Teargas and Tears.

The excitement surrounding the European Championships really came to a head last night, with a strange, but nonetheless spectacular opening ceremony followed by a highly competitive clash between hosts France and relatively ranked outsiders Romania. France took the game with a 2-1 victory, with their winner coming through a spectacular Dimitri Payet effort - which was clearly a emotional moment for him.

All eyes now all turn to England, who open their campaign against Russia this evening. With many other nations perceived to be in a transitional period, this could be the year that the 'golden generation' of England players could shine through and bring home the first major international trophy for half a century.

Much like the 1998 World Cup, England begin their quest for silverware in Marseille, and much like the team in 1998 - a team that featured the likes of Beckham, Scholes and Owen, there are high expectations that the team will perform.

This is where you'd expect the similarities to end, but unfortunately it seems that the grizzly scenes of violence and hooliganism that broke out between locals and travelling England fans around the streets of Marseille's Vieux Port have also made an unsavoury return. Back in 1998, the culture the England fans brought to France, such as binge drinking and ear splitting patriotic music didn't go down too well with locals in the area, leading to confrontation - punches thrown and missiles launched, culminating in riot police and tear gas. Fortunately, the troubles were short-lived and the rest of the tournament was conducted in good humour and high spirits, before England crashed out in a penalty shoot-out against Portugal - a game which saw David Beckham infamously see the red mist.

Now, two days into the tournament it is clear that violent clashes between England fans and locals, other fans and police have reignited. Personally, I find it extremely disappointing that what should be excitement has turned to fascist chanting and violence from a small minority of England fans. Now, as a football fan, I understand that supporter identity is important to Brits, whether this be on a domestic or national level - I am all for showing passion and loyalty and getting behind a team be this through chanting, donning the three lions shirt or symbolic banners and flags, however, travelling to France should be all about supporting the team, not what has been reported as unprovoked violence in some cases, and even if provoked we should be the bigger men and not rise to it. The Euros should be about football, not fights.

England fans confront Police and Russian supporters

Today's third wave of trouble has been blamed upon Russian fans who are vastly organised, however, whoever is to blame, it has left the quiet port of Marseille appearing more like a war zone, with litter and missiles strewn across the ground and crushed bottles underfoot. Accompanied by the smell of teargas in the air. More importantly, it has meant that emergency services are having to police the area on a major scale for mindless hooliganism that is completely unnecessary. With France on such high alert for terror following November's horrific bombings, resources are being stretched to the limit to deal with mindless thuggery that could be utilised in areas of high security risk i.e. Stadia and Fan Zones.
Yes, I agree that the excitement around the England team is high, and with starlets such as Dele Alli in the squad, alongside strikers in Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy in great form many fans can see England making great progress despite Roy Hodgson electing include a weathered and somewhat ineffective Wayne Rooney in his squad, but this doesn't permit hooliganism on any level.

High hopes for England's 'golden generation'

If the 1998 World Cup is anything to go by, any tournament that starts with teargas on the streets, will end in tears on the pitch.

England take on Russia tonight, 8pm, ITV.

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2016: The Year of the Underdog?

It's April 2015, Nigel Pearson - Leicester City manager has just called a journalist an ostrich and has stormed out of a press conference. The club is on the verge of relegation, and no-one all season has given them any hope of survival. However, with 25 points from the last 10 games Leicester City, against all of the odds remained in the Premier League, the turnaround had begun. 12 months later, that turnaround became quite possibly the biggest fairy tale in footballing history, with 5000-1 shot Leicester City unbelievably becoming Premier League champions through adversity, the team showed fierce unity, experience and solidarity, along with shrewd scouting and masterful managing, becoming only the sixth side in history to manage this feat.

Leicester City lift the Premier League. The greatest Underdog Story in footballing history?

Many believe the events that occurred in the Premier League this season will never be repeated, and quite honestly, I'd probably agree that I'll never see anything like this again in my lifetime. On a domestic level anyway. However, with the European Championships just one day away, I'd like to reflect on Euro 1992 and Euro 2004, where two other Underdog stories were told, possibly trumping that of Leicester City's extraordinary league victory.

