Akinfeev – Russia not worried by England

Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev says his side do not fear England ahead of their Euro 2016 meeting on Saturday.

The pair open their campaigns in Marseille and Leonid Slutsky’s men are seen as the underdogs going into the game after struggling at recent major tournaments.

Since reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2008, Russia have failed to make an impact on the international scene, missing out on a place at the 2010 World Cup before falling in the group stage at both Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.

Their chances of glory this time around have not been helped by the injuries to key midfielders Igor Denisov and Alan Dzagoev but they still have both ability and experience throughout their team.

England themselves have not made the last four of a major tournament for 20 years and Akinfeev has revealed of all the top seeds, his side were hoping for the Three Lions.

The CSKA Moscow goalkeeper says he and his team-mates see Roy Hodgson’s men as the weakest of those in Pot 1 and is confident the Sbornaya will be able to match them on Saturday.

“We knew before the groups were drawn that we had to play a top seed,” said Akinfeev in the Daily Mirror. “We talked about it, and how we wanted to be drawn with England. “It’s no disrespect to England, they have some very good players, but if you look at the other top seeds we could have drawn, they are all among the favourites to win the championship. “England are a good team, but we feel we can match them with our quality.”

Russia are currently priced at 4.33 to win in Marseille, with the draw 3.30 while England are the 1.85 favourites.