My apologies for the late post.

So England got a much needed win. For a minute there I thought it was going to be the same old story. England 2-1 down to Sweden and facing an early exit.

You've got to give Hodgson credit for bringing on Theo when he did. Good finish from Theo but I think the fact that the entire Swedish team closed him down, left the keeper unsighted. Great header from Carroll though. I bet all you Liverpool fans were thinking you wished you had seen this a bit more this season. Gerrard to Carroll, great ball, great header, great goal. Despite the impact of Theo and the quality of Carroll's header I am still worried by England. They still looked suspect at the back, they did not keep possession well enough and allowed Sweden, who are much weaker than in previous years, to almost snatch victory.

The other thing to say about England, was a great finish by Danny Welbeck. Great adjustment of the feet to score. He will probably be the one who misses out when Rooney returns to the side.

I was so impressed with Zlatan. He is just a class act. So much strength and power. I feel a bit sorry for him playing in such a weak side.

Terry got exposed for being too slow but that was shown all season, yet he was still taken to the Euros. Rio all the way for me. England should beat Ukraine and the key word is 'SHOULD' as you never know with England.

I liked the way France played against Ukraine. Some quality football at times. Nasri played really well as much as it pains me to say it. Cabaye too, showed he really does not look out of place in the team. Menez should be starting ahead of Malouda. He showed some nice skill and capped it all off with a good goal. I fancy France to make light work of Sweden in the last game.

Cannot believe Greece have qualified. How did they beat Russia?!!

Like I said before, they seem to profit from mistakes by the opposition. If a team makes no errors, Greece surely wont score again! Russia crashed out! It just goes to show anything can happen in football.

A real shame yesterday that hosts Poland were knocked out by the Czech Republic. A tournament is always better when the host's are in it for longer. I believe the Polish manager should have gone back to Szezchny in goal, as you have to pick your best players. He may have saved Jiraneks shot that saw them eliminated.

Germany vs Denmark - Germany to win in this one

Holland vs Portugal - A draw with a few red cards

Till next time...

Good morning everyone

My thoughts on Italy vs Croatia:1-1

A game of two halves really. Italy first half and Croatia in the second. First half Italy impressed me moved the ball round really well. Balotelli worked hard but then was really casual when it came to finishing his chances. He really is so unpredictable. So much talent but literally every time he chases down an opposition player you feel he is going to get sent off!!! It will be interesting to see how he gets on for City this year.

I like Marchisio, he looks a good player and I can see how influential he must have been for Juventus this year. Has a good shot on him and moves the ball nicely. No chance of a move for him this summer as I can't see any one leaving the Old Lady after their unbeaten campaign. Pirlo is such a good player. I love the way he glides and seems to float the ball everywhere. A stunning free kick from his just reminded the world of his ability. He seems to be undergoing a real renaissance at Juventus. He needed a fresh challenge after so long at Milan and he looks revitalised.

Thinking about Croatia it was the captain Srna who really stood out. He has been so good for Donetsk and I believe he would be an excellent addition to any of the big premier league sides. Particularly with Chelsea and Arsenal looking to strengthen in that area. He has a great passing range and also has a bit of an edge. He was lucky to stay on the pitch after a clever elbow on the back of Motta's head. He has the skills and the experience to be a real hit in the premier league and after playing in Ukraine for so long maybe he will consider a fresh challenge. Only issue being Donetsk not needing money he may not come cheap.

Italy showed a bit of what Portugal showed in trying to get players booked and feigning injuries. Real shame that these technical sides feel the need to play like this.
Finally Mandzukic got his third of the tournament and he looks a good striker. However I would not get carried away as for me he is a poor man's Dzeko. He is a mid table premier league striker. He is decent in the air but possible someone like Villa or Sunderland would be the kind of level I feel he is at.

 Spain 4-0 Republic of Ireland

Well Spain made no mistakes this time and looked really good and it all was to do with the fact they returned to playing with a recognised striker. Torres looked really sharp last night. His movement, touch and his confidence seem to be returning. This bodes well for Chelsea fans as an in form Torres is as good as anyone. He could prove full his full worth this season and I really want him to get back to his best. It's not so good for the rest of the premier league. Just ask Vidic if he wants Torres back to his best. Spain's depth of squad particularly in midfield is scary. The other player worth mentioning is Jordi Alba who has been linked with move to Barcelona from Valencia especially as Bale looks like he may be out of Barcelona's price range. He has  made that left back spot his own and showed some real moments of quality. He has the composure and he does not look out of place in that side.

