Will France make England sweat in Euro 2012?

11 June, 2012

The two top teams from Europe, England and France, are scheduled to face off later today at Donbass Arena, in Ukraine. Both teams have some great players in their line up, and France, by the look of..

A STERN test awaits England as they take on France in their first encounter of the Euro 2012 championship at Donbass Arena, in Ukraine later tonight. The European Championship has always been a competition, where they have failed to deliver the promise. So, it is not surprising when they have not won the competition even once. But England looks eager to change their record and come up with a good performance against France and in future matches too. They are their first hurdle in the competition, which might not be an easy one. Hence, the English think tank are also expecting a tough challenge from the two-time European champions France, who has not lost a match in their last 21 meetings.

Even before the competition started England's team selection had come into question, especially with the selection of many Liverpool players and the exclusion of Rio Ferdinand. Though, it was the latter, which received negative criticism primarily targeting Roy Hodgson, their coach. But, the English team have to leave all these things behind and play well on the field in order to progress into the next round. They have been included in a difficult group, as Sweden and Ukraine, both tough opponents, make up for the four teams in their group.

The English team has all the ammunition required to win the game. They have got a rich blend of experience and youth in their team, which should do them real good. Players such as Gerrard, Terry, Cole, Johnson need to hold the team together along with players such as Carroll, Downing, and Welbeck etc. Rooney's absence in the pitch will hurt them bad, especially in front of the goal. He is a constant threat to defenders.

France, on the other hand, looks a well-balanced side under the watchful eyes of L. Blanc, their coach, who has held the team in a strong manner. Players such as Benzema, P. Evra, Gaël Clichy, Samir Nasri, Hatem Ben Arfa, and Franck Ribery have proved themselves in various club competitions around the world. They too, like England, have a star studded line-up, which can make any European team sweat.

It is no surprise then that the English think tank considers France to be tough challenge. If the English team are to be crowned champions they need to play such teams and win their matches. No team would be easy to beat in the championship. France are also one of the favourites for Euro 2012. They will give a tough time to English defenders and Rio's absence and Cahill injury just makes the English defense look weak. Benzema, one of the most feared strikers of world football would grab any opportunity that comes his way. The English defense must be at the top of their game to stop the French from winning the game.