VARDY, KANE DEMAND SELECTIONStrikers Jamie Vardy, fresh from leading Leicester City to the most unlikely Premier League title, and Harry Kane, the Premier League's top scorer, seemingly demand selection. The impressive statistics are skewed, however, as they lost on penalties to Italy in the 2012 quarter-finals and failed to qualify in 2008. He has, however, been forced to change his plans somewhat after injuries ruled midfielders Alan Dzagoev and, after last week's 1-1 draw with Serbia, Igor Denisov out of the tournament. IMPRESSIVE STATISTICSEngland have not lost in 90 or 120 minutes in 22 Euro matches in finals and qualifiers, going back to a 3-2 defeat by Croatia in November 2007. TECHNICALLY ADEPTThey are, however, a well-organised and technically adept squad and coach Leonid Slutsky has quickly developed a strong team spirit since taking over from Fabio Capello last August.

Source: India Today June 11, 2016 07:52 UTC