Arsenal’s midfield legend Tomas Rosicky put a dent in England’s opening Euro 2016 group opponent’s preparations as Russia lost 2-1 to the Czech Republic in an agonising defeat in Innsbruck during a Euro 2016 pre-tournament friendly.
Despite a strong start from Russia who went ahead in the sixth minute through Aleksandr Kokorin’s strike from the edge of the penalty area, the Czech Republic scored an equalizer through Rosicky with a sensational 20-yard volley shortly after half time that beat the Russian goalkeeper Guilherme at the near post.
Ukrainian-born Roman Neustadter was brought on to make his debut for the hosts after receiving his Russian passport but was at fault when he allowed Tomas Necid to nip in front of him to score a late winner with only a minute remaining and inflict defeat on Leonid Slutsky’s side, who face the Three Lions in Marseille on June 11.
Russia have one final fixture against Serbia before jetting off to France for the Euros but have now lost their two most recent friendlies and when compared to England’s last 6 International matches (where England have won 4 of the last 6 appearances against some stronger sides) you can see why England will be going into the Euro 2016 opener against Russian with bags full of confidence and all the odds favour an English victory.
England’s Last 6 Matches:
Australia (1) England (2) – (W)
Turkey (1) England (2) – (W)
Netherlands (2) v England (1) – (L)
England (3) v Germany (2) – (W)
England (2) v France (0) – (W)
Spain (2) England (0) – (L)
The Czech Republic who in qualifying for the Euros had come top of their group which included Turkey and Holland and had included a surprise victory in the Amsterdam Arena winning 3-2 also have one final fixture against the Korean Republic and for the Euros will be captained by Rosicky and face Spain, Turkey (again) and Croatia in Group D this summer.
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