Fan blogger Ollie Knight looks at all the Hammers talking points…
EURO 2016
With Euro 2016 bowing out in dramatic fashion and the upcoming Premier League season just one month away, it has been a busy period for West Ham and a number of their players.
The likes of James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna, Darren Randolph and Hammer of the Year Dimitri Payet have all performed superbly for their respective countries; Payet in particular was a shining light in one of the strongest France squads in generations.
Unfortunately for Payet, Les Bleus succumbed to an extra-time winner scored by Portugal's Eder. Dimi was, however, named in the UEFA team of the tournament, earning the accolade following a string of world class displays that saw him notch three goals as well as two assists in seven games.
James Collins was a part of a terrific Wales squad that, against all odds, powered their way through to the semi-finals. Collins played a key role in the semi-final first-half against Portugal, effectively nullifying the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo as Wales went in 0-0 at the break. After half-time it was a different story, as Ronaldo inspired a quick-fire double that saw Portugal run out eventual 2-0 winners.
Angelo Ogbonna and Darren Randolph also performed well, guiding both Italy and Ireland to the knockout stages. Despite a wonderful tournament between the sticks for the Republic of Ireland, Darren Randolph couldn't keep out Golden Boot winner Antoine Griezmann, who effectively knocked Martin O'Neill's side out at the Round of 16 stage with two sublime goals.
Ogbonna on the other hand suffered Euro 2016 heartbreak in the quarter-finals as Italy lost to Germany in a thrilling penalty shoot-out.
PRE SEASON
The US tour didn't begin in the finest fashion for the Hammers, with a 3-0 defeat to MLS outfit Seattle Sounders. However, it's important not to get carried away with such a defeat; we must remember that two years ago West Ham lost both of their pre-season games in New Zealand before going on a terrific run of Premier League form that saw them sitting comfortably in fourth place at Christmas.
Next up on the pre-season calendar for Slaven Bilic's boys was a friendly against North American Soccer League side Carolina RailHawks, in which Andy Carroll and Winston Reid scored their first goals of the summer in a 2-2 draw.
Following on from the US expedition, the Hammers travel to more familiar grounds in Austria, where they will play three friendlies against FC Slovacko, Champions League regulars Rubin Kazan and finally Bundesliga II outfit Karlsruher SC.
These three games should be the perfect preparation for West Ham's Europa League adventure as well as their highly-anticipated first game at the Olympic Stadium against Juventus on 7 August.
OPENING GAME OF THE SEASON
West Ham will play their first Premier League game of the season against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday 15 August, with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.
Historically, Stamford Bridge has been one of the toughest away days of the calendar, but this year it certainly feels different. Last time out Slaven Bilic was left ruing a last minute penalty awarded to Chelsea after an innocuous challenge from Michail Antonio. Cesc Fabregas scored the resulting penalty to conclude the tie at 2-2, but it was a performance that should fill players and supporters with pride, and no doubt motivate them for the opening day of the season.
With the likes of Sofiane Feghouli, Havard Nordtveit and Gokhan Tore already joining the Hammers this summer, the opening game against Chelsea is made all the more enticing for the West Ham faithful.
Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will feel the pressure in his first London derby, and with the tie being played under the lights, it's hard to imagine Slaven Bilic not motivating his players to the absolute highest level in order to achieve victory.
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The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United