Ensconced in a luxury hotel in Chantilly, England is grappling with a diamond that does not shine ahead of its Euro 2016 opener against Russia.

Led by Wayne Rooney, England is the Group B favorite against Wales, Russia and Slovakia, but with time running out before the tournament starts, manager Roy Hodgson is still buffing dull spots in his team's tactics.

His midfield diamond failed to sparkle in last week's 1-0 win over Portugal and he was criticized by former England manager Glenn Hoddle for asking strikers Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy to adopt wide roles.