Euro 2016 - 24 things you didn't know about the teams

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24 teams are competing at this year's European Championships - the most ever - which starts on Friday night when hosts France take on Romania at the Stade de France in paris.

Here's a giude to each of the teams...

Euro 2016 - 24 things you didn't know about the teams

There are 24 teams at the expanded Euro 2016, which starts with host nation France taking on Romania in Paris on 10 June.

But which one failed to keep a solitary clean sheet in qualifying? Who made the most passes? And who climbed almost 100 places in the Fifa world rankings?

Belgium (Fifa world ranking 2)

Belgium scored 24 goals as they finished top of Group B but only four of them were scored by strikers - with Christian Benteke, Divock Origi, Michy Batshuayi and Laurent Depoitre all finding the net once. Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne both scored five goals.

It was a frustrating qualifying campaign for Liverpool's Christian Benteke, whose only goal came against Cyprus


Germany - (Fifa world ranking 4)

World champions Germany finished top of Group D - and midfielder Toni Kroos made 315 more passes than any other player during qualifying.


Spain (Fifa world ranking 6)

Spain's 36-match unbeaten run in World Cup or Euro qualifiers was ended by Slovakia in October 2014. However, Vicente del Bosque's team won their remaining eight games and set a national record of eight consecutive clean sheets in competitive matches.


Portugal (Fifa world ranking 8 )

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first player to score at four European Championships if he finds the back of the net in France - and he also has Frenchman Michel Platini's goals record in sight.

Most European Championship goals (final tournament)

9 goals: Michael Platini (France)
7 goals: Alan Shearer (England)
6 goals: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Thierry Henry (France), Patrick Kluivert (Netherlands), Nuno Gomes (Portugal), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands)


Austria (Fifa world ranking 10)

Austria were ranked at an all-time low of 105th in the world after their only other appearance at the European Championship, the one they co-hosted with Switzerland in 2008. They rose as high as 10th following an unbeaten qualifying campaign.

England - (Fifa world ranking 11)

England are the only European team to have won the World Cup but not the European Championship. They qualified for Euro 2016 with a 100% record - only the sixth nation to ever win every European Championship qualifier in a campaign. They will have the youngest squad in France - with an average age of 25 years and 308 days.

Italy (Fifa world ranking 12)

Italy's 4-0 defeat by Spain at Euro 2012 is the biggest losing margin in the final of a European Championship or World Cup.

It was a miserable end for Mario Balotelli, who is not even in this summer's squad, and Italy at Euro 2012


Switzerland (Fifa world ranking 15)

Switzerland have finished bottom of their group in each of their three previous Euros, winning only one of nine matches.

Switzerland's Euros finals record

1996: D 1-1 v England, L 0-2 v Netherlands, L 0-1 v Scotland
2004: D 0-0 v Croatia, L 0-3 v England, L 1-3 v France
2008: L 0-1 v Czech Republic, L 1-2 v Turkey, W 2-0 v Portugal
Total: P9 W1 D2 L6, scored 5, conceded 13


France (Fifa world ranking 17)

As the host nation, France did not need to qualify for Euro 2016.

Instead they played home and away friendly matches against the five teams in qualifying Group I as part of a Uefa initiative to better prepare host nations for tournaments. Based on those results, France would have topped the group.

Turkey (Fifa world ranking 18 )

Turkey have improved every time they have competed at the European Championship: group stage in 1996, quarter-finals in 2000, semi-finals in 2008.

Turkey were involved in a series of enthralling matches at Euro 2008 in Ukraine and Poland


Ukraine (Fifa world ranking 19)

Prior to beating Slovenia to book their place in France, Ukraine had lost all five play-off ties they had played - four for the World Cup and one for the Euros.

Ukraine's play-off pain (aggregate scores)

1998 World Cup: Lost 3-1 v Croatia
2000 European Championship: Lost 3-2 v Slovenia
2002 World Cup: Lost 5-2 v Germany
2010 World Cup: Lost 1-0 v Greece
2014 World Cup: Lost 3-2 v France


Hungary (Fifa world ranking 20)

First-choice goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly is hoping to become the first 40-year-old to appear in the European Championship, surpassing Lothar Matthaus as the tournament's oldest player. Shay Given - 19 days Kiraly's junior - could beat him to the landmark, however, with the Republic of Ireland playing first.

Euros Golden oldies

Lothar Matthaus (Germany): 39 years and 91 days at Euro 2000
Morten Olsen (Denmark): 38 years and 308 days at Euro 88
Peter Shilton (England): 38 years and 271 days at Euro 88


Romania (Fifa world ranking 22)

Romania have played 13 matches at European Championship finals. Their only victory came courtesy of a last-minute penalty to beat England in 2000 and advance to the quarter-finals.


Slovakia (Fifa world ranking 24)

Slovakia midfielder Vladimir Weiss, who started his career at Manchester City and is now a winger for Al-Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League, made six assists in qualifying - the joint highest.

Assistance provided

Name..................Nationality.....Assists
Vladimir Weiss......Slovakia........Six
Arkadiusz Milik.......Poland..........Six
Eran Zahavi...........Israel.............Six
Xherdan Shaqiri...Switzerland....Five


Northern Ireland (Fifa world ranking 25)

Northern Ireland became the first nation seeded fifth to finish top of a European Championship group. And they go into the tournament in excellent form. They are on the longest unbeaten run of any side participating at Euro 2016 - 12 games. It is the first time they have ever competed at the European Championships.


Wales (Fifa world ranking 26)

Gareth Bale scored 64% of Wales' 11 goals in qualifying - the highest proportion by a player from the teams that qualified for France. It is also the first time they have ever competed at the European Championships.

The dots represent the country's goals during qualifying, including play-offs for Sweden


Croatia (Fifa world ranking =27)

Euro 2016 is their fourth successive appearance in the finals, and fifth in their six attempts since the country seceded from Yugoslavia. They reached the quarter-finals on debut in 1996 and again in 2008.


