Euro 2016 group stage grades – England did the bare minimum

The group stages of Euro 2016 have provided goals and controversies, outrageous skill and dreadful mistakes. 

With no team able to win every game, but only one side losing all three matches, the tournament has proved more competitive than anyone could have expected. 

After 36 matches, the action is only just hotting up, but having played three times each, we now have a decent idea about what shape the teams are in.

As we head into the last 16, Sportsmail takes a look at every nation and grades their performance so far…

Northern Ireland, who have been a standout team of the group stage, celebrate a goal against Ukraine

Group A

France

On paper, it looks relatively good for the hosts – they finished top of their group, undefeated, and only conceded once. The defence, which was a worry, has been solid enough, and they have match-winners up front.

That said, if the games ended at 89 minutes, France would have drawn all three games. They relied heavily on Dimitri Payet’s magic, and aren’t really functioning yet as a unit. In the tougher side of the draw, winning another home tournament will take some doing.

Grade: C+ 

France have not lived up to expectations yet, but the goals of Dimitri Payet (above) saw them top their group

Romania

Only one point from three games, no goals from open play, and they finished bottom of one of the easier groups. 

The performances weren’t terrible, they were unlucky against France and a draw with Switzerland was creditable, but, in the end, it has to go down as a disappointing tournament. 

Grade: D

A misfiring Romania (in yellow) failed to score a single goal from open play, and went out at the first hurdle

Albania

One of the two ‘unlucky losers’ who finished in third place but didn’t make the last 16, Albania performed above expectations even if they just missed out.

Impressive despite their 10-man defeat by Switzerland, they held France at 0-0 for 90 minutes, and then gave themselves a chance of progress with their first ever Euro win in the final game. A good tournament, and something to really build on.

Grade: B 

Albania celebrate their first goal, and first win, at a major tournament, and were unlucky to be eliminated

Switzerland

Did what they had to do, and were rewarded with a favourable draw for the knockout stages. They haven’t set the place alight – both their goals have come from corners – but the only goal they conceded came from a penalty.

Arsenal new-boy Granit Xhaka has impressed throughout, and they will fancy their chances against Poland.

Grade: B- 

Arsenal new boy Granit Xhaka (left) has controlled the play for Switzerland, who have been extremely solid

Group B

England 

The mood may be dissatisfied after failing to top the group, but Roy Hodgson’s aim will have been to make it through, and he’s done that, with some encouraging performances along the way.

The inability to break down stubborn defences is a problem but, if they get past Iceland, that should be less of an issue against…