I would have liked to have seen Martinez more especially as I cant bear to watch Busquets as he is such a cheat. Not sure where he is heading. Most likely to be City as they look set to miss out on Silva as Milan look set to keep him. His versatility would prove to be a real asset to City and I would look forward to seeing if he could make the transition from a liga to the Premier league. I believe he can as he looks real quality and has age on his side as well.

Sweden vs England -

England to win 2-1. Please do not drop the Ox Roy or play Henderson.

France vs Ukraine-

France to edge this 2-1.

Till next time...

Good morning readers.

First up yesterday was Portugal vs Denmark and what a game it was! It was a must win for Portugal who were under pressure after a defeat in their first match against Germany. Portugal kept faith with under fire striker Helder Postiga and this proved to be a wise decision. The game saw Portugal take the lead early in the first half when Pepe not to dissimilar from Shevchenko's goal against Sweden made a great run across the near post from a corner and flashed a header into the back of the net. Just what Portugal needed. This did wonders for the confidence levels of the players as they became to play some of the football we had come to expect from them. Shortly after this it was 2-0 when Postiga's well controlled finish from Nani's pass found the roof of the net. The manager vindicated by his selection of Postiga after some heavy criticism from Figo and Rui Costa back home.

My biggest complaint about Portugal in this game was the clear attempts to simulate being hit in the face and the overall attempts to get players booked. Players rolling around on the floor after no contact and clutching their face is just a sad sight in football and Portugal really let themselves down here. Ok rant over.

I did however predict that this game would be tough for Portugal and just before half time Denmark pulled one back after a nice Danish move which resulted in Bendtner heading a goal back. This would prove to be enough to galvanise the Danes. The second half was really a tale about Ronaldo who spurned to guilt edged chances one of which he really should have scored. He did not have his best game at all. I think his attitude and frustration through the game was obvious and he did little to justify this as he was the one who wasted the best chances to put the game to bed. This almost proved costly as with fifteen to go Bendtner scored again after a great cross from the right and that was 2-2 and Portugal facing elimination. However to Ronaldo's relief substitute Varela lashed home right before the end to give Portugal the three points.

Germany vs Holland 

Well well you see I told you Germany are the ones to beat in this tournament and last night's victory against Holland has surely ensured that they will top this group of death.

Holland made no changes from the side that lost and its hard to say whether changes would have had any impact to be honest as they just do not compare to this German side. Ok they have in my opinion three world class players in RVP, Sneijder and Robben but the rest of the side in particular the back 5 is just not good enough.

It took the Germans all of about 25 minutes to find the net after a great ball from the maestro Schweinsteiger found his club team mate Gomez who took the ball ever so well and slotted calmly past Steckelenburg and that was 1-0. Holland had missed an early chance through RVP and again their poor finishing cost them as they same combination for the first goal saw Holland opened up again and Gomez again this time with a stunning finish guided the ball home and that was 2-0 and it was going to take a miracle for Holland to get back in this game.

Robben was totally out of sorts and really struggled against his club team mate Lahm and was eventually substituted for Kuyt!!. Sneijder continued to look good but Holland were unable to cope with Germany's mobility and dynamism from midfield. Ozil had a great game and the Dutch had little response. RVP who drew a great save from Neuer did eventually get his goal after a great turn, run and finish which gave Holland hope. However the German machine rolled on and they closed this one out and looked to have all but eliminated Holland.

Spain- Rep Ireland

Spain for me, not much else to say

Italy- Croatia

Tight game but I fancy Italy to snatch this one

Till next time...

Yesterday saw the second round of fixtures begin with the first game seeing Greece play the Czech Republic. Again for me it raised all of the questions from Greece's first game in that I simply do not understand how Greece qualified.

 For me apart from the young defender papadopoulos there is literally no one else worth mentioning as half decent. I mean when Samaras is supposed to be your best player then its going to be a struggle. They found themselves 2-0 down to a much improved Czech side through two early goals courtesy of some shambolic defending. But the strangest thing seems to happen to opposition defenders when playing against Greece, like Szczesny in the first game Petr Cech just lets the ball go through his hands and Greece are now only 2-1 down. There is no logical explanation except that players just lose their minds temporarily allowing Greece back in a game they were totally out of. Under no pressure Poland and Czech Republic somehow found themselves struggling against Greece!!. However the Czechs were able to hold on and secure a massive win leaving them with one match left against hosts Poland.