Poland (Fifa world ranking =27)

Poland scored 33 goals in qualifying, more than any other team, while Robert Lewandowski top scored with 13 goals, two more than Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

And a bonus stat, because how could we leave this out? Midfielder Slawomir Peszko, once of Wolves, has four kidneys. He was diagnosed with having duplex kidneys during a medical on joining Cologne in 2011. The condition affects one in every 5.5 million people.


Russia (Fifa world ranking 29)

Russia, who play England in their opening Euro 2016 fixture, are the only finalists who did not score a header in qualifying. They were credited with scoring 21 goals in qualifying but actually only scored 18. They were handed a 3-0 win at Montenegro after that match was abandoned because of crowd trouble with the game scoreless.


Czech Republic (Fifa world ranking 30)

The Czechs were the only Euro 2016 finalists who failed to keep a clean sheet in qualifying.

Republic of Ireland (Fifa world ranking 33)

The Republic of Ireland will have the oldest squad at Euro 2016 - with an average age of 29 years and 297 days. Three of their players have won more than 100 caps - Robbie Keane (143), Shay Given (134) and John O'Shea (111).

Given would become the first 40-year-old to play at a European Championship if he faces Sweden in their opener - otherwise Hungary's Gabor Kiraly is likely to take that landmark a day later.

Shay Given made five appearances for Stoke during the 2015-16 season


Iceland (Fifa world ranking 34)

Iceland will be competing at the Euros for the first time this summer. With a population of 330,000, they're the smallest country to qualify for a European Championship or World Cup.

Sweden (Fifa world ranking 35)

It would be fair to say Sweden were reliant on Zlatan Ibrahimovic during qualifying. He scored 11 of Sweden's 19 goals - Erkan Zengin was next on the scoring charts with three.

Ibrahimovic's goals were crucial to Sweden - including in their play-off victory over Denmark


Albania (Fifa world ranking 42)

Albania had 28 shots on target in qualifying - fewer than any side who made it to Euro 2016, and only one fewer than Gibraltar, who finished pointless with a goal difference of -54 at the bottom of Group D.

Fifa rankings correct as of 2 June.


Euro 2016 - 24 things you didn't know about the teams - BBC Sport

 

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This guide tells you all you need to know about Euro 2016, which starts tomorrow night when hosts France play Romania at the Stade de France.

It is also the first tournament to be played under the new rule changes that football has seen.

In March this year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) ratified a host of revisions to the laws of the game in an attempt to remove inconsistencies and meet the needs of the modern game. The changes came into effect on 1 June, so will apply for Euro 2016.

Founded in 1886, the IFAB determines the Laws of the Game. It is made up of representatives from each of the United Kingdom's pioneering football associations - England's Football Association (FA), the Scottish Football Association (SFA), the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Northern Ireland's Irish Football Association (IFA; in 1886 it was the governing body for the whole of Ireland, which was part of the UK at that time) - and FIFA.

Euro 2016: All you need to know as England, Wales and Northern Ireland travel to France

BBC Sport
9 June 2016

Euro 2016 will be contested by 24 teams over 30 days at 10 different venues in France.

The tournament kicks off with France playing Romania on Friday 10 June at the Stade de France in Paris and the final will take place at the Stade de France on 10 July. Spain are hoping to retain the title they won in 2008 and 2012.

England will be appearing at their ninth finals, while Wales and Northern Ireland have qualified for the first time.

How does it work?

Good question - because, for the first time, there are 24 teams competing in the finals. That is an increase from the 16 that had taken part in every edition since it was hosted in England in 1996.

With six groups of four teams, it means the top two will qualify for the quarter-finals, plus the four best third-placed finishers. In other words, only eight teams will fail to qualify from the group stage.

One point could be enough to put your team into the last 16 - and from then the tournament goes to a knockout format.

Who is going to win?

As Greece proved by pulling off a sensational triumph at Euro 2004, trying to predict a winner is a difficult game.

World champions Germany are understandably one of the favourites, while holders Spain are also short odds with the bookmakers.

Germany finished top of their qualification group but booking their place in France was not without its hiccups - with defeats by Poland and the Republic of Ireland. They have been beaten by France and England since qualifying but remain one to watch.

Greece were the surprise winners of Euro 2004, beating hosts Portugal 1-0 in the final

Spain dominated international football between 2008 and 2012 but failed to qualify from their group at the 2014 World Cup. Could this be a last hurrah for Vicente del Bosque's ageing but brilliant side?

Sign up for the BBC Sport Predictor - and challenge your friends

What are the chances of a home victory?

France won the World Cup as hosts in 1998 - can they repeat the famous success of the team led by Didier Deschamps, Zinedine Zidane and Laurent Blanc?

A run into the latter stages by Les Bleus is likely to help restore national morale in a country still recovering from last year's deadly Paris attacks.

France's 1998 World Cup-winning captain Deschamps now coaches the national side

France have been heavily tipped, but their form is tricky to gauge because they did not have to qualify for this tournament.

Fast on the counter and unified after years of internal division, watch out for talented midfielders Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi.

But they cannot call upon prolific Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. The French Football Federation (FFF) said he would not be picked after being investigated for his part in an alleged plot to blackmail Les Bleus team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, who did not make the squad.

Fear, faith and football - can the beautiful game unite France?

What about the home nations?

Well, there are three of them in France - only Scotland missed out - plus the Republic of Ireland. It is going to get crowded too, because England and Wales are both in Group B, along with Russia and debutants Slovakia.

Don't expect much work to get done when England and Wales play each other - that match in Lens will be shown live on BBC One, kick-off 14:00 BST, on Thursday, 16 June.

Roy Hodgson's England have a good young team - the youngest in the tournament - but doubts persist about their defence. They breezed through their qualifying group with a perfect record of 10 wins, while confidence was further boosted with March's impressive win away at world champions Germany.

Wales have got Real Madrid star Gareth Bale and plenty of heart. Chris Coleman's side reached their first major tournament in 57 years after losing just once in qualification.

Northern Ireland might have numerous players from England's lower leagues but they finished top of their qualifying group, losing just one of their 10 matches.

Striker Kyle Lafferty could not get a game for club side Norwich during qualifying (he has since been loaned to Birmingham) but he scored seven crucial goals in nine games for his country.

