With Day 9 of Euro 2016 in the books, we have collated some of the best of our content from the last 24 hours in one place. All the latests news, plus group guides, kick-off times and news from around the teams can be found at our special microsite.
Wales wallop Russia
Qualifying for Euro 2016 represented a historic milestone for Wales, who had not qualified for a major tournament in 58 years. Managed by Chris Coleman and inspired on the pitch by Gareth Bale, Wales stormed into the knockout stages with a 3-0 thrashing of Russia. The only criticism that could be levelled at Wales is that it could have been so much more, such was their utter dominance over an abject Russia side. It was one of the performances of the tournament and a superb reaction to their last-gasp defeat to England. Ian Hawkey provides the analysis as Russia cowered in the corner in the face of a rampaging Wales.
England frustrate. Again
While it is a time to celebrate for Wales, it was more frustration for England as their uninspiring 0-0 draw with Slovakia saw Roy Hodgson's side progress to the knockout stages as group runners-up. Despite a perfect record in qualifying, and a youthful and exciting squad, England have struggled to perform so far in France. An encouraging display against Russia still resulted in a draw, and the win over Wales achieved in the dying stages after trailing for much of the match. Against Slovakia, and with six changes to the team, England looked devoid of creativity, and while they were the more ambitious side, it was an ultimately abject display. Richard Jolly reflects on the match in St Etienne as England continue a worrying trend of second places.
Being a part of Albanian history
Being an expanded 24 team tournament, Euro 2016 was expected to play host to moments of football history. Albania achieved such history by booking their place in France, and then went one better on Sunday night, their 1-0 victory against Romania their first win at a major tournament. Our man in France, Andy Mitten, has been producing daily diary entries as he travels around the country immersing himself with different countries and their supporters. Andy was in Lyon to witness Albania's historic victory and share in the joy of the Albanian supporters. Read his latest diary entry here.
Creative Croats
One of the highlights of the final round of Euro 2016 group matches, Croatia take on defending champions Spain with the winner ensuring top spot in Group D. Croatia have been one of the standout teams of the tournament so far, their opening 1-0 victory against Turkey was followed by an eventful 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic. Leading 2-0 and seemingly cruising to victory, shocking crowd trouble from their own supporters stunned the Croatia players who let the lead slip in the dying stages. Central to Croatia's success have been the midfield pair of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. Normally pitted against each other in the battle for honours in Spain, Real Madrid's Modric and Barcelona's Rakitic will unite against a host of their club colleagues in Bordeaux on Tuesday night. Ian Hawkey provides this preview focusing on Modric and Rakitic — Croatia's creative core.
Joe Allen? Joe Allen!
On a day when Gareth Bale was in top form for Wales, when Aaron Ramsey turned in a good performance and the likes of Eric Dier and Matus Kozacik impressed for England and Slovakia, it was nonetheless the perpetually disappointing Liverpool man who shined brightest at Euro 2016.
Greg Lea gives him the player of the day nod in his Monday recap, writing: “Joe Allen takes the prize for yet another impressive all-round display in the Wales engine room.”
For all of Greg's observations from Group B's play on the evening, check out his talking points.
