England Euro 2012: Over before it's begun?

To say the build up hasn't been ideal would be putting things very mildly indeed, as Englishman we are used to the ruff and tumble world of the national team.  The last few months however have contributed to serve up a stark reminder of how far behind we actually are, in fact the last week could have done that all on it's own.

If we cast our mind back it was the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the captain's armband, for a second time, that led to Fabio Capello stepping aside.  The FA then decided it would wait until the end of the season, or very near to, to appoint his successor.  Giving the new man a month, or thereabouts, to prepare for a major tournament.  Perfect!

The country was swept with Harry Redknapp fever, but it was in fact Roy Hodgson who was given the hot seat.  His squad selection caused debate, two scrappy 1-0 wins did nothing to raise expectation and then the whole injury dilemma kicked in.  For a team well prepared this latter problem would be fairly difficult to deal with, so for England at the moment it must verge on catastrophic.  Not to mention Time Magazine's 'world's most disappointing team' tag, something that is hard to disagree with.

The injury to Gary Cahill is the latest debate, why on earth hasn't Rio Ferdinand been given the chance to join up?  A country once again castrating the new man in the job before he has even been given a fair crack of the whip.  Why not just give him a chance to do things his way and then judge when he has gone?

The Euro's are no doubt a lost cause so it's all about preparing for the World Cup in Brazil 2014, so in that case the selection of Martin Kelly is surely a good one.  Giving the future of English football the chance to travel and be around the squad at a major tournament could be ideal, as it could with the likes of Phil Jones, Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Hodgson is causing plenty of debate

In that case why not stand back, with the already low expectations, and judge how our appearance in this competition could help progression in the future.  Why take an ageing Rio Ferdinand who won't be making the trip to South America in two years time?  Let's make a decision to leave some of the ageing stars at home, and blend youth in with this squad.  Those who will be charged with taking the country forward, hopefully, for many years to come.

The recent friendly against Belgium did, however, highlight a huge gulf that does exist.  Hodgson's well organised troops did of course close out the victory, but by having a look at the playmaker of both teams you can see the difference.

Ashley Young v Eden Hazard: minutes played 67-90, passes 7-71, assists 1-0, key passes 3-6, shots 0-4, pass completion 58%-87%.  

Many will point to the assist statistic, but the truth is give away that much against a more accomplished opposition and you will be punished.  And there lies the major problem.

Flair is not something we are overly used to, but will have to become a major feature should we progress.  Can this be brought in two years before the next World Cup?  Roy will certainly have to break a defensive habit that currently exists, but let's sit back and let him go about trying his way.

Future Stars - Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva

This is a player that we have been hearing a lot about recently, with the youngster seemingly being linked to every club in Europe never mind just the Premier League.  Lucas, or Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva to give him his full name, is no doubt an incredibly talented footballer which is emphasised by the huge price that is on his head.

Lucas started his career at Brazlian giants Corinthians, only managing three years in their youth set up however before an early move of clubs ensued.  Sao Paulo signed up the enigmatic midfielder, and he has since gone from strength to strength.

He stepped up to the first team in 2010 and made his debut in September of the same year, under the name 'Marcelinho.'  This was due to the fact he attended Marcelinho Carioca's football school, but he quickly went back on this and informed of his intention to be called Lucas.

Lucas (right) with fellow starlet Neymar

From an early age it was clear he was something special, especially when his club captain Rogerio Ceni announced his importance to the club.  In addition to stating the future impact that Lucas could have, Ceni also announced Lucas could possess such talent that he could be the best since Kaka to come through the ranks at Sao Paulo.

Last year the international scene beckoned, where he has now hit double figures in appearances and could be crucial to any future success.

It is not known what the future holds for Lucas, with Brazilian football going through somewhat of a renaissance at the moment.  Past greats are returning and young stars seem to want to stay, but Europe will surely be on the agenda at some point.

His club side, it is said, have placed a £70m price on his head, a figure that could perhaps be deterring sides at the moment.  Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been muted amongst others, and when the time does come he will surely move for big bucks but for a fee significantly less than that mentioned.