How the home nations have fared at the Euros

Tournament appearances - England 8 (1968, 1980, 1988, 1992, 1996 [hosts], 2000, 2004, 2008 )
Northern Ireland - Debut
Wales - Debut

Best finish
England - Semi-finals (1968, 1996)

Who do the home nations play?

Many new faces?

With the 24-team format offering hope to traditionally less-successful nations, five countries have taken advantage to secure their European Championship finals debut.

Northern Ireland and Wales, of course, are two of them.

Slovakia, who have been drawn alongside England and Wales in Group B, have qualified for the first time as an independent state. A 1-0 win against Spain showed the 2010 World Cup qualifiers can mix it with Europe's elite. Beware England and Wales.

It might be Slovakia's debut as an independent state, but eight of the 11 Czechoslovakia players who started the 1976 final against West Germany - and triumphed on penalties after a 2-2 draw - hailed from Slovakia

Albania have never been near a major finals, but edged out Denmark - the 1992 champions - in their qualifying group thanks to a shock win in Portugal. Oh, and because they were awarded a 3-0 win in Serbia by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after a riot.

With a population of roughly 330,000 (comparable to Coventry) and only 21,508 registered players, Iceland are unsurprisingly the smallest nation to ever qualify for the finals.

How did they do that? By beating the Netherlands - 1988 winners and three-time semi-finalists - home and away during qualifying. The Dutch, for the first time since 1984, will not be there.

Who will be the star players?

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who was voted the world's second best player behind Argentina's Lionel Messi in the 2015 Ballon d'Or vote, heads a star-studded cast.

Ronaldo will be leading Portugal's challenge, while Wales hope his club-mate Gareth Bale - the world's most expensive player - can transform his impressive La Liga form onto the international stage.

World Cup winners Germany boast a host of stellar names who have impressed in previous tournaments, most notably Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and forward Thomas Muller plus Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.

France's challenge is set to be driven by energetic Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who is still reportedly courting the attention of several English Premier League sides.

Belgium are not short of star quality either. Premier League pair Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne will spearhead their quest for a first major tournament win, but the Red Devils are without injured captain Vincent Kompany.

And Sweden superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 34, will be hoping to illuminate an international tournament for what could be the final time.

The Netherlands' failure to qualify leaves Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben watching from home, while his club-mate Franck Ribery was not named in the France squad, despite suggestions he was considering ending his international retirement.

Where will the games be played?

Saint-Etienne and Toulouse were added to the host cities to cope with Euro 2016's expanded format

The tournament's 51 games will be staged at 10 locations across France, including new stadiums in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon and Nice.

The opening match - between France and Romania on 10 June - and the 10 July final will be played at the Stade de France in Paris.

Building the new venues and renovating historic grounds such as Marseille's Stade Velodrome has cost 1.6bn euros (£1.2bn) - modernisation which was necessary, organisers say, because France did not fully capitalise on hosting the 1998 World Cup.

Vibrating stands, floating roofs and adjacent slag heaps - read BBC Sport's venue-by-venue guide

What's new for Euro 2016 (and beyond)?

In March this year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) ratified a host of revisions to the laws of the game in an attempt to remove inconsistencies and meet the needs of the modern game. The changes came into effect on 1 June, so will apply for Euro 2016.

More than 90 revisions were made, but these are some of the key changes:

Kick-off: Previously, the ball had to go forward from kick-off but the rule has been changed to allow it to go in any direction.

Pre-match red cards: Players can now be sent off before a match gets under way, although they can be replaced by another player in the match-day squad.

Roy Keane (left) and Patrick Vieira (right) could have been sent off under the new laws for their tunnel altercation at Highbury when Manchester United played Arsenal in 2005

Leaving the pitch after treatment: If a player is injured in a challenge resulting in a yellow or red card, they no longer have to leave the field and can have a quick assessment or medical treatment. This change is designed to prevent situations where a team would be temporarily down to 10 players.

The end of 'triple punishment': A professional foul inside the area will now normally result in a yellow card for the offender, and not a red. This is to end the so-called triple punishment of penalty, dismissal and suspension, which was seen by some as excessive. There are exceptions for when the offender will receive a red which include holding, pushing or pulling and violent conduct.

Goalline technology, already established in the Premier League and elsewhere, will be used at Euro 2016.

Can I still buy match tickets?

Yes. But you had better be quick. Most of the group games - including all of England and Wales' matches - are sold out.

However, there are limited tickets available for Northern Ireland's match against Ukraine, plus other games involving some of the smaller nations. There are also tickets available for the opening game between France and Romania - at 445 euros each.

Find the latest ticket details on Uefa's official Euro 2016 website

Where can I watch matches if I travel to France without a ticket?

Each of the 10 host cities will have official Uefa fan zones. The fan zones will have a giant screen for showing all of the matches throughout the tournament.

The biggest will be in Paris, where up to 90,000 supporters can gather on the Champ de Mars - in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

What about if I stay at home?

You won't miss a kick.

The BBC and ITV will bring audiences closer to the heart of the action than ever before with extensive coverage of Euro 2016.

The BBC will showcase 26 live matches on TV and streamed online within its 140 hours of programming, including highlights on BBC One, BBC Two and the Red Button plus 24 days of coverage on Radio 5 live.

The BBC's Euro 2016 digital service will feature live broadcasts of all BBC games, commentary and live text coverage of every game featuring in-game highlight clips, on-demand highlights of every goal, breaking news, exclusive features and expert analysis.

ITV will be home to 26 live games across ITV1 and ITV4, which will be simulcast live on the ITV Hub.

READ MORE: Ferdinand and Henry join BBC coverage for the Euros

What about security at the tournament?

The French government has extended a state of emergency imposed after the Paris attacks in November to cover Euro 2016.

The coordinated gun and bomb attacks in Paris on 13 November killed 130 people and were claimed by Islamic State.

The Stade de France, which was targeted by suicide bombers, will host the opening match of Euro 2016 and the final.

The current state of emergency gives police extra powers to conduct searches and put people under house arrest.

More than 90,000 police, soldiers and private security agents are being deployed as well.


