Three Fulham players to watch at Euro 2016

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After enduring two long years filled with endless qualifiers and dreary friendlies, Euro 2016 is finally upon us, and Fulham Football Club will be well represented in France this summer. The Whites boast an impressive three players participating in the tournament, and there will be countless other former Fulham stars in the fray this month.

Jazz Richards – Wales

Although almost all Fulham fans will agree that Jazz Richards has endured a dreadful season at Fulham. The 25-year-old right-back has nevertheless earned himself a place in Wales’ squad. Richards featured in four qualifying matches for the Dragons, notably providing a crucial assist to Gareth Bale during the qualifying campaign. Jazz famously marked Eden Hazard out of a match once, but that form has been absent at his time at Fulham. Hopefully the full-back can add to his nine international caps and bring his Welsh form back to the Cottage next season.

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George Williams – Wales 

The young winger has had an unfortunate time of late, owing to a devastating injury suffered in 2015 while on loan to MK Dons. Williams is certainly a bright talent, and after making his debut for Wales in a friendly in 2014, he has already amassed seven caps. He spent the last part of the 2015/16 season on loan to Gillingham in League One, and next season the 20-year-old should be primed to succeed at the Cottage. George Williams has the potential to match the success of his fellow MK Dons academy graduate Dele Alli, and the Euros are a perfect stage for the youngster to shine.

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Chris Baird – Northern Ireland

The Fulham legend spent the second half of the season on loan to Fulham, and now will participate in a major tournament for the first time in his life. A versatile player who can slot in at either fullback or central midfield, Baird will be a valuable part of the Northern Irish squad hoping to cause some upsets in France. Although the 34-year-old returned to Derby County after his loan spell, the club would do well to bring back Bairdinho to the Cottage.

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The Fulham Family at the Euros

The Whites may only have three players going to France this summer, but there will be plenty of familiar faces from the Cottagers’ Premier League days as well.

Former Fulham centre-half Chris Smalling will be aiming to start for the Three Lions and lead England to their first international success in 50 years.

Aaron Hughes, fresh off his 100th cap for Northern Ireland, will also strive to make another appearance in what is most likely his last international tournament.

Central midfielder Moussa Dembele, who made 62 appearance for Fulham before being signed by Tottenham, will form the ruthless spine of tournament dark horses Belgium.

In addition, cult hero Gabor Kiraly is travelling to France as a member of the Hungarian squad, bringing his patented sweatpants to the European stage.

Another former Fulham legend, Zoltan Gera, is also travelling to France with Hungary. Now 37-years-old and playing for Ferencvaros in the Hungarian league, Gera is the elder statesmen of the Mighty Magyars.

Fulham will also be well represented on the touchline, as former managers Roy Hodgson and Chris Coleman will be coaching England and Wales this summer.

The impressive list of current and former-players who will be taking part in the European Championships is a reminder of the Cottagers’ past glory.

Fulham will always be an international club with elite players from all over the world, and here’s wishing good luck to all the Whites in France this summer.

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