Russia vs Poland

Prior to this one there had been trouble between rival sets of fans marring what so far has been a peaceful tournament. Even the national anthems of both sides were tense and you could feel the atmosphere was at fever pitch in the stadium. Poland just could not lose this one. Poland certainly started stronger like in the first game against Greece putting Russia under some early pressure. Their best chance of the game came from a set play early on where Malafeev the russian keeper was forced to make a smart save. Russia did look threatening fon the break but it was from a dead ball situation which saw them take a first half lead. Arsharvin teasing cross was headed home by Alan Dzagoev who moves onto three goals with a well timed run and header to put the Russians ahead.

In the second half Poland flew back out of the blocks and ten minutes into the second half they were level down to a fantastic individual goal from Blaszczykowski ( Now I cant even pronounce his name let alone spell it!). He has had another good season at Dortmund and he cut in off the right wing and fired a powerful left foot drive into the net and that was 1-1. The polish fans needed that and the stadium was lifted.

The rest of the game saw both sides press with Russia looking more dangerous. A point leaves Russia on the brink of qualification with Greece to play and leaves Poland with a great chance of progressing if they beat the Czech Republic in their last game.

Denmark - Portugal -

I have a feeling the danes might frustrate Portugal tonight so I am going for a draw. 

Holland- Germany-

Huge game tonight but I fear for the dutch as I expect Germany to edge this one and leave the dutch staring at elimination

Till next time....

Good morning all.

So to England's opening performance against France last night. Well fairly predictable to be honest. They worked hard, kept their shape and were very disciplined which is what you get from a Hodgson side. England's best chance of scoring was always going to be from a dead ball situation and it was no suprise when Lescott nodded home from Captain Fantastic's cross. Great ball in and 1-0 to England. Prior to this utility man James Milner had squandered a glorius chance when he failed to score after rounding Lloris. Milner though picked more because of the shift he would put in and how disciplined defensively he can be. The game also saw the Ox start on the left hand side for England and that was a huge relief as the Stuart Downing has done little to justify his selection in the team and even in the squad! I think the team overall performed well and every one worked hard. Shortly after scoring fans favourite Samir Nasri beat Joe Hart from outside the box and the keeper may have done better but was a nice strike from Nasri. Now Nasri who has certainly found his voice this season has upset alot of Arsenal and United fans and he is guilty of what is an ever growing trend. He forgot who made him the player he is today and show's a complete lack of respect for the club he previously payed for and well its just a shame that he feels he has to express himself in this negative way. Any way the rest of the first half saw France dominate possesion without actaully threatening the England goal to much with some nice approach play.

In terms of a french player that stood out for me was Diarra who was playing in the absence of M'Vila. He tackled and won the ball back really well and was a real physical presence in the middle of the park. The second half saw both sides tire and neither really wanting to over commit with France creating the best chances but never really opening England up. The ref did seem to have a different set of rules for the England players and the french benefited from leniancy from the official. All that a side both teams would probably settled for a draw, fancying themselves to beat Ukraine and Sweden.

Ukraine vs Sweden

Well the blast from the past was Shevchenko last night who's two goals saw Ukraine come back from a goal down to claim a vital win for the host. Sweden had lead through Zlatan's second half goal but this was quicly turned on its head by Shevchenko. What a legend!! Although Chelsea fans may not agree, Shevchenko was one of the world's best strikers of the last 10 years and his time at AC Milan was a real demonstration of his quality. He has given the hosts a real chance of qualifying as they will now take a huge amount of confidence into the next game and a postive result against France or England will see them qualify.

In other news Arsenal are linked with Giroud the Montpellier front man responsible for scoring and leading them to the Ligue 1 title this year. Arsenal fans will be hoping Chamakh is part of the deal to bring the french striker in rather than him being a replacement for RVP.

Also PSG look set to add Lavezzi to their squad as they look to amount a challenge on next season's champions league and also look set to hold talks with AC Milans Thiago Silva and are reportedly set to bid for Luka Modric and if they were able to secure these two as well then really would be a force to be reckoned with. However a long way to go in these two deals.