Euro 2016: All you need to know as England, Wales and Northern Ireland travel to France - BBC Sport

 

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That stat is wrong. England didn't play in Euro 2008, but they did play in Euro 2012.

 

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France have become the first hosts to win the opening match of a European Championships since Belgium beat Sweden 2-1 in the opening match of Euro 2000.

A spectacular late winner from West Ham United's Dimitri Payet gave hosts France victory over Romania in the opening match of Euro 2016 amid a huge security operation at the Stade de France.

Another Premier League start, Arsenal's Olivier Giroud, scored the first goal of the tournament when he backheaded the ball into the net after 57 minutes.

Not long after Romania, who have never won their opening match in a European Championships, pulled level from the penalty spot when Patrice Evra fouled Nicole Stanciu in the box. Bogdan Stancu scored the penalty.

Then, in the 89th minute, Payet scored his spectacular winner.

France have midfielder N'Golo Kanté in their side, who is hoping to add the Euro 2016 title to the Premier League title he won with Leicester City.

Euro 2016

Group A

France 2-1 Romania
Giroud 57...................Stancu 65 (pen)
Payet 89

At Stade de France, Paris
Attendance: 75,113

FRANCE (4-3-3): Lloris 6.5; Sagna 6, Rami 6, Koscielny 6, Evra 6; Pogba 7 (Martial 77mins), Kante 7, Matuidi 6.5; Griezmann 5.5 (Coman 66, 5.5), Giroud 6, Payet 8.5 (Sissoko 90+2)

Subs not used: Mandanda, Jallet, Cabaye, Gignac, Schneiderlin, Mangala, Digne, Umtiti, Costil

Booked: Giroud

ROMANIA (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu 5; Sapunaru 6, Grigore 6.5, Chiriches 6.5, Rat 6; Hoban 6, Pintilii 6.5; Stanciu 6 (Chipciu 72, 5.5),Popa 5.5 (Torje 82), Stancu 6.5; Andone 5 (Alibec 61, 5.5)

Subs not used: Pantilimon, Matel, Moti, Keseru, Gaman, Filip, Sanmartean, Prepelita, Lung

Booked: Chiriches, Rat, Popa

Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
​

West Ham United's Dimitri Payet shows his sheer joy after scoring the winning goal in the 89th minute to hand his country a crucial win over Romania last night in the tournament's opening match

Dimitri Payet's spectacular late winner gave hosts France victory over Romania in the opening match of Euro 2016 amid a huge security operation at the Stade de France.

On an emotional evening at the same venue where suicide bombers struck in the November attacks that killed 130 people across the city, Payet ensured the game ended on a high note with a sensational 30-yard strike.

France, who triumphed in their last two major tournaments on home soil - Euro '84 and the 1998 World Cup - are favourites to win this time, too.

But after hitting the post early on through an Antoine Griezmann header, they struggled to find any fluency against a resolute Romania side, who also created good chances.

Les Bleus' star-studded attack had to wait until the 58th minute to make the breakthrough, when Olivier Giroud headed home Payet's cross.

Romania responded within seven minutes, with Bogdan Stancu scoring from the spot after Patrice Evra clipped Nicolae Stanciu inside the area.

A draw looked the most likely outcome until Payet capped a brilliant individual display with his wonder goal in the 89th minute.

The West Ham star apart, the hosts' performance was unconvincing but, for the whole of the France, the result mattered far more.

France's Arsenal striker Giroud leaps high in the air to beat Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu to the ball and score the opening goal of the tournament

Olivier Giroud wheels away in celebration after scoring the opening goal of this year's European Championship in France

France's former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra committed the foul on Nicolae Stanciu which led to Stancu's leveller from the penalty spot with 25 minutes left to play

Romania's players show their delight after Bogdan Stancu cancelled out Giroud's opener from the penalty spot

Tottenham Hotspur keeper Hugo Lloris makes an outstanding save to deny Group A rivals Romania from scoring the first goal of this summer's tournament in the opening minutes

Payet's strike heads towards the back of the net to win the game for the Euro 2016 hosts at the Stade de France

France have won all six of the European Championship finals matches on home turf (five in 1984, one in 2016)

West Ham United are delighted that their player Dimitri Payet put in a match-winning performance last night

A colourful opening ceremony takes place before France and Romania get this summer's Euro 2016 underway at the Stade de France

Singer Zara Larsson (right) and DJ David Guetta (left) perform as they entertain the 80,000 spectators at France's national stadium


Today's fixtures:

Group A

Albania vs Switzerland (2pm BST; Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens)

Group B

Wales vs Slovakia (5pm BST; Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille)
England vs Russia (8pm BST; Stade Vélodrome, Marseille)


France 2-1 Romania - BBC Sport

 

[Curious Cdn]

Soccer, right?

 

[Blackleaf]

 

[mentalfloss]

Oh **** here comes the flags and the horns.

Ruins every second summer.

 

[Blackleaf]

Oh **** here comes the flags and the horns.

Ruins every second summer.

England fans gather in the heat of the Med city of Marseille to watch their team play Russia tonight

 

[mentalfloss]

It's worse here in Canada where everyone just loves to remind you where their grandparents were born.

 

[Blackleaf]

It's worse here in Canada where everyone just loves to remind you where their grandparents were born.

I don't even know where mine were born. Two were Scottish and two were (one still is, the only one still alive) English.

 

[Blackleaf]

Russia draw with England with injury-time goal - then Russian hooligans cause violence

Euro 2016

Group B

England 1-1 Russia
Dier 73...................................Berezutski 90+2

At the Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Attendance: 62,343

ENGLAND (4-3-3): Hart 6; Walker 7.5, Cahill 6.5, Smalling 6.5, Rose 7.5; Alli 7.5, Dier 8.5, Rooney 7.5 (Wilshere 6, 78 ); Lallana 7, Kane 6.5, Sterling 7 (Milner 87)

Subs not used: Forster, Vardy, Clyne, Henderson, Sturridge, Stones, Barkley, Bertrand, Rashford, Heaton

Booked: Cahill

RUSSIA (4-2-3-1): Akinfeev 8; Smolnikov 6.5, Ignashevich 7.5, Berezutski 7.5, Schennikov 6.5; Neustadter 6 (Glushakov 6, 80), Golovin 6.5 (Shirokov 6, 77); Smolov 6.5 (Mamaev 6, 85), Shatov 6.5, Kokorin 6; Dzjuba 6

Subs not used: Lodygin, Shishkin, Alexsei Berezutski, Yusupov, Ivanov, Samedov, Torbinski, Kombarov, Marinato

Booked: Schennikov

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

With the world watching, Dier slides on his knees at the corner flag as Tottenham team-mate Alli joins him to celebrate his goal

England put in a masterclass of a performance against Russia last night in their opening Euro2016 match - yet were denied victory in the cruellest of circustances.

