Iceland ace Gylfi Sigurdsson opens up on England clash plans: We must stop this star

GYLFI SIGURDSSON believes Wayne Rooney is the man Iceland have to stop if they are to pull off the greatest result of their lives and beat England on Monday.

Posted Friday, June 24, 2016 by Express.co.uk

The Swansea midfielder has been instrumental in helping the smallest country ever to reach a major finals go right through to the knockout rounds, finishing above Portugal in Group F.

Portguese star Cristiano Ronaldo accused them of having a "small mentality" for the way Iceland stifled them in their 1-1 draw and Sigurdsson warned Rooney that his countrymen plan more of the same for the England captain when the two sides meet in Nice.

"He is one of the players we are going to have to stop if we are going to stop England from playing and win the game," said Sigurdsson.

"You only have to look at the amount of goals he has scored for England, the country's record goal-scorer - he is an incredible player.

"Wayne is a very good passer of the ball, he can play in other players from 60 or 70 yards with a quick pass over the top. He wouldn't be where he is today if he wasn't a great player."

At the same time, team-mate Ragnar Sigurdsson believes that just because Iceland's players don't play for the continent's biggest clubs, it does not mean they are no good.

He said: "We may not have players who all play for Barcelona and Real Madrid - but I believe we can beat England.

"Our faith and belief is what has got us here so far - and some Icelandic pride. We do not back down from anyone, and that team spirit and belief helps us a lot.

"We will not be overawed by England - even if we grew up watching English players, it was not these new guys. We don't care, and will give it everything we have got.

"I have played against Spain, and when I am competing I don't just sit and admire anyone, I try to break them down.

"We have beaten a lot of good countries and people are not surprised any more."