Euro 2012 - England's chances

With the Championships kicking off tomorrow, Roy Hodgson and his men will be finalizing their preparation for their forthcoming group stage matches. England kick off their campaign against France on Monday, and will face a stern challenge in getting through group D unscathed, with the dangerous Swedes and also Ukraine contesting for a place in the quarter finals. This is the first tournament in which the 'golden generation' has been broken up and replaced by a young, promising breed of players, and this may work in England's favour. Now they don't have to carry the weight of expectation on their shoulders, meaning they don't have to play with any pressure. Nevertheless, a massive challenge awaits the England team, and they will have to overcome this challenge if they are to finally end their major tournament woes and conquer Europe for the first time in their history.

Ibrahimovic and Sweden have the quality to hinder
England's European Championship dream

England will face France, Sweden and Ukraine in the group stages of the Euro's. This may not be as tough as could’ve been, but the 3 teams undoubtedly pose some sort of threat to the 6th best team in the world. France have been out of sorts in recent years, with failure to progress through the group stages at the world cup compounding the misery that they have gone through in past years. There is no doubt that they have talent, with a star studded line up including Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri and Franck Ribery proving that they are no pushovers. Moreover, they have gone through a resurgence under current boss Laurent Blanc, and recently showed their high quality when they destroyed Estonia 4-0 in their final warm up game, meaning they’ll definitely cause huge problems for England. Whereas Sweden don't have talent all over the pitch, they arguably have one of the best players in Europe; Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He alone can take down England, and he will certainly frighten the England defence when he line-ups against them on the 15th June. Lastly, whereas Ukraine don't have any players of world class ability, their home advantage will surely prove beneficial. Spurred on by their home crowd, they are likely to be driven and determined to do the country proud and will do everything in their power to ensure that they dispose of the 4th best team in Europe.

England's chances are even more damaged by the fact that they have lost many squad players to injuries, including some big names which would've made a huge impression in the starting line-up. Most recently England have lost defensive marshal Gary Cahill to a fractured jaw, and his partnership with John Terry at the back would've been vital for England come their first game in 4 days time. But this is not the only blow prior to the championships. Darren Bent and Kyle Walker have also been unluckily ruled out by injury, with the former being almost certain to spearhead the England attack. In addition, others such as Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry have packed their bags and headed home; meaning vital International experience in the middle of the park has also been lost. All these losses may prove to be detrimental to an England side, who will be massively under strength when they kick off their campaign in 4 days time against France.

Rooney's 2 game suspension is a massive blow to England's
chances in the Euro's

However, there are still a number of star names that can propel England forward, and will be pivotal in determining England’s fortunes in the European Championships. Joe Hart is perhaps the best keeper in the world, and at the tender age of 25, still has his best years ahead of him and will surely keep the gloves for many years to come. England's defence is also very strong, despite the absence of Gary Cahill. Ashley Cole and John Terry are rocks at the back, and with midfield cover from Scott Parker, will prove very tough to break down; as proven in the two warm up games with 2 clean sheets over Norway and a particularly dangerous Belgium outfit. The only real problem is the attack. Rooney is missing for the first 2 group games, which will be a huge blow to England. His goal tally is unmatchable, and without him England always struggle to score. Their problems with creativity and goal scoring opportunities were proven in the two warm up games, where chances were few and far between. But with Steven Gerrard marshalling the team from the centre of the park, the ageing midfield maestro has the capability to drive the team forward and deliver in what is likely to be his last major tournament at an International stage in his illustrious playing career.

The sad thing is, if England do progress, they are likely to face either Spain or Italy in the last 8. This means even if the Three Lions do progress, they will face one of the best teams in the world, meaning they need to overcome a massive hurdle if they are to conquer Europe. With England's lack of attacking threat, I don't see this England team causing many problems to Europe's elite, especially the likes of Spain who are extremely competent in defence. However, we have already witnessed the positive effect of the counter attacking football implemented by newly appointed boss Roy Hodgson, and with speedy attacking threat including Young, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott in the ranks; this tactic could suit England perfectly. Along with a solid defence, England may just get far in this tournament. Not having to play with the usual high expectations riding on their shoulders, I think England will surprise their critics and pull off a few major shocks and consequently reach the Semi Finals. But will they flop in similar fashion to how they have done in previous years?

My Starting XI against France: (4-2-3-1)

GK: Hart LB: Cole CB: Terry CB: Lescott RB: Johnson CDM: Parker CDM: Milner CAM: Gerrard LAM: Young RAM: Oxlade-Chamberlain ST: Welbeck