Roy Hodgson's side were completely dominant in almost every facet of the game, even racking up over two-thirds of the possession in parts of the match and having many great scoring opportunities. Russia, however, were abysmal.

Yet, when it came to finding the back of the net, England were frustrated until the 73rd minute when Eric Dier, playing in his tournament debut for England, crashed a superb 20-yard free-kick high past keeper Igor Akinfeev with 17 minutes left.

England came close to taking an early lead when Adam Lallana saw an effort tipped over the bar by Russia goalkeeper Akinfeev

Captain Rooney fires a free-kick goalwards, but it finds the top of the net and Russia survive another Three Lions onslaught

Eric Dier (second left) watches his free-kick fly past goalkeeper Akinfeev to give England the lead after 73 minutes in Marseille

Dier (centre) is mobbed by his team-mates after sending a wonderful free-kick into the back of the Russia net to put England ahead

Vasili Berezutski (not pictured) headed the ball over Joe Hart and into the net with 92 minutes on the clock to salvage a draw for Russia

Russia captain Berezutski (right) pumps his fists in celebration after breaking England hearts in stoppage time at the end of the match

England manager Roy Hodgson then removed man of the match Wayne Rooney, who had earlier seen a shot pushed superbly on to the post by Akinfeev, and replaced him with Jack Wilshere to preserve England's advantage.

It was a move that failed when Russia, cruelly for England after their superb performance, snatched a point two minutes into four minutes of stoppage time, Berezutski soaring above Danny Rose at the far post to send Georgi Schennikov's header looping over keeper Joe Hart.

This means that England have still never won their opening match in a European Championships, even when leading 1-0 deep into injury time.

The final whistle was the cue for more of the violence that has marred the build-up to this fixture, as Russian fans appeared to charge at English supporters behind the goal where Berezutski scored.

England 1-1 Russia - BBC Sport


Russia charged with 'crowd disturbances, racist behaviour and setting off of fireworks' in Marseille as UEFA open disciplinary case but England are NOT facing investigation

England's draw with Russia descended into chaos following final whistle
Russian supporters rushed into the England end to spark violent clashes
UEFA have charged Russia and they will discover their fate on Tuesday
Governing body expressed their 'utter disgust' over events in Marseille
No disciplinary proceedings have been opened against English behaviour
Russia charges included crowd disturbances, racism and use of fireworks

By Oliver Todd for MailOnline
12 June 2016
Daily Mail

Russia have been charged with 'crowd disturbances, racist behaviour and setting off of fireworks' following the violent clashes that marred England's Euro 2016 opener in Marseille.

The Russian Football Union will discover on Tuesday whether they will face sanctions after supporters stormed the England section at full-time in chaotic scenes inside the Stade Velodrome.

UEFA have not opened any case against England despite complaints about fans' behaviour in the lead-up to the Group B clash.

England fans flee from Russia supporters inside the Stade Velodrome during Saturday night's draw

Russian fans broke through security in Marseille at the end of the game, attacking England fans in the ground

Russia have now been charged with UEFA for 'crowd disturbances, racist behaviour and setting off fireworks'

A Russian fan wearing a balaclava rushes towards an England supporter as violence kicked off at full-time

England fans were the ones to come under attack inside the ground and the English FA have not been charged

UEFA'S RUSSIA CHARGE LIST

UEFA said in a statement: 'Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA EURO 2016 group stage match between England and Russia (1-1) in Marseille.

Charges against the Football Union of Russia:

Crowd disturbances (Art. 16 (2) Disciplinary Regulations)
Racist behaviour (Art. 14 DR)
Setting off of fireworks (Art. 16 (2) DR)

This case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on 14 June.

European football's governing body said in a statement: 'UEFA expresses its utter disgust for the violent clashes that occurred in the city centre of Marseille, and its serious concern for the incidents at the end of the match inside Stade Velodrome.

'This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and has no place in football.

'Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Russian Football Union (RFU) for the following events occurring inside the stadium: Crowd disturbances, setting off of fireworks and throwing missiles.

'A decision on the sanctions to be imposed will be made within the next few days, once the RFU has been able to submit written statements and evidence.'

UEFA have also said they plan to implement measures to strengthen security at the tournament stadiums after admitting there were 'segregation issues' at the Stade Velodrome.

The statement added: 'UEFA acknowledges that there were segregation issues at Stade Velodrome and will implement corrective measures to strengthen the deployment of security personnel at stadiums, in close collaboration with local authorities.'

Balaclava-clad Russian thugs - wearing gum shields - charged at their English counterparts at the final whistle - as well as firing a flare gun into the England fans.

Russian fans smuggled fireworks, smoke bombs and flares into the stadium prompting questions over what would appear to be a major security breach.

Four years ago, UEFA deferred a stadium ban sanction that would have ordered Russia to play three home Euro 2016 qualifying games behind closed doors.

Russian supporters set off flares and smoke bombs during the game in what appeared to be a security breach

One England fan tries to flee from a pair of Russian attackers as he is grabbed by the shirt

The stadium ban would have been activated if fan violence during qualifying matches was repeated.

UEFA had initially threatened Russia with a six-point deduction in Euro 2016 qualifying but that was removed when the Russian FA appealed.

Saturday's game was Russia's first UEFA fixture since the lifting of the suspended sanction.

The violent clashes inside the stadium followed three days of disorder in Marseille, with at least 44 people wounded in the build-up to the powderkeg fixture.

