Belgium await friendly invasion by Ireland

The Red Devils have set up camp for the Euro 2016 campaign just outside the city, using the training headquarters of Girondins Bordeaux, the club for whom Wilmots once played. He has come under unfriendly fire there following the 2-0 defeat by Italy in the opening group match but insisted this week there would be no change of an attacking philosophy based around the talents of players such as Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be the only number seven hoping to redeem himself when his Portugal side meet Austria in their Euro 2016 group F match on Saturday. Ronaldo’s less heralded opposite number for Austria, Marko Arnautovic, also came into the tournament with high hopes only to start with a below-par display made worse by a sulky attitude. 

Ronaldo missed a late chance, repeatedly wasted free kicks, protested to the referee and then made some unsporting comments about the opposition after Porutgal drew 1-1 against rank outsiders Iceland. Arnautovic fared little better in Austria’s 2-0 defeat by Hungary, losing heart as he was effectively marked out of the game. He went to ground far too easily, moaned at the match officials and his body language bore the hallmarks of a man who felt the world was against him.

Hungary bid to extend hot streak over Iceland 

Two of the surprise teams of the opening round of matches at Euro 2016 meet on Saturday when Iceland face Hungary in Group F. Iceland came from behind to draw their first game in the tournament 1-1 with section favourites Portugal while the Hungarians secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Austria. Hungary, twice World Cup runners-up who are playing in the European Championship finals for the first time since 1972 when they reached the semis, have won their last five games against Iceland.