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    •  June 13, 2016

    Is This The Best Combined XI Of Euro 2016’s Toughest Group?

    June 13, 2016
    Daniel Blazer
    Author Signature
    Daniel Blazer
    Daniel Blazer
    Daniel Blazer
    Author Signature

    Group E is a breathe of fresh air in this European Championships, with the new format and ease of qualification throwing up some amazingly uninspiring fixtures.

    The pitting together of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden, the highest international scorer at Euro 2016, Robbie Keane’s Republic of Ireland, the embarrassing wealth of riches that is Belgium and the surprisingly underrated Italians.

    Gianluigi Buffon

    The Italian ‘keeper’s levels of consistency are even more impressive when you see the decline in the once imperious Iker Casillas.

    Seamus Coleman

    There’s certainly better defenders in the group, but true out-and-out full-backs are hard to find in this group, with Italy opting for three Juventus centre-backs as their backline. Coleman may not quite be as sought after as he was a couple of years back, but the Everton right-back would make a handy addition to most teams.

    Giorgio Chiellini

    Not much to choose between the Old Lady’s trio of Chiellini, Barazagli and Bonucci. However, Chiellini is second in command at the Turin club, and that speaks volumes.

    Toby Alderweireld

    The greatest defender of all-time, Paolo Maldini, averaged less than a tackle a game during his career. Alderweireld made 32 tackles in 38 Premier League games, so the signs are good for the Tottenham faithful.

    Jan Vertonghen

    https://twitter.com/Tom_Thorp/status/741353846132346881

    Although a centre-back for Tottenham, Vertonghen arrived in England as a left-back and his versatility is one of his most beneficial attributes. Furthermore, the Belgium international is vice-captain of the Lilywhites, and the more leaders along the backline the better!

    Kevin De Bruyne

    Will be a contender for the Golden Ball.

    Daniele De Rossi

    Age is just a number, and De Rossi – alongside Totti – are still running tings at Roma. And, to be honest, he gets in on that beard alone?.

    Mousa Dembele

    The combative midfielder’s inclusion makes it three Belgium Spurs players in this combined XI. Trust England to take half the Lilywhites squad but not the genuine world-class players that reside at White Hart Lane.

    Eden Hazard

    https://twitter.com/Sean_Cronin_/status/540235943819874304

    No one truly believes that the Chelsea forward is no longer a world-class player; he was merely throwing a strop and sulking over the situation the Blues were in with Jose Mourinho.

    Romelu Lukaku

    The £65million price tag over the Everton striker’s head could very well near ever closer to that nine-figure sum should he have an impressive tournament.

    Although the forward tailed off towards the end of last season, being put in by the likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne rather than Leon Osman should see Big Rom have a huge impact in France.

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    Well you just knew he’d be here, didn’t you?!

    Daniel Blazer
    Daniel Blazer
    Will either have a GameBoy, Piña Colada or Viennese Whirl in my hand.
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