England was eliminated from the Round of 16 at Euro 2016, then Wales players were caught celebrating their exit and now, Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has said it was a “big slap in the face” for the three lions to have suffered defeat from a low-rated Iceland.
Image: Sagna in action for France.
A win for England in the game would have squared them up with France for a quarter final showdown before the unexpected humiliation in Nice on Monday.
Full of national pride and ready to defend the country’s colors, Sagna says it’s impossible for France to succumb just like England, to the smallest country to ever compete in a European Championship.
Sagna says it’s still a shock to realize that the Three Lions have been sent packing from Euro 2016. In his analysis, he thinks England have been “taught a lesson” by Iceland.
The French player however, admits England has been over-criticised probably because the team boasts of quality players from ‘the best league in the world’.
“It’s a shock, a shock for the country. A lot of people expected it to be France v England,” Sagna is quoted by Sky Sports as saying.
“They’ve got a big slap in the face. The criticism of the players is too much. They’ll get a new coach and try to manage the pressure better.
“I thought England would win because they have a young team with plenty of talent. On the other hand, I was quite happy for Iceland because they played really well. They taught England a lesson and deserve to be where they are.”
“We certainly do not underestimate Iceland but we belong to the best sides in Europe, we’re among the favourites and we’re at home,” he added.
“We have a status to live up to. When we see how the people in the fan zones celebrate when we score a goal, it warms our hearts. We just can’t let them down.
“I’m not thinking about defeat. I’m not planning to go on holidays early. I want to go all the way.”
The former Arsenal right-back has featured in every minute of France’s campaign to date, totally earning himself 55 caps since his Les Bleus debut in 2007.
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