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The English aware they're the favorites

Had their efficiency been better, England could have won all the group stage matches. However, they can be happy with their game ahead of the meeting with Iceland, who have exceeded their expectations by being in Round of 16 and realistically cannot expect to get ever further

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Even though England failed to finish top table in Group B, the unexpected outcome in Group F saw them get kissed by luck. As a result of that, they are now facing Iceland, a team which is playing its first Euro ever. 

That is far better option than Portugal, who would have been England's opponents had Iceland not scored a goal in the last seconds of the match to beat Austria 2-1. England now believe that their side would go through to quarterfinals today where France already await their next opponent. 

When we take a lot at the three games England played in the group, we can conclude that Hodgson's team did worse in the only win (Wales) while their performances in draws with Russia turned out to be very dominant but also very inefficient. 

England are expected to attack and Iceland are expected to defend patiently today, the logical conclusion is that efficiency will be the key for England here. 

- We just need to accept that we are the favorites here even though we know this will be a tough game for us. They are very tough and not easy to beat - coach Hodgson said. He was most criticized about ignoring Leicester's forward Vardy. It seems like Vardy won't get a start today either. That means Sturridge, Kane and Lallana could start. 

Team captain Rooney would be behind them, with Dier and Alli as defensive midfielders. There are no injured or suspended players at England. 

- I was happy with the forwards who played but the fact is, you can never know how somebody will do. We have some good options on the bench too if something doesn't work properly on the pitch - Hodgson said. His team had 64 shots in the first three games and 1,315 passes completed. Iceland had 23 shots and just 485 passes in the first three games but still finished with three points, just like England. 

- I don't know Iceland as well as other Nordic countries but their character and ability are the main reasons for their progress in this game. The coaches have a lot of experience and are able to organize the team well. They have an extraordinary work ethics and own a lot to it. That is why I claim they cannot be underestimated - Hodgson said. These two teams met just twice before. Both of those were friendly matches. The first one from 1982 which finished as a 1-1 draw and the second one from 2004 before the Euro. That one was a 6-1 win for England. 

Each time the knock out stage comes around, the English get terrified by their horrible record when it comes to penalty shootouts. They lost to Germany, Portugal and Italy at the 1996, 2004, and 2012 Euro on penalties, while their last defeat in regulation time happened in 2004 to France. That means they are undefeated in the last 10 Euro games, not counting matches which finished with penalty shootouts. The last English win in knockout stage is from the 2006 World Cup over Ecuador. 

- We need to be positive. We created many attempts in previous games. We cannot miss that much any more. We respect Iceland and what they've done. We need to play our game because we are convinced that we can go through if we do that - Rooney said. He will tie Beckham's number of 115 games for the national team today. Also, he will try and score to improve his record of only 2 goals in the last 17 major tournaments games. 

Iceland are enjoying their first ever Euro to the fullest. The fact almost third of their population came to France to support their team says it all about the euphoria that gripped them. 

Fierceness and discipline saw Iceland get a point both against Portugal and Hungary while they recorded their first ever Euro win against Austria. That saw them avoid Croatia in Round of 16 but they are now to face England, which is not an easier task at all.

Coach Lagerback has very good experiences with the English:

- I played them 6 times and never lost. I think the referendum won't affect them at all. 

Iceland's other coach Hallgrimsson is bursting with optimism:

- I'm not afraid of England. Our players know what fun it is to win. We always knew we would face a tough opponent if we reach Round of 16 which is why it's only important we are here. We need to do our absolute best. We know that.

No significant changes are expected in the lineup since the coaches don't have much choice on the bench and because they are pretty happy with the results so far. 

Iceland are injury free and complete now that Finnbogasson will be back after a suspension. He is expected to start on the bench and that Bodvarsson and Sightorsson will start as forwards in the 4-4-2 formation.