Lucas could become a crucial figure at any of the continents biggest clubs, whilst also being key to his nations World Cup hopes on home soil in 2014.

Transer flops - Robinho

Huge expectations were placed on the shoulders of Robinho when Manchester City shelled out big bucks to bring him to Eastlands in 2008.  The Brazlian was a sign of intent from the Abu Dhabi United Group, who upon taking over on transfer deadline day highlighted to the world how serious they were about taking the club to the top of the tree.

After beginning his career at hometown club Santos he enjoyed stellar years as the goals flowed, except a minor blip in 2004/05 season after his mother was kidnapped by gunmen.  Europe clamoured to prise the youngster away in 2004 but the club declined all offers, and the man who made his debut aged 18 in 2002 endured one more season.

After two Campeonato Brasileiro triumphs the big move finally came about in 2005, with Real Madrid beating off all competition by paying 60 per cent of the £24m realise clause inserted into his contract (just short of £15m).  Wearing the number 10 shirt, previously donned by Luis Figo, he endured a solid first season in La Liga scoring 14 goals in 37 appearances.

However at the start of the 2006/07 campaign he found himself out of favour at the club, being deemed too flashy by the new regime that was instilled under President Ramon Calderon and manager Fabio Capello.  After being returned to the starting line up for the second half of the season, he did his bit in helping the club claim the La Liga title.  When Capello was fired Bernd Schuster came in, bringing back the confidence with a run of games in the first team.

Barcelona were once again kept at bay, and despite injury playing it's part, a second La Liga title and fourth in total was on it's way.  Robinho finished the season with 11 league goals and eight assists, and in the process was, along with Iker Casillas, the only Madrid player to finish in the top ten of Fifa's World Player of the Year nominations.

All wasn't well behind the scenes though, with Calderon reportedly going back on promises of a new contract.  The Brazilian himself has since stated talks didn't materialise because the club wanted to use him as bait in transfer dealings, most notably as part exchange or a sale to help fund a move for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.  All this for a player who was thried highest goalscorer at the club during his tenure, and also second in the asssist rankings.

So onto Manchester, where City beat Chelsea to the signature the London club thought was definitely going to go their way.  The Stamford Bridge club have since stated Madrid's asking price was the problem, not a problem for the newly rich sky blues who shelled out £32.5m.  Mark Hughes, gaffer at the time, said after the transfer "This is a real statement of intent as to the ambitions of this club."  Unfortunately intent he wouldn't be around to see, although neither was the player himself.

After a wonderful start, scoring on his debut at home to Chelsea, the hype proved too much and he couldn't settle in England.  Home form was no problem for the player, but away from home he struggled continuously.  The second season proved even more disappointing, when after an injury sidelined him for months he found himself down the pecking order.  This resulted in a move away being sought, and he headed back to his homeland.

Former club Santos were the destination, after the two clubs agreed to a six month loan deal.  Upon arriving back he helped the club win the Copa Brasil for the first time in club's history, while stating he would rather stay with the club than return to England.  However City didn't want the loan deal extending and with Santos not putting an offer in, he had no choice but to go back to the club against his will.

With it being no secret a move was being looked for, Fenerbache and Besiktas opened talks but the player himself refused to move to Turkey and instead held on for Italy or Spain.  And late on in the transfer window he got his wish, with AC Milan making a move to take the player for £15m.  At the club he does seem to seem to have returned to form, scoring 14 goals in 34 appearances during the 2010/11 season where he helped the club to a Serie A victory.  In addition to this he also won the Italian Supercup this season, beating near rivals Inter Milan in the process.

On an international level, his first cap came in 2003 and he has been somewhat of an ever present since.  He has won two Confederations Cups in 2005 and 2009 and one Copa America in 2007, but is yet to taste World Cup victory.  However with the 2014 World Cup being help in the samba nation, Robinho could have a chance to taste the ultimate victory.  That is if he can keep playing football with a smile on his face, maintain form and keep a place in the squad at the age of 30.