Other reports see Kalou linked with move to Schalke or Liverppol. Not sure if that is a signing Liverpool fans will want. Also Felliani has stated his desire to play champions league football and I do fear for Everton and their abiltity to hold onto the impressive Belgian 

Tonight's game are Russia vs Poland with for me Russia the favourites here as they will prove to much for Poland

The other game is Greece vs Czech republic and well I think its anyones's guess reallty but I will go for a draw

Good Morning all

So to last nights fixtures, first of all to Spain the tournament 'favourites'.
Spain to the suprise of many selcted an eleven that had no recognised striker as they went with a 6 man midfield/ forward line with Fabregas as the player charged with being the most advanced player. For me this just was abit arrogant from the spanish. The arrogance probably stems from the amount of Barcelona players in the side. Spain reminded so much of Barcelona who I have very much fallen out of love with and I found my self wanting Italy to win. Spain like Barce dont like to be tackled or pressed and just expect to turn up and be allowed to play and for the oppostion to lay down. Italy carried for me a far greater threat than the spanish in the first half and if it was not for a great save from Casillas from Motta's header the spanish would have found themselves behind at half time. Spains threat came from the magician that is Iniesta who showed some great feet at times. Pirlo demonstrated his ability to play a ball from any where and out shown his spanish counterparts in the first half. I was also really impressed with De Rossi who deputised at centre back and swept up really well and he also impressed with his passing.

The second half saw the replacing of Balotelli with Di Natale. Di Natale is like a good wine who is just getting better with age. His runs and intelligence off the ball is fantastic and has had another great season with Udinese and he latched onto Pirlo's pass and finsished well to give Italy the lead. They say you are most vunerable when you have just scored and this proved to be the case as a few minutes later Spain were level. Fabregas combined with Silva to unlock the Italian defence and Spain were level.

The rest of the game saw chances fall to both sides with Di natale missing a good chance for Italy and Torres missing a couple for Spain. Torres appears to have been blamed for Spain's failure to win this game. However his first chance for me was just great goal keeping from Buffon. His second chance saw his try to lob Buffon and wasn't far away. Spain's failure to win for me falls on the manager who started and played most of the game without a striker. With Torres, LLorente and Negredo on the bench!!! I still fancy Spain to win the next two games but not the ideal start for the holders.

Croatia vs Republic of Ireland

I did not see this game but have watched the highllights and due to some poor defending from the Irish they start the tournament with a defeat. Croatia proved to much on the night and Modric and Jelavic stood out for me. Mandzukic scored to useful headers and some slack defending saw Jelavic score a second. Ireland will have it all to do now with games against Italy and Spain to come. Croatia on the other hand have given themseleves a great chance to progress into the latter stages.


England vs France

Big game tonight and Hodgson has it all to do as the jury is still very much out on him and so he faces a huge challenge if England dont win tonight.

Sweden vs Ukraine

This one looks a draw all over with both sides around the same ability.

 

Good morning sports fans!!

I have got to start with yesterday's opening fixture which saw Holland take on Denmark. I do not think many people had this one down as a Danish win.
The game saw Holland leave out Huntelaar who has scored a monstrous amount of goals this season scoring 48 in 48 for Schalke, opting for Afellay on the left who has played very little this season having had a injury ravaged season with Barcelona. Could the dutch have played RVP on the left and Huntelaar through the middle? possibly but for me the decision to play both De Jong and Van Bommel was the one that was more questionable. Against the Danes who were always going to setup to counter attack is there any need to play two holding midfield players? 

Anyway the game saw Holland dominate the first half creating a raft of chances which the dutch were guilty of wasting. This was punished just 20 minutes in when some poor dutch defending would see Krohn-Delhi score and give the danes something to hold on to and defend. Its a nice piece of skill to create the opening for himself but its all to easy as the entire dutch defence falls for the dummy and then Steckelenburg is megged with finish. The dutch defence is quite honestly terrible and they looked suspect all day, however even with the defence as it is the dutch had an abundance of attacking threats to win the game comfortably. The dutch were unlucky in that Robben struck the woodwork after some slopping play from the danish goalkeeper who would have been the most relieved man in the stadium when the ball came back off the post. So we come to RVP he by his own very high standards failed to convert a number of opportunities that we have seen all season long be dispatched into the back of the net. 

