Euro 2016 Group E preview: Belgium to showcase strength, Ireland can progress

Many see this group as a three-way tussle, but Martin O’Neill’s gallant Irish side proved in qualifying that they can mix it with the big boys and are 6/5 to progress.

The Emerald Isle won’t be fazed at all after heroics against Germany in Dublin on their way to securing a spot in France, and they hold promising records against Sweden (3W, 2D, 5L) and Belgium (3W, 5D, 5L), though have tasted defeat to Italy eight times from 13 meetings, including at Euro 2012.

Player absences

Belgium may be seen as favourites for Group E and a case can be made for potential overall success, but they have endured some injury setbacks to key defensive players, including skipper Vincent Kompany and fellow centre back Nicolas Lombaerts.

For Euro 2012 runners-up Italy, both PSG’s Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio of Juventus are out of the tournament after injuries requiring surgery, while veteran playmaker Andrea Pirlo was not selected by Conte this summer.

Hamburg midfielder Albin Ekdal is included on Sweden’s roster despite still suffering from a deep cut on his back after falling at a nightclub in May, while Ireland will be without Bournemouth playmaker Harry Arter through injury.

Arter’s Cherries teammate Eunan O’Kane, Everton midfielder Darron Gibson, Oxford United youngster Callum O’Dowda and striker David McGoldrick were also cut from O’Neill’s provisional squad.

Previous tournament success

The Irish enter their second successive European Championship, but will hope to enjoy better success than two years ago when they lost all three group games before exiting. Under Jack Charlton’s reign, they reached their maiden finals back in 1988, while also rallying to the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals and 1994 last 16.

Mick McCarthy helped Ireland reach the 2002 World Cup but it wasn’t until 10 years later that Giovanni Trapattoni oversaw them finally enter another Euro tournament, which ultimately ended disappointingly.

Belgium have never conquered in Europe but have come close, finishing third at Euro 1972, second at Euro 1980 and also came in fourth in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Swedes made their first World Cup outing in 1934, going on to make 11 appearances in total, and have featured in five European finals, including reaching the semi-finals at Euro 1992.

Italy boast the most illustrious history in Group E, having won four World Cup crowns, as well as Euro 1968, while finishing runners-up in both 2000 and 2012. Before current coach Conte takes charge of Chelsea, he will look to enjoy a strong campaign, and the Azzurri are 18/1 to go all the way this summer.

What does Coral ambassador Alan Shearer think of Ireland’s chances at the Euros? Find out in the video below:

Group E fixtures

Republic of Ireland v Sweden, Sunday June 13th, 17.00, BBC

Belgium v Italy, Sunday June 13th, 20.00, BBC

Italy v Sweden, Friday June 17th, 14.00, ITV

Belgium v Republic of Ireland, Saturday June 18th, 14.00, ITV

Italy v Republic of Ireland, Wednesday June 22nd, 20.00, ITV

Sweden v Belgium, Wednesday June 22nd, 20.00, ITV

Related

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