Future stars - Alex Sandro

Not a big name in the world of football just yet, but Alex Sandro is the latest in a long line of hugely talented young Brazilian footballers.  The 20-year-old  wing back joined FC Porto this summer, with the Portuguese club continuing to purchase young South Americans with the aim of selling them on for a huge profit.  Something they do incredibly well.

Sandro's instincts are very much to attack above defend, something we have become accustomed to seeing from Brazilian's in this position.  And also something that has become common place in Portugal.

Atletico Paranaense is where the promising youngster started his career, coming through their younth ranks and making his debut in the first team in October 2008.  The next year he was well and truly established within the ranks of the first team, but Atletico knew they would soon be under intense pressure to keep hold of such a promising star.

And when Santos' financial might came knocking, they were powerless to keep hold.  Sandro joined the star-studded squad assembled by the Brazilian club,  who also boast fellow hopefuls for the future Ganso and Neymar.  After settling into life quickly in this side, it was expected he would stay on with his two compatriots who rejected huge overtures to move to Europe in the summer.

However FC Porto's persistence paid off, beating rivals Benfica to the signature, and Sandro was on the move again and joined for around £8m.  This transfer followed hugely successful turnouts in both the South American Youth Championships and Fifa Under-20 World Cup.  Although following an injury in the latter, his participation on club level had to be delayed.  Only recently has he made his debut for the Portuguese giants.

This is yet another example of Porto buying for the future, like we have seen on many occasion.  Just think Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves etc, players who joined for pittance and left for massive sums.  This time they have another peach, a player who loved to attack but can also defend very well and given a good two years could see his place in Brazil's 2014 World Cup squad secured.

Future Stars - Coutinho

Brazilian Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, better known by just the latter, is one of the few things Rafael Benitez did right at Inter Milan. Giving the attack minded 19-year-old his Serie A debut in an otherwise unsuccessful stint in charge of the Nerazzurri.

Originally signed my Inter in 2008, red tape meant he was unable to ply his trade at the Italian giants until last year. Up until that point he was loaned back to his native country, where Vasco De Gama took him under their wing for two years.

Now officially in Milan, he has made quite an impression, and is one of many Brazilian players who could be charged with winning the World Cup on home soil. With the Samba nation currently going though something of a transitional period, a new breed, not too dissimilar to England, will be trusted with bringing back pride to a damaged nation after South Africa 2010.

Until that point an already promising club career will surely continue to prosper. Interest is already starting to come from around Europe, such has been his impression in such a short space of time.

Future Stars - Douglas Costa

As a youngster in his native Brazil, Douglas Costa was surrounded by constant hype and talk of a big money move to Europe.

The attacking midfielder has been a long time target for Real Madrid and Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side still heavily linked.

After coming through the youth ranks at Gremio, he made the step up into the first team.

And with only a handful of appearances under his belt, the rumours already started to circle.

However he stuck it out for two years, making 28 appearances and scoring two goals in the process.

When the time did come to make the big move to Europe, it wasn't one of the typical giants of the European game that snapped up the youngster.

Instead it was big spending Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk who signed the promising star.

His scoring rate has improved dramatically during his time in Europe, and the big names continue to be linked.

With Costa himself often fanning the flames of a potential move to Manchester United.

For now though he remains at Shakhtar as well as being an integral part of the Brazil under-20s side.

But watch this space, before too long Costa will be gracing the world stage at one the worlds best sides.

The final looms!

The pinnacle of world football is almost upon us, with Spain and Holland all but ready to contest the 2010 World Cup final.

South Africa has thrown a fantastic football party, and one of world top nations is about to shed it's 'underachievers' tag.

Holland have not lost a game at this years tournament, and this coupled with the fact they also went unbeaten during qualifying makes them a daunting proposition.

Some said they breezed through a mediocre qualifying phase, but they have answered all their critics as they stand on the brink of greatness.

Largely hailed as the best side not to win the World Cup, this current crop of Dutch stars could etch their names on the record list for many years to come.

Key to success are of course the fearsome duo of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, the latter of which is an unlikey joint top scorer.

Against Brazil he bagged both goals, as Holland showed great grit and determination to come from behind against the side who many tipped to go all the way this year.