On a number of occasions he lost his footing and even had a poor first touch with his left which meant he was unable to finish a chance fashioned by the ever impressive Wesley Sneijder ( Check out the video of Sneijder on the videos page). I do not think it was any more than a bad day at the office for RVP as some people were suggesting burnout and even big fish small pond syndrome. I do not think this is the case as his record during qualifying has been good and his international record overall is good. Sneijder for me was the man of the match. He dictated the play and all passing range was a joy to behold with a pass in the second half to Huntelaar with the outside of the boot being the pick of the bunch and you wont see a better pass all tournament. So should we be shocked by Denmark? Well they topped their qualifying group ahead of Portugal and are very tough to beat with a very good centre back pairing of Agger and Kjaer who was very impressive all game and were the stand out performers for the Danes. Agger in particular had an excellent game keeping RVP and co at bay. 

Eriksen was quiet for the danes but the danes as a team worked so hard for each other and played some nice football at times. Robben was wasteful at times choosing the wrong option opting most times to shoot with players in better positions. Holland should have a penalty for a hand ball in the second half but they had more than enough chances to get back in the game. You do have to ask what the extra official is doing if he could not see a hand ball 6 yards away!!. Even Huntelaar missed a great chance and the game ended 1-0 to Denmark who now go into the game against Portugal knowing a win will see them through. They have an excellent record in recent times against Portugal and another spirited performance could see them through. Holland however have it all to do with a huge game next against Germany where only a win will do.

Germany vs Portugal

Unfortunately I missed this game but was following the text updates on my phone and have seen the highlights since. I predicted a narrow win for the germans and they dully delivered. In what was always going to be a tight game  saw Portugal frustrate the germans for large spells and it was Portugal who had the best chance of the first half when Pepe's shot came back of the underside of the bar and hit the line. Luckily for Germany the linesman got this one right which has not always been the case with these sorts of decisions. Ronaldo and Nani threatened in the second half but Portugal's lack of a decent striker would mean opportunities were going to be limited. Portugal have failed to produce a decent striker since Pauleta and Postiga and Almeida for me just do not cut it. So with 15 to go a deflected cross from the right saw Mario Gomez rise to plant his header into the corner and with that kind of chance he is not going to miss. Many were upset by his inclusion ahead of Klose but the manager was proved right in his selection of the Bayern front man and although Portugal did have some chances late on Neuer was up to the task and Germany who look set to go along way in this competition open with a 1-0 win.

Elsewhere yesterday Argentina beat Brazil 4-3 the highlights of which are on the videos page. The game saw Messi score a hat trick but for me it is just a friendly and He still has much to do on the international stage when it really counts.

Harry Redknapp in the BBC studio expressed how he would have had a tough time saying no to the england job and instead we have Roy Hodgson who will make England tough to beat so expect some great football guys!!. Harry's future though still undecided and Im sure I will revisit this topic again soon.

To todays games:

Spain vs Italy

I am going to go for Spain but I do feel like the Germany game it will be close. I am excited to see Balotelli as you just never know what to expect!!!.

Rep Ireland vs Croatia

This is an interesting one with Ireland proving hard to beat under Trappatoni and Croatia not being the force they were. I think it will be a draw. Modric and co will find the irish a hard nut to crack.

Some outrageous gossip this morning linking Nasri with a move back to Arsenal!! Yeah right, No way will that happen. Not much else really worth mentioning. 

Enjoy the games

Till next time.....

Wow what an opening round of games!

