France, Sweden and Ukraine. Just been watching France. England open their campaign against Les Bleus and, to be truthful, a tonking will only be denied if the referee decides that John Terry is a really nice guy. But scoring in the first game is a foreign concept to Les Ros-Bifs. After the first loss - which, to be fair, is the usual England fare in a Championship - England have to win one and draw one to go through, but it's usually done the other way round. The second game, against Sweden, will be undertaken amidst a British frenzy of hypoerbole and fear, and will be a complete letdown as the game descends into a 0-0 bore draw, with no-one having any flair. The press will round on Roy Hodgson, questioning his appointment, his squad selection, and his team selection. It's all down to the last game against the lowly opponents of Ukraine. Win and England are through, draw or lose and England are out. This is what England do. Always leave it to the last game, come successfully through amidst diffficult circumstances and the media hypes up the team as world beaters, 1966 relived. But this time, again England will stutter and be unable to put the ball in the net, and a 73rd minute screamer from 27 yards will lead to general public affray and a 48-hour curfew imposition in Leicester. 3 games, Nul goals, 1 point. Out in the group stage. Meanwhile, España go forward with 2 victories out of 3, 1 shock loss, and take the Championship by storm.
I voted out in the 1/4's. Thinking of backing England and France to both progress at odds of 6/4. I excpect France will beat England in the opening game, with England without Rooney and obviously Lampard missing the tournament. The French have some class players such as Benzema, Ribery and Nasri, as well as players who have had great seasons in the Premier League such as Cabaye and Ben Arfa. With Spain as favourites to win their group, 1st place is vital so can see England being cautious against France and think it will be a narrow victory for France.
France 1 -2 England , Sweden 1-1 England , Ukraine 0-2 England, after that **** knows !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
England out in the group stage for me and that's how I voted. Russia as a dark horse and you heard it here first Elmo Expect them to win their group sailing through it comfortably with they're all out attack style and with they're proven pedigree players with CL & big match experience they could well be the surprise package which there normally is every World cup or Euro championship. Best price 22/1 in Paddy power atm http://www.oddschecker.com/football/internationals/euro-2012/winner/best-odds/ The big boys Spain & Holland will take some stopping but you never know and Russia could be the one. How the bookies rate England better than Russia beats me!
Holland are good odds (13/2) considering they have Van Persie, Robben, Sneidjer, Affellay and Van Der Vaart. Just a shame they are weak at the back.
France will have far too much class for England, 4-1 to Les Bleus. England won't progress beyond group stage, not good enough.
Sadly for you guys, us Jocks don't have to hope for an early england exit this time around - it's sooo looks like it's just going to happen! On paper, england are out at the group stage. Already I can sense some english arrogance creeping in, and Ukraine being written off as a 'should win'. I would think this way at your peril. These guys will be playing with a passion and determination that I wish we had at Leeds. They're certainly no pushovers. Then again, england have a wily manager who knows the limitations of his team. Perhaps he may do a Ramsey and give you a team - a team that plays like a team! It's possible, given the lack of big names this time around. There are some underhand tactics that may be considered by england. John Terry could be dropped into the hotel where the opposition WAGs are staying. Absolte havoc. And there's always Joey Barton - get him in the opposition changing room before the match. Carnage!
I struggle to take Ukraine seriously when they could be starting the likes of Voronin and Shevchenko.
We are just way too terrible to deserve to go through the group stages. I cannot see any success for England is this tournament whatsoever, I'd be surprised if we won a game. Although this has got to be the first real tournament that the media hasn't hyped England up to a point where the team just thinks if they show up they win the trophy. Everyone now understands the national team is ****
I've realised it for a long time Josh and the last straw for me was the shambolic display against Germany in the last world cup.
The good thing this time is we all know we are pants, we have some class players in the likes of gerrard,young,wellbeck, all match winners on there day !! a mixture of youth and experience, if I was to pick a winner I would not look too much further than Germany tbh, thats where my money will go, the Russians will bottle it, the 88 team was far superior, the dutch have a cracking team on paper but again they will suffer through suspensions, Spain have been found out defend like **** and counter them, Poland will be the dark horses, and Italy will be there or there abouts, and finally France will Implode, well I can hope cant I !!!!! Oh and I expect the Portuguese to make the semis this time...................
I realised it as well but the rest of england didn't which still gave players this almost smugness like attitude
I'm hoping Germany and Holland both make it out of the group of death and the Portuguese suffer an early exit. In the other difficult group, i think both Spain and Croatia will qualify for the 1/4's.
Some very good teams this year a lot of them are on par, whoever does lift the trophy will have a good defense, lets hope for lots of goals and warch the prem clubs pay millions for there services !!! Karel Poborsky anyone ?????????????