Uruguay were pushed asisde, with a stern defence also showing they can get on the score sheet as Giovanni Van Bronkhorst smashed in a stunner.

Also if Gregory Van Der Wiel and Nigel De Jong are restored to the line up, they will field shirt numbers 1-11.

The group phase was a pushover as were the qualifying and last 16 stages, could they be about to lift their first World Cup.

Spain on the other hand are the pinnacle of beautiful passing football.

With a large crop of Barcelona players, seven of which started the semi-final against Germany, this hardly suprising.

David Villa is once again topping the scoring charts, along with Sneijder, with Andres Iniesta and either Pedro or the mis-firing Fernando Torres expected to sit just behind him in a three pronged attack.

Iker Casillas has put som early dodgy performances behind him, with his defence looking stronger with each passing game.

From the midfield Xavi is no doubt the key man.

He touched the ball every 46 seconds in the semi, and along with Xabi Alonso the pair form a fearsome duo with a wide array of passing ability.

After defeat to Switzerland in the first game Spain have come back stronger, and with them being widely fancied for the trophy before the tournament they could become the first side in history to win the Euro's and then the World Cup.

Beside all the debate one thing is for certain, this year will be the first time a European side has won the World Cup outside of Europe.

Before that happens though their is the little matter of the third/fourth placed play off.

Uruguay haven't beaten a European side in their last 14 attempts, since defeat to germany at the same stage in 1970.

It should be an excting conclusion, to the best sports event in world sport.

Brazilians showing their class!

As we prepare for the quarter finals of the World Cup to kick-off, only one thing has been certain in the duration of the tournament so far.

That is that Brazil have to be the over whelming favourites to take the title.

No one has come close to matching them so far, not even Portugal as you might argue.

Even though they drew 0-0, it was simply to cement both sides places in the round of 16.

Julio Cesar looks solid if not a world class as goalkeeper, while their defence is also looking more stable.

A place where Brazil have traditionally suffered is now a strong point, watch out the rest of the World Cup.

Who ever the play as holding midfielder aren't just one dimensional.

As well as breaking up play, they can also set up attacks whether that be with storming runs or defence splitting passes.

Then, finally, we come to the free flowing attackers that everyone loves the samba superstars for.

Their strength in attack, with Fabiano, Kaka, Robinho etc, is just too much to handle.

Even Elano, an outcast at Manchester City, seems to be loving life at the World Cup with Brazil.

While Holland will be a test today, no one can stand in the way of Brazil on their quest for a sixth World Cup triumph.

Wins breed confidence, so this side must be simply unstoppable.

Group G

Brazil - World Ranking 1

After enduring a difficult spell at the helm of the Brazilian national side, Dunga has come out the other side and is now enjoying a successful spell. They breezed to the top of their qualifying group, and completed a worthwhile warm up by winning the Confederations Cup last summer.

The last time Brazil failed to get past the group stage was in 1966, so there isn't really a group of death to the Brazilians. Although it isn't the best group of players they've took to a tournament, Dunga has got them playing well and with confidence and they are second favourites behind Spain.

Strengths

Luis Fabiano has been a revelation after eventually been given a chance to impress in the national fold. He looks like a born number nine, and is excelling in this current squad. If anyone is to challenge Euro 2008 top scorer David Villa for that mantle this Summer, it looks like it could well be Brazil's Sevilla front man.

Experience is the name of the game for Brazil, with most of those selected having been to major tournament and plying their trade at top clubs. In addition to this, there is the fact that no European side has won a World Cup held outside of Europe. Something that will no doubt have the Samba stars brimming with confidence.

Weaknesses

While experience is a good thing in a squad, there usually has to be a good mix with youth for a side to ultimately become successful. With nine players selected over 30 and only 2 at 25 being the youngest, it could become a problem that affects progress in the latter stages.

This team is also not as strong as Brazil sides we have seen in the past, and that fear factor no longer seems to exist that once saw them breeze into the later rounds on reputation alone.

