Also English press is telling England to play like Chelsea in CL
So, I did read well lol
I was almost surprised to hear that.
Anyways, boring or not, England's team is not good.
Coming to Big teams.
Spain: Clearly favorites IMO. Two things against them are the lack of 2 key players (Villa/Puyol) and the fact that no teams have won a 3rd major National Competition in a row. Spain just won Euro, followed by WC and a treble will be historic. Germany nearly did it 1972 (Euro), 1974 (WC) and 1976 (losing the Euro final on penalties). Otherwise, Spain has the better squad and the loss of Villa might not even be felt.
Italy: Are poised to make Spain's group stages difficult. Despite their history, they are no favorites to win the CL. Still, it will be an important Euro for them since there'll be many new players starting this time. It's like fresh start and this newer generation will learn a lot from this Euro.
Netherlands: Are still one of the favorites. They've got a strong team, they'll just need to play well.
Germany: They've been gratifying 3rd places for some time now. And it isn't the multitudes of Bayern players who've just have blank season - culminated by that loss against Chelsea - who'll give fresh mood to this German squad. They've got great young and experienced players though and perhaps, it's finally their time after all these delusional years. They are favorites as every year but they should hope that it isn't like every other year
Portugal: Got the worst group of this campaign. But I guess, that takes off all pressure from them since many don't even see them to eliminate one of the Giants like Holland or Germany. Yet, I'll support them in their matches. I always liked Portugal team since 2002 and will be nice if they spring up a good surprise. Oh yeah, I forgot CR7 doing a good Euro might lead him to Ballon D'Or.
England: As much as I'd like to support England, there are players (like Cahill, Downing, Caroll) who shouldn't have been selected. There's no way that Downing is better than Carrick. Plus Rooney is out for the Group Stages matches. He's even joining England friendlies as injured like for WC 2010. I definitely won't be surprised if England don't pass the Group Stages. Atleast Chelsea were favorites in the CL's group stages. It's not even that case here. Oh well, I'll still support England but I have no logical hope of them winning it. It's just have blind faith.
France: Started pretty well their reconstruction after the world theatrical comedy in South Africa. Blanc took a good team with him unlike Hodgson. I just hope that he uses it well. Personally, I won't use Ribery, Evra or other key players who did wrong due to ego in last WC. It's fitting opportunity to use the Génération 1987 again. All 4 (Nasri, Ben Arfa, Menez and Benzema) are well in their own clubs right now and could oil the French offensive team pretty well. This foursome were National Champions in several competitions during their early careers. Personally, they have better chance than England and could make a good Euro if they doesn't mess it up. Both on the field and behind the fields specially.
