Republic Of Ireland Must Avoid Group Exit

 

John O'Shea believes his Republic of Ireland side can escape their tough Euro 2016 group and dispel early-exit memories. The Sunderland defender was part of the Euro 2012 squad which were knocked out of their group at the hands of Italy, Spain and Croatia without winning a single point.


Although Ireland will again face Italy in a difficult group which also includes Belgium and Sweden the 35-year-old is confident their results at the championships will be different this time around. He said “Ultimately when you get to a major tournament, the first aim when you make the 23, you want to get out of the group, that's the key. The atmosphere and enthusiasm around the group have got stronger and stronger throughout this campaign, and that's something that is very similar, but has probably gone up a notch as well. It's a different squad, different management and there are lots of different elements involved in it to make me believe that it's going to be very different”.


This year's championships in France may well be O'Shea's final major tournament with Ireland, and the experienced centre-back is still a key member of Martin O'Neill's set-up. The former Manchester United player will be hoping to add to his 110 caps against the Netherlands in Friday's warm-up game. He added “I am just enjoying the next game as it comes, and that's all I am going to do going forward. It's a chance - we have qualified for a major tournament - to enjoy that occasion and to grasp it and look forward to it, and whatever happens then happens then”.


O'Shea had to make do with a bit-part role in Sunderland's end-of-season escape from relegation, but insists he is ready to play for his country when called upon.