Martin O’Neill’s side is far from the most talented in the tournament, but they make up for it with hard work and determination. Their midfielders, in particular James McCarthy and Glenn Whelan, provide a solid defensive base through their tireless running.
The Irish do have a couple of competent attacking options who can offer lone striker Shane Long support from midfield, while legendary striker Robbie Keane (the country’s all-time leading scorer with 67 goals in 143 international caps) could be a useful weapon off the bench.
Still, the Irish will have an uphill battle to climb in Group E, where they are massive +1,200 underdogs to come out on top.
Team Weaknesses:
Ireland’s hard-working midfield can only do so much to shield what is a subpar Irish defense. Goalkeeper Darren Randolph could have one or two jitters in his first major international tournament. Attack-minded full-backs Seamus Coleman and Robbie Brady can get caught out in defense, while their center-back pairing – anchored by 35-year-old captain John O’Shea – is seriously lacking in speed.
Goals could also be hard to come by in the tournament, especially with the lack of truly elite attacking players on the squad.
The Irish are +110 favorites to finish rock bottom of Group E and are -190 to crash out of the tournament in the group stages.
Team Stats (During Euro Qualifiers):
Category
Stat
Goals Scored Per Game
1.83
Goals Conceded Per Game
0.67
Goal Attempts Per Game
10.75
Pass Completion Percentage
83%
Ball Possession Percentage
48%
Starting Lineup:
Position
Name (Age)
Career Caps
Goals
Goalie
Darren Randolph (29)
9
0
Defender
Seamus Coleman (27)
33
0
Defender
John O’Shea (35)
111
3
Defender
Richard Keogh (29)
11
1
Defender
Robbie Brady (24)
24
4
Midfielder
James McCarthy (25)
33
0
Midfielder
Glenn Whelan (32)
71
2
Midfielder
Jonathan Walters (32)
39
10
Midfielder
Wes Hoolahan (34)
30
2
Midfielder
James McClean (27)
37
5
Forward
Shane Long (29)
62
16
Writer’s Prediction
The Irish will be lucky to pick up a point en route to finishing at the bottom of Group E.
