Within minutes of Iceland’s historic win over Austria securing their spot in the Euro 2016 knockout round, the banter between Iceland and England had begun – courtesy of Iceland’s manager Lars Lagerback.
In an interview following the 2-1 win that allowed Iceland to finish second in Group F, Lagerback was asked how he felt about playing Group B runner-up England in the Round of 16. He replied with delight and referenced his unbeaten record against the Three Lions back in his days as head coach of Sweden
“Playing England is rather nice,” he said, per Squawka. “I never lost against them with Sweden.”
From 2000 to 2009, during Lagerback’s tenure with Sweden, he led his team against England four times – winning once and drawing three times.
It will be Iceland’s first-ever match in the Euro championship knockout round when they take on England at Allianz Riviera on Monday. England, on the other hand, have been to the knockout round four previous times.
The winner of the England-Iceland match will play the winner of France