A flare gun was launched by the Russian fans into a section of the English supporters after the game

As well as the flare gun, the Russian fans also smuggled in fireworks and smoke bombs into the stadium

Fighting broke out all day in the port city of Marseille, where Russia and England fans clashed with each other and police.

Although UEFA holds national federations responsible for their fans' behaviour inside stadiums, it typically does not act on incidents elsewhere.

Regional police chief Laurent Nunez said most of the injuries in Marseille were minor but that four were serious and that one of them - an England supporter - was in serious but stable condition.

England fans flee in their droves as Russian hooligans chase hundreds of supporters across the stands

A group of riot police officers restrain a fan among broken beer bottles after three days of fighting in Marseille

Nunez also said 15 people have been arrested, seven on Saturday and eight more Sunday.

On the pitch, England were denied all three points in the opener by Vasili Berezutski's equaliser two minutes into second half stoppage time.

Eric Dier had given the dominant Three Lions the lead with a brilliant free-kick but Russia struck back to claim a point as Roy Hodgson's team fell back.

Riot police police used a water cannon to blast jets into crowds in order to separate gangs into different streets


Other results yesterday:

Group B

Wales 2-1 Slovakia
Bale 10..........................Duda 61
Robson-Kanu 81

Hal Robson-Kanu, who is currently without a club, came off the bench to win the match for Wales in an action-packed Group B opener

Wales snatched a late winner against Slovakia in their Euro 2016 opener to make a dramatic return to major tournaments after a 58-year absence.

Gareth Bale's dipping free-kick gave Wales a half-time lead and sent their fans into raptures.

Slovakia's Ondrej Duda punished passive Welsh defending to equalise.

But substitute Hal Robson-Kanu's scuffed finish won it for Wales, who top Group B and have an excellent chance of reaching the last 16.

Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale races away in celebration after scoring the opening goal of Wales' Group B clash with Slovakia

Slovakia substitute Ondrej Duda slides on his knees after levelling the scoreline in the 61st minute to help his side get back on level terms. Slovakia are playing in the tournament for the first time as an independent nation. They won it as Czechoslovakia in 1976

Wales 2-1 Slovakia - BBC Sport

​

 

[Curious Cdn]

What does a Russian Hakka look like?

 

[Blackleaf]

Group A

Albania 0-1 Switzerland
.................................................... Schär 5

This Euro 2016 tie saw the Xhaka brothers go up against each other for Albania and Switzerland

​

Elmaze Xhaka, the mother of Granit and Taulant, showed her support for both Albania and Switzerland by wearing a half-and-half shirt in stands at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens.

The Xhaka brothers went up against each other at Euro 2016 ‒ Granit for Switzerland and Tauland for Albania ‒ as they got their tournament under way.

Arsenal's new £35million signing Granit represents Switzerland after being born and growing up there, while his older brother bears the colours of his family's Albanian heritage.

Albania, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, were making their debut in the European Championships but lost the match 1-0, with Schär scoring Switzerland's goal after 5 minutes. Switzerland are level on France with 3 points in Group A.

The Xhaka brothers pictured after their Euro 2016 encounter on Saturday in Lens

Read more: Granit vs Taulant Xhaka at Euro 2016: Mother wears Switzerland-Albania shirt | Daily Mail Online
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
​

What does a Russian Hakka look like?

 

[Blackleaf]

Group D

Turkey 0-1 Croatia
........................................Modric 41

Group D has got up and running with a victory for Croatia.

Real Madrid, and former Tottenham Hotspur, midfielder Luka Modric scored a sensational long-range volley as Croatia deservedly opened their Euro 2016 campaign with victory over Turkey in Paris.

Modric struck towards the end of the first half and his team created numerous chances to extend their lead as they dominated after the interval.

Darijo Srna and Ivan Perisic struck the woodwork while Turkey keeper Volkan Babacan made several good saves as Croatia won the first match of a tough group that includes Spain and the Czech Republic.

Turkey's best chance came in the opening half, when Ozan Tufan saw his header saved - but despite being roared on by their passionate fans inside the Parc des Princes, they were second best on Sunday.

They did produce one scare for the Croatian defence right at the end but there was a timely block from Vedran Corluka, who was wearing a white bandage that evoked shades of former England defender Terry Butcher after suffering a cut to his head from a stray elbow in the first half.

Turkey 0-1 Croatia - BBC Sport


Meanwhile, over in Group C, one of the UK's four national sides, Northern Ireland, are making their debut in the European Championship, their first appearance at a major tournament finals since the 1986 World Cup. They are currently drawing 0-0 with Poland at half-time.

Germany vs Ukraine in the same group kicks off later.

Northern Ireland fan zone at Titanic Belfast



HT: Poland 0-0 Northern Ireland - TV, text & radio - BBC Sport

 

[Blackleaf]

Yesterday's other results:

Group C

Poland 1-0 Northern Ireland
Milik 51

The Man of the match was Bartosz Kapustka. The teenager's pace caused Northern Ireland all sorts of problems. "Sense we'll see a lot of Kapustka in the coming years. Deliciously talented 19-year-old," tweeted former England captain Gary Lineker

Northern Ireland's first match at a European Championship finals ended in defeat as Arkadiusz Milik gave Poland a 1-0 win in Nice.

Ajax star Milik slotted in after being picked out by Jakub Blaszczykowski early in the second half.

Poland had dominated the first half but were thwarted by some superb defending by Michael O'Neill's men.

Northern Ireland did not manage to get a decent effort on target and must now regroup to play Ukraine on Thursday.

Poland 1-0 Northern Ireland - BBC Sport

Group C

Germany 2-0 Ukraine
Mustafi 19
Schweinsteiger 90+2

Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger scored his first international goal since 2011

World champions Germany began their quest for a record fourth European Championship by beating Ukraine.

Despite a mercurial performance from Toni Kroos and an early headed goal from Shkodran Mustafi, they were troubled at the back at times.

Jerome Boateng cleared off the line superbly while keeper Manuel Neuer made several good saves before a late scare.

Yevhen Konoplyanka threatened for Ukraine but they tired, with Bastian Schweinsteiger adding a late second.

