Ahead of their last-16 clash in Nice on Monday, England and Iceland UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
ENGLAND – Peter Redding (PR Manager, Dubai)
With all the chat of Brexit and EU, England are still in Europe… for now. It is no thanks to Roy Hodgson, but the results have worked in our favour and I strongly fancy England to see off a spirited Iceland side. Hopefully the rumours of Harry Kane’s recall are just rumours as I think the Three Lions look better without him.
Wayne Rooney has been upbeat this week and he is playing the captain’s role well, backing his boss and stating that England have five or six “game changers” at their disposal. I would like to see those players really come to the party on Monday evening and show everyone what we are capable of.
England are definitely the better of the two teams on paper but Iceland have caused all the teams they’ve played trouble at this tournament and we need to be wary of their abilities. It’s been a slow-burning tournament so far for England, but expect the touch paper to be lit from this weekend onwards.
PREDICTION: England 2-0 Iceland
LIKELY ENGLAND XI: Hart; Walker, Cahill, Smalling, Rose; Dier, Alli, Lallana, Rooney; Vardy, Sturridge
ENGLAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Dele Alli – He has not had a good tournament thus far but is a player of immense talent who had a brilliant season with Spurs. I think this will be the game that he finally comes to the fore for England.
ICELAND PLAYER TO FEAR: Gylfi Sigurdsson – He’s been a consistent player in the Premier League for many years now and brings a touch of class to Iceland. The Swansea playmaker is a clever player with an eye for a goal too.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: The fanzone at ON42 Media One Hotel. There has been a superb atmosphere throughout the tournament and a great mix of fans from different nationalities enjoying the games together.
ICELAND – Sæmundur St. Magnusson (Private Client Advisor, Dubai)
The good times just keep on rolling for Iceland! We were left a touch disappointed after giving up our 1-0 lead against Hungary in the second game but against Austria, wow what a finish to the match. It sure was something. It looked like finishing 1-1 with a last-16 tie awaiting us against Croatia, but then Arnor Ingvi Traustason popped up in injury time to score the winning goal.
It meant we finished second and Portugal were in third place in Group F, though well done to the Portuguese who surprisingly beat Croatia to reach the last eight. Hopefully, Iceland can join them. We have no injuries or suspensions so the same team that beat Austria is likely to start against England.
Iceland should certainly show no fear and I don’t think they will – we’ve performed against enough good teams now to not be worried about facing England. Let’s hope we produce another upset and join Wales as the second European Championship debutants to reach the last eight.
PREDICTION: England 1-1 Iceland (Iceland to win on penalties)
LIKELY ICELAND XI: Halldorsson, Skulason, Arnason, Sigurdsson, Sævarsson, Bjarnason, Gunnarsson, Sigurdsson, Gudmundsson, Gudjohnsen, Sigþorsson.
ICELAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Gylfi Sigurdsson – Our most creative player, he obviously knows the England players very well from his time at Swansea and Tottenham, and has scored goals against the defenders before – hopefully he can do it again!
ENGLAND PLAYER TO FEAR: Daniel Sturridge – A very unpredictable player which of course makes him very dangerous. The Liverpool striker is very fast, very skilful and has the ability to conjure a goal from nothing.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Kickers Sport Bar at Dubai Sports City.
