England practice[/caption]Internet Desk: England and Russia kick off their respective Euro 2016 campaigns in a Group B clash where points will be at a premium.
England have won their opening group game just once in their past seven tournaments -- the 1-0 victory over Paraguay at the 2006 World Cup a procession of mediocrity that includes defeats to Portugal, France and Italy, as well as disappointing draws with the USA and Sweden.
A win wouldn't necessarily be a sign of a successful tournament ahead, but it would at least calm everyone down just a little bit. A solid performance might quell fears about England's defence, the composition and formation of their attacking unit and, of course, their manager, whose previous tournament record reads 2-3-2.
Russia approach the tournament with huge question marks all over the pitch, especially in midfield. The trio that was so successful in the autumn and helped Leonid Slutsky's team qualify is no longer relevant.
Alan Dzagoev and Igor Denisov are out injured, leaving the team without a single decent defensive midfielder, while captain Roman Shirokov is out of form. The friendlies were hugely disappointing, so the coach is uncertain as to what is his best lineup ahead of his toughest group stage test.
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