Russia will look to take confidence into Euro 2020 after their superb run in the 2018 World Cup on home soil. They finished second in their group behind Uruguay and beat Spain in the Round of 16. They lost out to eventual finalists Croatia in the quarter-finals via the penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper: Anton Shunin
After Igor Akinfeev held down the goalkeeping spot for 14 years and winning 111 caps, Shunin will finally get his moment to shine. He started the last three World Cup qualifiers against Malta, Slovenia, and Slovakia. Shunin has some of the best reflexes for a goalkeeper. He plays for Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Premier League.
Defender: Mario Fernandes
Mario Fernandes is not the most glamourous of players but is certainly one of the most steady right-backs on display in the tournament. The Brazilian-born defender is known for his exceptional reading of the game. He has the knack of stepping in to intercept at the perfect moment. He had the most interceptions among any player in the CSKA Moscow ranks in the 2020/21 season.
Midfielder: Aleksandr Golovin
Aleksander Golovin scored a goal and had two assists for Russia in the 208 World Cup. He is the record signing for Monaco and has been one of their most important players this season. He has five goals and nine assists in the Ligue 1 this season. Russia would be hoping for spectacular performances from their star midfielder to go deep into Euro 2020.
Forward: Artem Dzyuba
With goals against Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Spain, Artem Dzyuba wrote his name into Russian football folklore at the 2018 World Cup. Although he’s not the most mobile, his ability to hold up possession, bring others into play and finishing chances in and around the box with unerring accuracy will make him a handful for any opposing center-back.
Predicted Line-up
Anton Shunin; Yuri Zhirkov, Georgi Dzhikiya, Andrei Semenov, Mario Fernandes; Magomed Ozdoev, Aleksei Miranchuk, Aleksandr Golovin; Denis Cheryshev, Artem Dzyuba, Daler Kuzyayev
Also, Read: Euro 2020 Group B: Belgium – Players To Watch
