Euro 2012: Can England win Euro 2012?
Despite having won nothing since 1966 England always start major tournaments as one of the favourites. Their passionate fans are full of optimism, having been brainwashed by the Press that their players are world beaters, only for their hopes to be ripped apart as their flaws are exposed by tactically astute rivals.
However, there is less expectation surrounding England heading into Euro 2012. Whether it's because Roy Hodgson is in charge and not Harry Redknapp I don't know. Maybe it's because their main man Wayne Rooney is suspended for the first two games or maybe the fans have realised that they have little chance of winning anything with the likes or Downing, Johnson and Walcott in their side.
Whatever the reason England are currently best priced at 12/1 with Paddy Power and Stan James to win the final on July 1.
World Cup and European champions Spain remain the team to beat. They keep possession better than anyone else out there, don't concede many goals and can always create scoring opportunities. William Hill are offering odds of 3/1 for Spain to retain their crown, but the Spaniards face strong competition from the Germans, who are also 3/1 at most bookmakers. Joachim Low's men are mentally strong, vibrant and astute going forward. With Manuel Neuer in goals, the creativity of Mesut Ozil, the strength of Schweinstieger and finishing power of Klose, Podolski and Gomez, the Germans could well clinch their fourth European title.
Holland are third favourites and it's easy to see why. They were beaten World Cup finalists in South African but have only got better. Robin Van Persie has been in sparkling form for Arsenal this season while Klass-Jan Huntelaar scored 48 times in 47 appearances for Schalke. Arjen Robben will terrify defenders with his pace and quick feet - just don't let him take a penalty - and Sneijder will dictate the play. If you are thinking of going Dutch this summer, Coral are the bookmakers for you.
France, who are in England's group along with Ukraine and Sweden, are best priced 12/1 at Paddy Power. The French were as shambolic as England in South Africa but Laurent Blanc looks to have got them all singing from the same hymn-sheet. Frank Riberry and Karim Benzema are Les Blues' danger men and they have all the tools needed to be in with a shout of winning the tournament.
Italy, who won their fourth World Cup in 2006, will be hoping to put another match-fixing scandal behind them as they enter Poland and Ukraine. The Azzurri failed to lose a single game in qualifying for the tournament but can they win only their second European tournament, 44 years after their one and only? Bet365 have them best priced at 14/1.
Portugal, who were beaten finalists in 2004, are 20/1 at Stan James and it's easy to see why - they are in the Group of Death with Germany, Holland and Denmark. Ronaldo's compatriots have never failed to emerge from their group in European qualification. That fact will be severely tested this summer.
After that we have Russia 25/1, Poland and Ukraine are both 50/1, Croatia are 60/1 with Sweden and the Czech Republic at 80/1. The Republic of Ireland, Denmark and Greece are outsiders at 100/1. But let's not forget what happened in 1992 when Denmark came out of nowhere to win the tournament.
Who do you think will win the competition? Who is your money on? We'd love to hear from you.
