Euro 2016 Q&A: Tough Love want Jamie Vardy to be top goalscorer and predict England or Germany to win

The 2016 European Championships’ group stages are almost already over, with the tantalising tournament leaving us glued to our TV screens ever since hosts France defeated Romania 2-1 in Paris back on June 10.

But with home nation trio; England, Wales and Northern Ireland all recording wins in their respective groups, plus neighbours the Republic of Ireland in action this summer too, Shoot decided to get some tournament tips and predictions from famous musicians.

Today’s feature is from Tough Love; who released their latest single ‘Touch’ (feat. Arlissa) on April 8, and they had high hopes for Three Lions striker Jamie Vardy across the English Channel this summer…

England face Slovakia in their final Group B fixture on Monday night – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

How far do you think England can go at Euro 2016?

“Of course we want them to go all the way, and on paper, they have the potential to do just that. But the EUROs are no walk in the park!”

Which English player are you most excited to see at this summer’s tournament?

“We’re keen to see the new guys coming through, especially the likes of Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford.

“England have needed a new lease of life for quite some time now, so hopefully these guys are the missing puzzle pieces.”

How much of an impact do you think the likes of Kane, Vardy and Alli can have for the Three Lions given their impressive Premier League campaigns?

“They’ve all been in amazing form this season, so let’s just hope they can keep that up.

“They look as settled in the white shirt as they do at there own clubs. Given the opportunity, we’re sure they’ll have a big influence on how far England get.”

Should Wayne Rooney start for England?

“Wayne is a without doubt a quality player, he’s a proven goalscorer and understands the game better than most.

“We reckon he would be most lethal behind a top two, quite like the ‘Scholesy role’. Vardy, Rashford, Daniel Sturridge and Kane all offer an outlet and can bring others into the game.

“So linking up with a player like Rooney could prove a potent combination.”

Tough Love believe Drinkwater should have been included in England’s 23-man squad – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Which player, who missed out on the 23-man squad, would you like to have been included in England’s Euro 2016 squad this summer?

“Without question, Danny Drinkwater. We can’t understand how he’s been left behind after the season he’s had for Leicester City. It’s unfortunate and nobody in that squad knows Vardy’s game better than him.”

Do any of the other home nations [Wales, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland] have a hope of progressing to the latter stages?

“Anything is possible in football. To be fair anything is possible in sport in general. The general consensus is these teams are always hard working, but lack the quality in key areas that other nations have.

“But we’ve seen time and time again favourites go out in the group stages and the so called underdogs progressing. They all have the capability to get through the group stages at least.”

Who do you think will win the Euros?

“It’s a really tough call; Germany are always efficient, Spain, Italy, Portugal and the hosts France have so much quality in their squads, but then you can’t rule out the likes of Poland or Belgium either.

“If the Premier League is anything to go by, then it’s a complete coin toss. For arguments sake, we’re going to say it’s out of England or Germany!”

Who are you expecting to be the player of the tournament?

“After the season he’s had, Paul Pogba could potentially have a big tournament for France in front of an expectant crowd.

Striker Vardy netted the Three Lions’ equaliser against Wales last Thursday – Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

“We reckon the likes of Vardy, Kane and Rashford have the potential to prove themselves on the European stage. And of course the usual superstars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller.”

Which player do you think could emerge as a young star?

“We know there are a few doubters out there; but if he gets the opportunity, then Rashford has the potential.

“He comes across so confident and fearless. For such a young player, he seems like he’s been playing international football for at least a decade.”

Who do you think will be the top scorer at the Euros?

“Muller is probably in contention. He’s a machine especially at international level. Maybe Lewandowski. But again, we’re hoping one of the English lads.

“After the season Vardy has had, what better way to top it off then by smashing it for the national team on the European stage.”

Details:

Website: toughloveofficial.com
Twitter: @toughlovemusic

Listen to Tough Love’s latest single, ‘Touch’…