Although I was yet to grace the Earth in 1992, it is evident that the 1992 edition of the European Championships in Sweden was a very interesting affair. Unlike today in which 24 nations have the ability to qualify, back in 1992, only eight nations took part in the tournament. Following the completion of qualifying Denmark found themselves finishing in second place, behind Yugoslavia in their group, therefore failing to make it to the edition of the tournament just a stones throw away in Sweden. Danish coach Richard Moler Nielson was on the brink of the sack following the qualification failure, and the squad was in need of transition. However, the outbreak of civil war in Yugoslavia, UEFA made the decision to omit Yugoslavia from the tournament, instead of playing with only three teams in the group, with merely a weeks notice, Denmark were reinstated, and were to participate in the tournament and players were recalled from their holidaying.

Kim Vilfort, a midfielder in the squad at the time, stated that the squad, although ready to pounce on the second bite of the cherry, couldn't fail as there was absolutely no pressure on them. Drawn in a group alongside France and England, as well as Sweden - with home advantage, with very little preparation, the squad were given very little chance of progressing. This prediction was seemingly correct following defeat to Sweden, and a stalemate with lacklustre England. However, due to other results a mediocre and relatively unconvincing Denmark still had the opportunity to progress with a victory against a strong French squad which featured the likes of Cantona and Deschamps. Surprisingly, the resilient Danes upset the odds, defeating France 2-1, setting up a surprise match-up with the Netherlands - defending champions - vastly talented with a formidable strike force. Much like Leicester City, Denmark's chances of victory were seemingly nil. However, again, Denmark rallied, finding themselves 2-1 up against the European heavyweights. The Netherlands did however show their class to equalise, and penalties loomed following a goal-less extra time. It was all down to the throw of a dice, who could keep their nerve? In the Danes case, there were no nerves. Goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel saved Dutch star man van Basten's penalty, and astonishingly, Denmark had won this thriller on penalties. 

Peter Schmeichel makes the only save of the Semi-Final shootout on Denmark's way to European glory

The Germans expecting to face the Netherlands, were greeted by Denmark in the final, and didn't really know how to approach the game, this became evident. With determination and momentum on their side, Denmark had obviously taken inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen, and written their own fairy tale - conquering the Germans 2-0. From not even expecting to participate to outclassing the best in the world, although they didn't have the best players, they had the best team, and quite deservedly lifted the title. A definite shock. However, Greece in 2004 may well top it...

12 years on, I vaguely remember watching Euro 2004, hosted by Portugal, the Greeks were seen as rank outsiders, previously only making one European Finals appearance, winning zero games. Although group winners in qualification, they were unconvincing, scoring only eight goals in eight games, and were a shewing for a swift departure, with hosts Portugal alongside Spain favourites to progress. Although Greece were in transition, rebuilding a new squad from one that was in crisis just years prior, they were classed as no-hopers. They shocked many by passing the group stages, with a victory against Portugal and a draw versus Spain, however, they were scrutinised by many pundits over their unimaginative, ultra-defensive and negative style of play, surely to be undone by an extremely favoured France in the Quarter Finals. France, the defending champions, were comprised of an array of talent - Henry, Zidane, Barthez, the list goes on, far superior to that of Greece, no real household names in that squad I can assure you. To everyone's amazement, Greece dug deep and ground out a 1-0 victory. History repeated itself in the Semi-Final against Czech Republic. Another 1-0 victory. The Greeks had engineered a plan that worked. Quashing attacking pressure with organised defence, before offering knock out blows in the shape of precision set pieces and counter attacks. Portugal awaited them in the final.

Portugal on home soil and a with strong team were heavily fancied, the new kid on the block - one Cristiano Ronaldo (I wonder where he is now?), was expected to deliver, and although Greece had already defeated Portugal in the groups, the mix of youth and experience was trusted to shine through. However, Greece effectively defended with eight players guarding the box, infuriating Portugal. When the opportunity arose in the 57th minute, Greece countered, and with Greece's only shot on target, Angelos Charisteas (oh yes, him) converted. Against all odds, Greece lifted the 2004 edition of the Euros. Playing to their strengths and eliminating any threats opposition posed, they quite possibly pulled off the greatest footballing, or even sporting shock of all time.

Fazed by no-one. Greece celebrate.

Now, the 12 year cycle has come around again. Leicester City have already won the Premier League this year. Will the history book be torn apart again? Can another underdog upset the odds and lift the Euros? Northern Ireland? Albania? Unlikely, but who knows, from what's gone before in history no-one at all can be discounted. Who knows, we could even see Wayne Rooney himself lift European football's most prestigious cup. But then again, maybe not.

One thing is for sure though, expect the unexpected.

Euro 2016 begins with hosts France taking on Romania, 10th June, 8pm.

Follow me on Twitter: @DLster