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Iceland's danger men: England must beware Sigurdsson, Gunnarsson and Sigthorsson

Gylfi Sigurdsson, Denmark v Iceland, March 2016
Image: Swansea's Gylfi Sigurdsson will pull the strings for Iceland

From a Premier League playmaker to an aerial threat up front, we pick out the Iceland dangermen England will have to look out for.

Euro minnows Iceland made history after a 2-1 win over Austria saw them qualify for the competition's last 16.  

The Nordic side, competing in their first major tournament, are the smallest nation ever to take part in the finals, but have shown no signs of nerves, emerging from Group F as runners-up.

Now scheduled to face England on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals, we examine three players who Roy Hodgon's men will have to get the better of in Nice...

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Gylfi Sigurdsson 

Gylfi Sigurdsson gives Iceland the lead from the penalty spot
Image: Sigurdsson scored from the penalty spot against Hungary

Age: 26

Club: Swansea

Position: Midfield

Caps: 38 Goals: 13

A well-known figure for Premier League fans, playmaker Sigurdsson has spent the majority of his career in England, having had spells at Reading, Tottenham and current club Swansea.

The 26-year-old came into the tournament in good form, having notched 11 goals and six assists in 36 top-flight appearances in the Premier League in 2015/16, and has been a focal point of Iceland's attacking play.  

A set-piece specialist who has a knack for finding a key pass, the midfielder has proven a frequent source of goals for his country, with six during qualifying and one from the spot during the group stages.

If Iceland are to shock England, it may be the player they know best who does the damage. 

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson in action against Portugal
Image: Iceland target man Kolbeinn Sigthorsson is a big presence in the air

Age: 26

Club: Nantes

Position: Forward

Caps: 38 Goals: 19 

With just three goals in 28 Ligue 1 games this season for Nantes, Kolbeinn Sigthorsson could easily slip under Roy Hodgson's radar - but the Iceland striker will be an aerial threat on Monday and plays a key role for his team-mates. 

Top ranked in aerial duels so far in the tournament, the 26-year-old has won 32, according to WhoScored.com - exactly nine more than England's Chris Smalling, who currently ranks second on that list.

He is without a goal in the competition so far but his record at international level is impressive, with 19 from his 38 caps, and Smalling will have to come out on top of his duels with the big forward. Russia have already shown how tall players in the box for set-pieces can damage England's defence. 

Aron Gunnarsson

Aron Gunnarsson puts Laszlo Kleinheisler under pressure
Image: Aron Gunnarsson (right) will captain Iceland against England

Age: 27

Club: Cardiff

Position: Midfield

Caps: 58 Goals: 2

Another player familiar with the English leagues is Gunnarsson, who played for Coventry before joining current Championship side Cardiff.

As team captain, he is one his country's most experienced players. Indeed, the only person in the squad with more caps is veteran striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, who made his international debut when Gunnarsson was just seven years old.

A gifted technician in his youth, the 27-year-old's play has taken on a decidedly more defensive style as he has matured - an asset that allows his team's creative midfielders the freedom to attack.

Though unlikely to be a threat going forward, he could be key figure in breaking down England's attacking play. 

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