Key Man - Luis Fabiano

A man possessed while wearing a Brazil shirt, he simply can't stop scoring. His 25 goals in 38 appearances is up their with the best in the world, and he will really need to hit this type of form if Brazil are to become six time champions. A move to the Premier League has surrounded Fabiano for well over a year, and a successful tournament could spark bids from all over Europe.

One to Watch - Daniel Alves

Barcelona's marauding right-back is often seen charging up the touch line, setting up attack after attack for both club and country. The Catalan club signed Alves for a fee that could eventually rise to 40m Euros from Sevilla, and he won the treble in his first season at the club. He could be key in the assist stakes for Brazil this summer.

Manager - Dunga

Brazil's manager knows what it is like to win a World Cup, after captaining his team to glory in 1994. After turning down the job as national team manager in 2000 because of concerns about the running of the FA, he accepted the post after the last World Cup and could become part of a small group who have won the World Cup as player and manager.

Odds - 5/1

Prediction - Will win the group, and will be amongst the contenders in the later stages.

Ivory Coast - World Ranking 27

Maybe the most unlucky side in this years tournament are Sven Goran Eriksson's Ivory Coast outfit. After their first World Cup fours years ago they exited in the first round after finding themselves in the group of death, now four years later they are once again in that dreaded group. And an injury to talisman Didier Drogba hardly helps matters, even though he is expected to play some part.

After qualifying comfortably under the guidance of Vahid Halilhodzic, a poor African Nations saw Les Elephants put under the charge of the former England manager. A quarter-final specialist while on our shores, he could have his work cut out just to escape the group stage this time round.

Strengths

Their is good experience throughout this side, but the strongest area could well be among the forward line. First choice Drogba (when fit again) will be accompanied by either Salomon Kalou or Aruna Dindane who both enjoyed good season while in the Premier League.

A strong bullish side as you would expect from Africa, they will need to be at their best this summer. The hassling that was missing in the African Nations will have to return, and they could just stand a chance of progressing to at least the last 16.

Weaknesses

Their defence needs to be sorted out, and fast, if they are to beat Portugal into second place. Kolo Toure hasn't exactly set Eastlands a light this season, while Emmanuel Eboue has been used sparingly in defence at Arsenal. One option could be to follow Barcelona's example and switch Yaya Toure to the back, but whatever the solution if it isn't sorter Ivory Coast could fall at the first hurdle for the second year running.

Key Man - Didier Drogba

The strong yet pacey Chelsea front man epitomises everything about this side. His bullish attitude on the pitch makes him very little friends, but he won't care while he's plundering the goals at the rate he is. He hit the back of the net 37 times in all competitions for his club last season, and his rate for his country is equally impressive with 44 in 67. They will need him to recover fast, with their first two games being Portugal and Brazil.

One to Watch - Salomon Kalou

Drogba's Chelsea team mate is beginning to impress in the Premier League. after struggling to make an impact at first. His strike rate for his national side though is non too shabby, with him finding the back of the net 11 time in 28 appearances.

Manager - Sven Goran Eriksson

After a terrible spell at Mexico and a doomed reign at Notts County as Director of Football, Eriksson has found his way to Ivory Coast where he has a contract that lasts for just the World Cup. A good showing could get him back into club management quickly, with the Swede already throwing his hat into the ring for the available position at Anfield.

Odds - 25/1

Prediction - Will just lose out to Portugal in the run for second place.

North Korea - World Ranking 106

The much unfancied North Koreans are certainly wild cards in South Africa, after a marathon slog saw them qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1966. They began their campaign in October 2007, after after five preliminary rounds earned the right to compete in the Asian Qualifying section. A good result against the more fancied Saudi Arabia got them through to compete this summer, and they could well spring a few surprises after being seemingly written off already.

Strengths

The sheer unexpected nature of this side. No one really knows a lot about North Korea, they are expected to be comfortably beaten in all three group games so they could well cause a shock.

Their main strength in play is in defence, although this could go wrong with the attacking might that lies in group G. If they mix a stern defence with attacking intentions they could do better than expected, but if they just sit back it could all go wrong.

