Euro Roundup: Xhaka pass master, Giroud replaced by lesser man

Granit Xhaka, Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud all have feet in the round of sixteen at the European Championships following today's matches. In the early kickoff, Slovakia beat Russia 2-1, giving impetus to both Wales and England to secure a positive result when they play each other tomorrow. Marek Hamsik was the standout player, with a glorious assist for Vladimir Weiss' goal, before putting Slovakia two up on the stroke of half time with a shot from range that went in off the post.

In Switzerland's 1-1 draw with Romania, Granit Xhaka was the standout player, as the new Arsenal man created three chances and was the hub of the Swiss passing game, completing 88 out of 99 passes, including one lovely switch of play.

Olivier Giroud was unlucky to be replaced by Andre-Pierre Gignac after 77 minutes. Whatever one thinks of Giroud, Gignac is barely a top-level football anymore, having left Marseille for Liga MX. Giroud had a couple of half chances, before heading Kingsley Coman's cross wide. Giroud was then unlucky to hit the post with a bullet header, which was the closest France came to scoring before Antoine Griezmann, on as a substitute, converted the second decent cross France had made in the evening in the 90th minute. Payet added an undeserved second deep into injury time, sending France through to the knockout stage.

In tomorrow's matches, Aaron Ramsey will start for Wales, while Jack Wilshere will not start for England, as Roy Hodgson looks set to name the same XI that drew with Russia, meaning Wilshere misses out on a midfield place to Tottenham's Dele Alli, and 30-year old converted striker Wayne Rooney. Mesut Özil and Germany play against Wojciech Szczesny's Poland, with the Arsenal fan a doubt following injury. Ukraine play Northern Ireland in the other match on the day.