Let's start with the opening game where the hosts Poland met the Greeks. Poland made an impressive start and were all over Greece in the first half. Their pressure high up the pitch proved too much to cope with and the lack of quality from the greeks was really apparent and I had to ask the question how did they even qualify? Then it arrived! The first goal and from that man Robert Lewandowski who I predicted would do well and in light of the recent speculation linking him with Manchester United did his chances no harm by converting an excellent cross from the right with a textbook header and that was 1-0. Poland failed to take the chances that followed and their chances of winning the opening game seem to be improved when just before half time the Greeks were reduced to 10. An embarrassing series of decisions by the referee saw the first red card of the tournament. Really harsh call from the ref and considering he had played advantage so much up to this point it came out of the blue as there had not been a tackle worth mentioning up to this point.
Just before the half closed due to injury the Greeks brought on the young defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos from Schalke ( Great buy on Football Manager btw) who ended up having a immense game and sured up a shaky defence and it asks the question why was not he starting?. At only 20 he could prove to a real up and coming star after an impressive campaign in Germany this season. Greece made another change at half time and brought on Salpingidis. I know a real game changer! as they took of there most creative player in Ninis but not long after the restart Greece, after a terrible error from Wojciech Szczesny( Please do not ask me to spell his name again!) found themselves level. It was that man Salpingidis!! I think the phrase "Stay on your line son" very much applies and it would prove to be very costly for the poles. When a goalkeeper has nothing to do for long periods of the game sometimes they feel this need to get involved and end up making a rash decision. Particularly a young keeper, as what makes a keeper great is there ability to remain focused despite spending large chunks of the game with nothing to do. Van der Sar was so good at this and the young pole will learn and his desire to impress will mature into learning to remain calm and not get carried away as he did. Before that I really did not see how the Greeks were going to score as they had posed no threat but it just goes to show mistakes at this level nearly always get punished. The game then got worse for Poland as were reduced to 10 when the young arsenal goalkeeper brought down super sub Salpingidis who latched onto a nice through ball. Lat man and he had to go but again maybe could have stayed on his line and not rushed in but he is still learning and was left exposed as the defence stood static after the pass through. Salpingidis then celebrates and if you have not seen it its worth a watch!. So old man captain Karagounis aged 49 steps up and I was just about to tweet about how unbelievable it was that Greece looked they were going to win this one, when he saw his penalty saved from the sub keeper. Incredible stuff and a very relieved Szczesny celebrated in the changing room. I had predicted a close game but I did not expect this much drama from these two. However after this the game very much fizzled out with both teams cancelling each other out. Credit the Greeks for their hard work and industry but the Poles really did not go for it and both seemed happy with a point at the end as the game finished 1-1.

The second match of the night saw Russia meet the Czech Republic. I had predicted a close tentative encounter and how wrong was I. Russia tore the Czechs apart with some stunning football and a total understanding of one another enabled them to win this one with relative ease in the end. Russia were good but the Czechs were awful. After some impressive counter attacks were the russians failed to convert the subsequent chances, saw them break down the right and a stunning cross was met by Kerzhakov who was unlucky to hit the post with his header but the ball fell kindly to young Alan Dzagoev who made no mistake with the rebound. The CSKA star has a very bright future ahead of him and Im glad as he is in my dream team for the Euros!!!. 1-0 quickly became 2-0 when Arshavin who was fantastic all night found Shirokov who deft finish over Czech was sublime. He was not tracked by Kadlec the Czech left back who was horribly exposed all night. Arshavin looked like the player arsenal signed a few years back and not the Arshavin who left mid season on loan back to Zenit. He controlled and dictated the game and Arsenal fans would have been scratching their heads as to the transformation in him and asking Why he had not shown this form for the gunners this season. The loan back to his homeland has done him no end of good and Zenit look to be in talks to make the deal permanent. After half time the Czechs brought on a DM (defensive midfielder) and it had well a small impact for the first 10 or 15 mins of the second half. Russia were guilty of wasting several chances, well i say Russia I mean Kerzhakov!. He missed a hatful of chances and was later to be replaced as his manger ran out of patience with the former Sevilla man. Russia were made to pay when Plasil found Pilar who rounded the keeper and cooly slotted home to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Pilar was the Czechs best player and he was energetic and really tried all night with some nice skill he stood out for me which was not hard as the rest of the Czechs were poor. I did feel sorry for Tomas Rosicky who found himself in a really ordinary side and he was unable to manufacture anything for his side. Another player he failed to turn up on the night was Baros who was very ineffectual against the two russian centre backs who dominated him all night. He just is not the same player and it showed. Russia's team is mainly formed from Zenit players with a sprinkling from CSKA and this level of understanding between the players was clear to see particularly from the three in the middle of the park. Finally when Kerzhakov was removed and replaced by that man Pavlyuchenko who Spurs fans know well, it was he who found Dzagoev who finished with real power to put the game to bed with just over 10 mins to go. He was really under used by Spurs in my view and he showed his class when he got himself on the scoresheet after some great indivual play followed by an absolute rocket that Cech had no chance of saving. 4-1 Russia win and they look to be clear favourite to top this group and sent a real message last night. 


