Northern Ireland's Euro 2016 heroes return to France before World Cup in 2026

Ten years after Northern Ireland's Euro 2016 debut, only Josh Magennis remains from that squad as Michael O'Neill's team faces France in Lille.

Legendary moment in Lyon remembered It was 16 June 2016 when hailstones fell in Lyon, and Gareth McAuley scored one of Northern Ireland's most iconic goals. A decade has passed since their last major tournament, and manager Michael O'Neill's team is back in France for the first time since, preparing to face Didier Deschamps' star-studded French side in Lille. This match serves as Les Bleus' final preparation before the World Cup. Though Northern Ireland missed out on that tournament after losing to Italy in a World Cup playoff, the current squad's youthful energy and progress suggest they may soon achieve their goal of qualifying for a major tournament. ## Only Magennis remains from Euro 2016 Out of the 23 players who traveled to France a decade ago, only two remain in the national team. Paddy McNair, who recently helped Hull City earn promotion to the Premier League, is sidelined due to injury, leaving Josh Magennis as the sole survivor from the Euro 2016 squad. Now 35 and a free agent after leaving Exeter City, Magennis still holds vivid memories of that unforgettable experience. He shared with a broadcaster that leaving the team hotel in the Culloden and receiving their suits were moments he will never forget. ## Magennis recalls standout Euro 2016 moments Josh Magennis highlighted two key moments from the tournament that stand out in his mind. During the match against Ukraine, he played a crucial role by keeping the ball in the corner during injury time, allowing Niall McGinn to score the decisive goal. Another unforgettable game was against Germany, where goalkeeper Michael McGovern delivered one of the best performances of his career. Magennis described the atmosphere as incredible, with the team's hard work culminating in a historic European Championship run. ## Fan support left lasting impression The traveling support in France made a strong impression on Magennis as well. He described the fan zones filled with green and white, with supporters taking over wherever the team went. It was a collective effort that left a deep mark on him. He admitted that replicating such an experience may not be possible now but expressed hope that the team could recreate it in the future. ## Young talents challenge Magennis's spot Magennis earned his 88th cap as a substitute in a low-key friendly win over Guinea. Since his debut in 2010, he has been a consistent presence under Michael O'Neill and remains a favorite of the supporters. While he aims to reach 100 caps, he acknowledges the rising talent in the squad. Players like Jamie Donley, Arsenal teenager Ceadach O'Neill, Liverpool's Kieran Morrison, and Everton's Braiden Graham have all debuted recently, challenging Magennis's position. ## Magennis supports next generation Despite the competition, Magennis is eager to help younger players like the teenage trio who are still establishing themselves in senior football. He emphasized the importance of integrating them quickly, as he once benefited from the guidance of veterans like Martin Patterson, David Healy, and Kyle Lafferty. Magennis stressed that communicating with them and helping them adapt is crucial for their development. He believes they could become generational talents for Northern Ireland if given the opportunity. ## Northern Ireland's youthful lineup against Guinea Against Guinea, Northern Ireland fielded their youngest starting lineup since the end of World War II, with an average age of just 22.1 years. This reflects manager Michael O'Neill's belief that talent matters more than age. The young players have embraced the opportunity, showing enthusiasm and dedication. Magennis praised O'Neill's approach, stating that as long as a player is good enough, age should not be a barrier. ## Chasing 100 caps and future goals As Magennis pursues his 100th cap, he admits he is unsure whether he will reach the milestone but sees it as motivation to keep going. He has carefully managed his club career to prioritize international duty, which has kept him in good stead. Magennis values every moment in camp, never taking his place for granted, especially after seeing veterans like Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas, and Chris Brunt face sudden career changes. He fully enjoys being part of the squad as long as he is selected. ## Northern Ireland's ability to challenge France Although Northern Ireland will not compete in the World Cup, they continue to test themselves against top teams like France. Their recent opponents include Italy, Germany, and Spain, providing valuable experience. Magennis described France as a world-class team, boasting players like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise, who are expected to contend for the World Cup. He believes Northern Ireland has the talent to compete, especially if France underperforms. ## Magennis confident Northern Ireland can cause upset Magennis acknowledged France's strength but cautioned that focusing solely on the opposition could undermine Northern Ireland's own abilities. France suffered a surprise defeat to Ivory Coast in Nantes ahead of their match, and Magennis feels his team has the quality to exploit any weaknesses. He emphasized the need to manage France's threats while also capitalizing on any lapses in performance. The plan is to use Northern Ireland's strengths to their advantage.