Coleman excited about 'electric' encounters
Saturday, December 12, 2015
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The game with neighbours England took the headlines, Wales's Chris Coleman predicting an "absolutely electric atmosphere", with Slovakia and Russia presenting "really good games".
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Having never played at a UEFA European Championship before, Wales were in uncharted territory at the UEFA EURO 2016 draw – yet the first team they were pitted against could hardly have been more familiar. Chris Coleman believes Lens will be "absolutely electric" for the game against England on 16 June, with Slovakia and Russia completing "a really interesting group".
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Chris Coleman, Wales manager
[England is] the one we said we didn't really want, you know. But no, it will be an honour to stand beside Roy Hodgson, who I have known many years. England are a fantastic team, but we're a good team also, so it's going to be a great occasion. I'm sure the atmosphere will be absolutely electric. And we're looking forward to it.
We're in good company, with Russia and Slovakia obviously, two good teams. It's a really interesting group for everybody, and I think there'll be some good games are going to come out of it.
The only word I can use is 'proud'. Sat there looking at some of the names coming out, Italy and England and Germany, it's a tournament, we're waiting for our name to be called out, and it all becomes very, very real. And it's a great feeling, it really is. I'm so proud to be here representing Wales. We've got it all to look forward to, and I'm very, very excited about the summer.