The Manchester United midfielder, who has not played since 20 March because of a knee injury, came off the bench in stoppage time and two minutes later scored a sweet half-volley from a swift counter attack.

After Poland beat Northern Ireland earlier on Sunday, Germany now top Group C. On Thursday they face the Poles, who beat them in qualifying for Euro 2016.

Toni Kroos made 112 passes, five more than Ukraine's top three passers combined


Germany 2-0 Ukraine - BBC Sport

Today's matches:

Spain - the winners of Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 as well as the 2010 World Cup - start their campaign to win this competition for a third successive time today.

Group D

Spain vs Czech Republic (Stadium Municipal, Toulouse; 14.00BST)

Group E

Republic of Ireland vs Sweden (Stade de France, Paris; 17.00BST)
Belgium vs Italy (Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon; 20.00BST)

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger scored his first international goal since 2011

I didn't know Man U was in the Euro. When did it become an independent country?

 

[Blackleaf]

I didn't know Man U was in the Euro. When did it become an independent country?

Schwein(it means pig)steiger is a Manchester United midfielder.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Schwein(it means pig)steiger is a Manchester United midfielder.

Funny, I thought he was a German midfielder in the Euro.

 

[Blackleaf]

Yesterday's results:

Group D

Spain 1-0 Czech Republic
Piqué 87

Piqué scores the late winner

Spain's attempt to win a record third European Championship in a row began with a last-gasp victory over the Czech Republic.

Gerard Piqué headed in a late Andres Iniesta cross, finally breaking the resistance of their stubborn opponents.

Alvaro Morata, Jordi Alba and David Silva had earlier efforts saved as the holders lacked a cutting edge.

Spain had also survived a scare when Cesc Fabregas hooked a Theodor Gebre Selassie header off the goalline.

Vladimir Darida had a chance to equalise but Spain keeper David de Gea, who started the game after a build-up dominated by allegations against him in the Spanish press, blocked his volley from 10 yards.

Spain 1-0 Czech Republic - BBC Sport

Group E

Republic of Ireland 1-1 Sweden
Hoolahan 48.............................................Clark 71 (og)

Ciaran Clark's own goal is the first scored at the Euros since Glen Johnson (England) against Sweden in 2012

Ciaran Clark scored an agonising own goal as the Republic of Ireland were held to a frustrating draw against Sweden in their opening Euro 2016 fixture in Paris.

Wes Hoolahan gave the Republic a deserved lead shortly after half-time with a crisply struck half-volley worthy of opening the scoring in any match.

Martin O'Neill's team had struck the woodwork and gone close several times prior to scoring.

But, after taking the lead they found themselves under increasing pressure and conceded when Clark, chosen ahead of Richard Keogh in the centre of defence, headed a low cross from Zlatan Ibrahimovic into his own net.

The equaliser came from one of the few moments of quality from the Sweden captain, who collected a neat backheel from substitute John Guidetti and raced to the byeline before drilling in a low cross.

Jeff Hendrick drew a late save from Andreas Isaksson but there was to be no winner at the end of a feisty, scrappy match the Republic shaded but could not close out.


Republic of Ireland 1-1 Sweden - BBC Sport


Group E

Belgium 0-2 Italy
.................................Giaccherini 32; Pellè 90+2

Southampton striker Graziano Pellè scored a superb volley in injury time to seal victory for Italy against Belgium, ranked No2 in the world

Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pellè scored as Italy began their Euro 2016 campaign with victory over much-fancied Belgium - the highest-ranked team in the tournament - in Lyon.

Sunderland's Giaccherini slotted home in the first half after collecting Leonardo Bonucci's superb long pass.

Southampton's Pellè sealed the win in injury time with an emphatic volley following an incisive break.

Belgium were very disappointing, with Romelu Lukaku and Divock Origi wasteful in front of goal.

Everton forward Lukaku curled over from the edge of the box with just the keeper to beat while Liverpool's Origi missed two opportunities to head his side level.

Belgium 0-2 Italy - BBC Sport


Today's matches:

Group F

Austria vs Hungary (Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux; 17.00 BST)

Portugal vs Iceland (Stade Geoffroy-Guichard; Saint-Etienne 20.00 BST)

 

[Ludlow]

24 teams are competing at this year's European Championships - the most ever - which starts on Friday night when hosts France take on Romania at the Stade de France in paris.

Here's a giude to each of the teams...

Euro 2016 - 24 things you didn't know about the teams

There are 24 teams at the expanded Euro 2016, which starts with host nation France taking on Romania in Paris on 10 June.

But which one failed to keep a solitary clean sheet in qualifying? Who made the most passes? And who climbed almost 100 places in the Fifa world rankings?

Belgium (Fifa world ranking 2)

Belgium scored 24 goals as they finished top of Group B but only four of them were scored by strikers - with Christian Benteke, Divock Origi, Michy Batshuayi and Laurent Depoitre all finding the net once. Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne both scored five goals.

It was a frustrating qualifying campaign for Liverpool's Christian Benteke, whose only goal came against Cyprus


Germany - (Fifa world ranking 4)

World champions Germany finished top of Group D - and midfielder Toni Kroos made 315 more passes than any other player during qualifying.


Spain (Fifa world ranking 6)

Spain's 36-match unbeaten run in World Cup or Euro qualifiers was ended by Slovakia in October 2014. However, Vicente del Bosque's team won their remaining eight games and set a national record of eight consecutive clean sheets in competitive matches.


Portugal (Fifa world ranking 8 )

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first player to score at four European Championships if he finds the back of the net in France - and he also has Frenchman Michel Platini's goals record in sight.

Most European Championship goals (final tournament)

9 goals: Michael Platini (France)
7 goals: Alan Shearer (England)
6 goals: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Thierry Henry (France), Patrick Kluivert (Netherlands), Nuno Gomes (Portugal), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands)


Austria (Fifa world ranking 10)

Austria were ranked at an all-time low of 105th in the world after their only other appearance at the European Championship, the one they co-hosted with Switzerland in 2008. They rose as high as 10th following an unbeaten qualifying campaign.

