England: (FIFA Ranking 12=)
Coach: Sven Goran Ericksson
Dangerman: Wayne Rooney
If they were a premiership team they'd be - Aston Villa - huge expectations from their fans, steadily getting better and capable of beating anybody on their day
England's record in the European Championships is dismal. Bar Euro 96 on home soil, England have never been close to success in this tournament. As usual, expectations are massive and England have a great chance to progress from their group. However with France strong favourites to win the group, England will probably qualify as runners up and face the winners of Group A - either Portugal or Spain which will be very difficult.
Eriksson has a great record as England coach, with some people describing him as a 'lucky' manager. He will have Steven Gerrard fit, which will be a massive boost, and if Owen and Rooney can gel up front, England could have an outside chance of going all the way.
In the first game they were more than match for France. A workmanlike 3-0 win over the Swiss in the hot afternoon sunshine in Portugal and a superb 4-2 win over Croatia has left England as an unlucky Group Runners Up and a difficult game against Portugal in Lisbon.
Current Spread Prices:
Tournament Index: 47-49
|