Weaknesses

With this being their first World Cup in some 44 years they could quite easily become overwhelmed at the occasion. Especially consider they have been drawn in the group of death, with three other sides all expecting to do rather well.

In addition to this point, there is of course a lack of obvious talent in the squad with no world class players to speak of. And with talent of the highest grade everywhere in this group, in the worst case scenario it could all end up rather embarrassing.

Key Man - Jong Tae Se

The 'Asian Wayne Rooney' is one of a number of players who will be on show hoping to secure a lucrative move with a good showing. He currently plies his trade for Kawasaki Frontale in Japan, and is the current man of the moment in his homeland after scoring against both Japan and South Korea in February. He could've also played for either of those two nations due to parentage, but chose North Korea after they paid for his education.

One to Watch - Hong Yong-Jo

Hong Yong-Jo is one of only two players in this squad that currently plays in Europe, Russian side FC Rostov is where he currently plays club football. This experience could be crucial in keeping the rest of the squad level headed, and the current North Korea Captain will have a big part to play in that and in ensuring goals can be found in South Africa.

Manager - Kim Jong-Hun

The logical choice for manager of this side, as it is unthinkable that they would employ a foreign coach. However don't be swayed he isn't afraid to speak his mind, after a recent defeat to fierce rivals South Korea he accused them of poisoning his players.

Odds - 2000/1

Prediction - Will be overwhelmed by the attacking nature of the other side in this group, and in all honestly could struggle to even get on the score sheet.

Portugal - World Ranking 3

After stuttering to a place in South Africa, question marks hang over the heads of Portugal side that reached the last four in Germany 2006. They were beaten into second place in the qualification group by Denmark, narrowly edging out Sweden into third. And after defeating Bosnia Herzegovina 1-0 in each leg of their play-off match, they head into this summers tournament looking in far from convincing form.

With the 'golden generation' now gone, it is up to the new boys to perform but Cristiano Ronaldo will not be able to do everything alone. Manager Carlos Queiroz also finds himself under pressure, with many fans believing he should've stuck to being a number two.

Strengths

2002 first round exit in the Japan and Korea World Cup apart, Portugal have tended to fare well in big international tournaments this century. A fourth place finish at the World Cup fours years ago is added to well placed finishes in the last three European Champions of a semi-final, final and quarter final. Added to this is the fact that they are now playing without pressure, with their recent poor form removing the favourites tag that usually follows them.

With Nani now out of the World Cup, Portugal will need someone else to step up to the breach and take some of the pressure off their captain Ronaldo. Brazilian born Liedson's emergence is also a major plus for Portugal, with his 3 goals in 9 games showing his international credentials.

Weaknesses

Carlos Queiroz looks out of his depth in international management, with many believing he can't make the big decisions or lead a team. This could have a negative effect on the side, with people doubting the managers ability to do his job.

In addition to this, while on paper Portugal have a good record of late the truth is they haven't played a side in the world's top 15 during that period. They have a good record against these lower sides, but a group game against Brazil should show where there really at.

Key Man - Cristiano Ronaldo

Arguably the world's most complete footballer, Ronaldo enjoyed a spectacular first season at Real Madrid on a personal level. Although his side failure to win anything proves he cannot win on his own, which is the problem which the national side. Despite his incredible goal scoring form for his club though, he failed to score during Portugal's qualifying campaign. However his lung bursting pace and ability to score from seemingly anywhere on the pitch, will be crucial to Portugal.

One to Watch - Miguel Veloso

A defensive midfielder who can also operate as a left back, Miguel Veloso is a target for many English clubs and with a good showing could soon find himself in the Premier League. As well as cutting out attacks he also loves to start them, and can often be found bombing into enemy territory.

Manager - Carlos Queiroz

The former Real Madrid manager has had the opportunity to manage at World Cup before, but he resigned prior to the 2002 tournament after leading South Africa to Japan and South Korea. Under pressure from all angles, it could take a great tournament to keep him in the job.

Odds - 28/1

Prediction - Should make it out of the group behind Brazil, but will then face Spain in the next round and find their competition over.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow for the preview of the final group, containing Spain, Honduras, Chile and Switzerland.