Euro 2016 is finally in the books, and no one outside of Portugal seems much satisfied. On the upside, Chelsea’s pre-season tour is nearly arrived.
The shock, tears, recriminations and resignations after England’s crash-out from Euro 2016 have finally given way to a constructive search for what comes next at St. George’s Park. England’s top spot seems to be the job that everyone is linked to, but no one particularly wants – and with good reason.
Roy Hodgson’s successor has to not only fix the on-field product, but also the entire pipeline that will be putting Three Lions onto the pitch for the next decade. Converting the “academy generation” into footballers is no mean task.
Fortunately, Chelsea fans worldwide can unite around the first week of pre-season training under Antonio Conte and the upcoming start of the Blues’ pre-season tour. No expects to see a well-oiled “chameleon” take the pitch in Vienna, but any Conte football will be good Conte football for the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Next: Final thoughts on Euro 2016