To todays games: Netherlands vs Denmark

I think the dutch will have to much for the danes and although the danes may provide some resistance I think holland's quality will tell and they will win this one. Watch out for Eriksen for Denmark who has been impressive for his side Ajax this season as they ended as champions of the Eredivisie. Holland with the likes of RVP, Robben and Sneijder will be looking to make up for a dissapointing performance in the world cup final 2 years ago and have a point to prove.

Germany vs Portugal

Germany as always will be strong and will overcome Portugal as they for me have a great chance of winning the Euros this time round. You never know in football though and Portugal with Ronaldo and Nani have real quality in certain areas and can score from nothing. Even with Ronaldo as great a player as he is I think Germany will prevail in this one as their blend of youth and experience seems to be spot on. Watch out for Dortmund winger Mario Goetze who is rated as the best talent in German football right now.

Not much gossip in the papers this morning. Only more the the RVP saga with his father saying he will not move to another premiership team leaving Juventus as the only option but who know with this one. Kevin Strootman is linked with United and Their fans will get a chance to see him in action tonight for Holland against Denmark

I rattled on a bit too long and now for some breakfast!

Enjoy the games

Till next time.....

Well its finally here the European championships and what an amazing first two opening fixtures!!!

Its Poland vs Greece and Russia vs Czech Republic!
On paper these fixtures appear that they will be boring and taking into account that in any major tournament no one wants to lose their first game these games will probably be really boring draws! I fancy Poland to edge it against Greece especially being the home nation and Lewandowski being a lethal finisher. Thats leads me onto Lewandowski who according to the Poland  Manager is set to join Manchester United who look set to lose Berbatov this summer. Although Lewandowski may not be the name United fans will be wanting to compete with the likes of City and others like Cavani may have been preferred I think Lewandowski would prove to be an excellent addition to United and add some experience to a youthful frontline.
The second fixture sees Russia meet the Czechs which looks for all the world to be a draw. Russia are probably slightly stronger but it will be very close.

The morning papers linked Modric again with a move up north to Manchester United who look set to revisit their feeder club spurs. Ideal signing for united who look to find the replaceemnt for Paul Scholes and in what frankly is an ordinary middle of the park, Modric would be a welcome addition. I think it will take a bid of around £25-30 million would see the croatian make the move. He has performed exeptionally well this season in the light of last summers protracted transfer saga with Chelsea. Spurs will be fighting hard this summer to hold onto key players how ever if someone has to be sacrificed then Modric will be the one to go.

Transfer rumours have cooled slightly with the Euros now so close but as they break I will feedback to you guys.

The other issue at the moment is the racial abuse being aimed at players of the dutch squad and Fifa really do have to address this as it unacceptable and for Platini to suggest Balotelli or any player leaving the field due to racial abuse should and will be booked just indicates how out of touch or how much Fifa are in denial about the issue!!!

Till next time...

Its here finally!!! The ultimate football blog!

Where to begin?? 

Well let's start with the england squad. For me, it's the same old story of not picking players who will give us that cutting edge and have the ability to be creative. For example, where are the likes of Scott Sinclair, Nathan Dyer, Aaron Lennon, Adam Johnson and Daniel Sturridge. How will we ever know how to play attacking and entertaining football if we do not pick the players which will enable the team to do so. The likes of Downing and Henderson will not give the team much in wide areas as we have seen for Liverpool this season.

The basis of selection for the England squad should be form...

No Holt, Graham or Crouch all of whom have far more prolific seasons in terms of goal scoring than the likes of Andy Carrol. How can we expect players to want to play for their country if they are not selected when their form has justified it. 

Take Micah Richards for example.. On form has be selected ahead of Glen Johnson but the selection process seems to have little correlation to club form.

So to the Euro's.......

England will always be tough to beat how ever the group they find themselves in is a tricky one and it looks like they will have to play well to even qualify. I do fear if an opening defeat in the first group game could be costly and the subsequent media pressure will make the next game even tougher. Key men for me initially are Young and Wellbeck who's understanding developed from their  season at Manchester United could be the key to unlocking the defences of the group opponents.

Player to watch: Robert Lewandowski- An amazing season for Dortmund and could lead home nation Poland into the latter stages.

Till next time...