After all the controversy across the past fortnight, Roy Hodgson will be dying to get things started at Euro 2012. As an opening game though, France is one of the toughest about and there’s no way they’ll be as bad as they were in South Africa. France’s capitulation at the World Cup was an embarrassment for the nation and Les Bleus need to make amends.
Laurent Blanc’s side arrive at the Euros in good nick and they haven’t been beaten for 22 straight internationals. Roy Hodgson can boast of a 100% record so far, although Belgium and Norway are clearly not in France’s league. It’s very rare that the Three Lions head to a tournament with relatively little pressure and I fancy them to get further than most expect.
From Hodgson’s opening two games we have seen a well-organised and pragmatic set-up that will prove tough to beat. With only 16 teams in the tournament England cannot afford a slow start as there are no gimmies. Hodgson knows this and will keep things tight in the opener and then look to take down Sweden and Ukraine.
England have looked strong at the back over the past two outings, but the French three-pronged attack will cause plenty of problems on Monday. Karim Benzema has picked up where he left off for Real Madrid for the national side and he’ll likely be supported on the flanks by Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri. England’s back five will need to be at the height of their powers and we’ve seen in the past that a lack of concentration at the death can be costly – remember 2004.
It will be a challenge, but England are capable of holding the French to a point.
Ireland get their tournament underway with a tricky contest against Croatia. Giovanni Trapattoni has worked wonders for the Irish and they are molded in the Italian’s style. That has been reflected in their superb defensive effort which has seen them string together 14 games without defeat.
I remember first hand from my time in Germany that the Croats are some of the best technical players out there. That has continued all the way through and Luka Modric and Nikica Jelavic are two of Europe’s top stars.
Ireland just don’t have the same attacking threat, although Robbie Keane remains a great player. Unfortunately he’s at the wrong end of his career and he doesn’t have the support around him. Croatia’s superior attacking options give them the edge and I fancy them to eventually break through the well-organised Irish back line.
Betting on BETDAQ – Alan’s Punts:
France v England: Back the draw at 3.2
Ireland v Croatia: Back Croatia at 2.37
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