England - (Fifa world ranking 11)

England are the only European team to have won the World Cup but not the European Championship. They qualified for Euro 2016 with a 100% record - only the sixth nation to ever win every European Championship qualifier in a campaign. They will have the youngest squad in France - with an average age of 25 years and 308 days.

Italy (Fifa world ranking 12)

Italy's 4-0 defeat by Spain at Euro 2012 is the biggest losing margin in the final of a European Championship or World Cup.

It was a miserable end for Mario Balotelli, who is not even in this summer's squad, and Italy at Euro 2012


Switzerland (Fifa world ranking 15)

Switzerland have finished bottom of their group in each of their three previous Euros, winning only one of nine matches.

Switzerland's Euros finals record

1996: D 1-1 v England, L 0-2 v Netherlands, L 0-1 v Scotland
2004: D 0-0 v Croatia, L 0-3 v England, L 1-3 v France
2008: L 0-1 v Czech Republic, L 1-2 v Turkey, W 2-0 v Portugal
Total: P9 W1 D2 L6, scored 5, conceded 13


France (Fifa world ranking 17)

As the host nation, France did not need to qualify for Euro 2016.

Instead they played home and away friendly matches against the five teams in qualifying Group I as part of a Uefa initiative to better prepare host nations for tournaments. Based on those results, France would have topped the group.

Turkey (Fifa world ranking 18 )

Turkey have improved every time they have competed at the European Championship: group stage in 1996, quarter-finals in 2000, semi-finals in 2008.

Turkey were involved in a series of enthralling matches at Euro 2008 in Ukraine and Poland


Ukraine (Fifa world ranking 19)

Prior to beating Slovenia to book their place in France, Ukraine had lost all five play-off ties they had played - four for the World Cup and one for the Euros.

Ukraine's play-off pain (aggregate scores)

1998 World Cup: Lost 3-1 v Croatia
2000 European Championship: Lost 3-2 v Slovenia
2002 World Cup: Lost 5-2 v Germany
2010 World Cup: Lost 1-0 v Greece
2014 World Cup: Lost 3-2 v France


Hungary (Fifa world ranking 20)

First-choice goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly is hoping to become the first 40-year-old to appear in the European Championship, surpassing Lothar Matthaus as the tournament's oldest player. Shay Given - 19 days Kiraly's junior - could beat him to the landmark, however, with the Republic of Ireland playing first.

Euros Golden oldies

Lothar Matthaus (Germany): 39 years and 91 days at Euro 2000
Morten Olsen (Denmark): 38 years and 308 days at Euro 88
Peter Shilton (England): 38 years and 271 days at Euro 88


Romania (Fifa world ranking 22)

Romania have played 13 matches at European Championship finals. Their only victory came courtesy of a last-minute penalty to beat England in 2000 and advance to the quarter-finals.


Slovakia (Fifa world ranking 24)

Slovakia midfielder Vladimir Weiss, who started his career at Manchester City and is now a winger for Al-Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League, made six assists in qualifying - the joint highest.

Assistance provided

Name..................Nationality.....Assists
Vladimir Weiss......Slovakia........Six
Arkadiusz Milik.......Poland..........Six
Eran Zahavi...........Israel.............Six
Xherdan Shaqiri...Switzerland....Five


Northern Ireland (Fifa world ranking 25)

Northern Ireland became the first nation seeded fifth to finish top of a European Championship group. And they go into the tournament in excellent form. They are on the longest unbeaten run of any side participating at Euro 2016 - 12 games. It is the first time they have ever competed at the European Championships.


Wales (Fifa world ranking 26)

Gareth Bale scored 64% of Wales' 11 goals in qualifying - the highest proportion by a player from the teams that qualified for France. It is also the first time they have ever competed at the European Championships.

The dots represent the country's goals during qualifying, including play-offs for Sweden


Croatia (Fifa world ranking =27)

Euro 2016 is their fourth successive appearance in the finals, and fifth in their six attempts since the country seceded from Yugoslavia. They reached the quarter-finals on debut in 1996 and again in 2008.


Poland (Fifa world ranking =27)

Poland scored 33 goals in qualifying, more than any other team, while Robert Lewandowski top scored with 13 goals, two more than Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

And a bonus stat, because how could we leave this out? Midfielder Slawomir Peszko, once of Wolves, has four kidneys. He was diagnosed with having duplex kidneys during a medical on joining Cologne in 2011. The condition affects one in every 5.5 million people.


Russia (Fifa world ranking 29)

Russia, who play England in their opening Euro 2016 fixture, are the only finalists who did not score a header in qualifying. They were credited with scoring 21 goals in qualifying but actually only scored 18. They were handed a 3-0 win at Montenegro after that match was abandoned because of crowd trouble with the game scoreless.


Czech Republic (Fifa world ranking 30)

The Czechs were the only Euro 2016 finalists who failed to keep a clean sheet in qualifying.

Republic of Ireland (Fifa world ranking 33)

The Republic of Ireland will have the oldest squad at Euro 2016 - with an average age of 29 years and 297 days. Three of their players have won more than 100 caps - Robbie Keane (143), Shay Given (134) and John O'Shea (111).

Given would become the first 40-year-old to play at a European Championship if he faces Sweden in their opener - otherwise Hungary's Gabor Kiraly is likely to take that landmark a day later.

Shay Given made five appearances for Stoke during the 2015-16 season


Iceland (Fifa world ranking 34)

Iceland will be competing at the Euros for the first time this summer. With a population of 330,000, they're the smallest country to qualify for a European Championship or World Cup.

Sweden (Fifa world ranking 35)

It would be fair to say Sweden were reliant on Zlatan Ibrahimovic during qualifying. He scored 11 of Sweden's 19 goals - Erkan Zengin was next on the scoring charts with three.

Ibrahimovic's goals were crucial to Sweden - including in their play-off victory over Denmark


Albania (Fifa world ranking 42)

Albania had 28 shots on target in qualifying - fewer than any side who made it to Euro 2016, and only one fewer than Gibraltar, who finished pointless with a goal difference of -54 at the bottom of Group D.

Fifa rankings correct as of 2 June.


Euro 2016 - 24 things you didn't know about the teams - BBC Sport

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