Euro 2016 gripping the nation

IT’S the time that comes round, if we’re lucky, usually every two years for England fans, when we’re gripped by either the finals of the Euros or the World Cup.

Opening the Euro 2016 football tournament in France up to 24 countries instead of the usual 16 has been a masterstroke by the competition’s organisers.

Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland have all got in on the act, and their stupendous support is lighting up the event.

It’s also been fantastic to see minnows like Iceland – with population no bigger than Leicester – managing a 1-1 draw with Portugal in sticking it to one of the world’s best, but also sadly the most arrogant, players, Ronaldo.

England’s last-gasp win over the brave Wales team sent the bars around TheBusinessDesk Towers on Portland Street in central Manchester into raptures.

Nice to see the men donning the three lions getting a dramatic late winner after that cruel blow when they conceded a late equaliser to – let’s be honest – a poor Russian team.

It’s not inconceivable that England, Wales and Northern Ireland – who pulled off a fine 2-0 win against Ukraine on Thursday night – could all qualify for the second phase of the tournament. How good would that be?

Ireland will be hoping they can upset Belgium when they play today (Saturday), kick-off 2pm in Bordeaux.

Coming up on Monday, however, is the potential banana skin of England’s final group match against Slovakia, which kicks off at 8pm in St Etienne.

Slovakia must win, which is a blessing because it means they will attack, allowing top of te group’s Roy Hodgson’s pacey young team to counter-attack.

Simultaneously, Wales play Russia in Toulouse and I sincerely hop Gareth Bale et al put them to the sword and send those vile “supporters” who caused mayhem in Marseille packing.

The Ulstermen have the hardest task on Tuesday when they play world champions Germany in Paris on Tuesday in a match which kicks off at 5pm.

But they played with such zeal in their last game, I wouldn’t bet against them.
So it’s hang on to your hats and keep you paracetamols handy for those get-ups for work.

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