Collins looking forward to Iceland experience

James Collins


James Collins admits this week's trip to Iceland will bring back fond memories of his experiences at last year's European Championship finals in France.

The Hammers left their pre-season training camp in Germany today to fly to Reykjavik ahead of tomorrow's prestigious friendly clash against Manchester City in the national stadium.

Collins was a member of the Wales team that reached the semi-finals at Euro 2016 - a tournament that will also be remembered for the exploits of Iceland, who beat England in the second round and earned huge respect thanks to their wholehearted approach and band of loyal supporters.

The 33-year-old defender appeared in Wales’s last-four defeat against eventual winners Portugal last summer and is looking forward to being reminded of the Icelandic impact a year on.

“The fans that Iceland took out to the Euros were unbelievable,” he says. “So to go out there and experience that support again, in what will be a competitive game, should be enjoyable.

“Hopefully we might see the famous ‘thunderclap’ – the Wales fans and our team kind of adopted that from Iceland last summer, so it would be great to see it live again.

“And we know there is a big West Ham following out in Scandinavia so I’m sure we’ll have a lot of support on Friday. Wherever we go, the fans turn up in their numbers and never disappoint us.”