamie Vardy start? What about Wayne Rooney? Russia pose a threat and it will not be surprising to see England be conservative.
Next: Chelsea at Euro 2016: players, manager and transfer targets
Who’s looking forward to the games? I certainly am so be sure to join us over @PrideOLondon to join in the fun!