The heavens opened as the Republic of Ireland went through their paces at a dull Stade de France but the sight of Jon Walters training was a definite bright spot.
The Stoke attacker had not trained with the squad in almost two weeks, since injuring his Achilles at Fota Island on the day after the 2-1 defeat to Belarus.
That Turners Cross performance, plus Roy Keane’s excoriating remarks about, and subsequent apology to, the players involved had made for a slightly off-key send-off ahead of Euro 2016.
However on the eve of the Group E opener against Sweden, Martin O’Neill spoke with some confidence about his side’s prospects at this tournament.
“Naturally, it’s a big occasion. We have spent some time now trying to get through to this. What you want to do is try and make a mark – the players individually want to get through that,” said the Ireland manager, who added – somewhat in jest – that if the team score a few goals he may shed some tears like French match-winner Dimitri Payet.
“It’s an emotional type of game, football is in general. I’m not surprised that Payet whose had a fantastic season is going to show some emotions. If we score a few goals I’ll probably be joining them,” he said.
“It’s the size of the game, it’s just terrific to be involved. This is what they’re playing for. We deserve to be here so let’s try and do something about it when you’re here.”
O'Neill has a team in mind and there is no harm in deliberating on certain things… Robbie and Walters on his mind.#irl v #swe
— Mikey Stafford (@me_stafford) June 12, 2016
For a nation who have averaged 0.5 goals per game in their two trips to the European Championships in the past, a fit Walters is crucial. The 32-year-old top scored in qualifying and is the key component in O’Neill’s preferred diamond formation.
“He’s feeling pretty good. He doesn’t have any reaction at the moment. He’s feeling fine and I hope he’s available for us,” said O’Neill of Walters.
“I think you have a team in mind. I wouldn’t think there’s any harm in deliberating on certain things. I have a team in mind at the moment. With the players coming through, Robbie [Keane], Jon Walters in particular who were carrying injuries.
“I think I’m pretty pleased they are coming through that. Jon and Robbie haven’t done a great deal but both are naturally fit.”
Considering the current wealth of talent at Belgium’s disposal and the tournament pedigree of Italy, it is natural that many in Sweden and Ireland are viewing Monday night’s encounter as a ‘must-win’ game for both sides if they harbour hopes of exiting the group.
However O’Neill sees things differently, saying that the expanded format – which sees only eight of the 24 teams eliminated after the group stages – means Ireland will have something to play for, regardless of the result against Sweden.
“I don’t think it’s a must-win. I think we talked about this five or six days ago – it’s very, very important of course and it would be great to get off to a great start, I’m sure Sweden are targeting us in the sense they will feel if they beat us, it gives them a great chance.
Some more training ground insights #irl #euro2016 pic.twitter.com/CASCUgYGcc
— Mikey Stafford (@me_stafford) June 12, 2016
“It was interesting to hear comments from Welsh camp who thought that if they didn’t win their first game, they weren’t out of it. They’re saying now they still have work to do and that’s exactly the way I would feel about it.
“The way the competition has evolved and way it’s been sorted, I think the third game you’re still in it fighting for something.”
As pre-match orations go, it was not quite Churchillian, but the former Leicester City boss has never been one to deviate from his quiet demeanour in public.
He will hope his team do his talking for him on the pitch Monday.
