England and Ireland await Euro 2012 draw
Channel 4 News takes a look at Pot 2 in the draw for Euro 2012, which consists of England, Germany, Italy and Russia.
England
Fabio Capello has recently given fans hope of success in eastern Europe, despite an unconvincing qualifying campaign following a dire World Cup showing in 2010.
That cautious optimism is based on a crop of youngsters the Italian coach has afforded pitch time to in recent games: Everton’s Jack Rodwell, Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones, and Spurs right-back Kyle Walker.
Throw into that mix of young blood the returning Jack Wilshire (pictured) and Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge, whose Premiership goal tally for the Blues this season betters that of Nicholas Anelka, Didier Drogba and Torres combined, along with superb goalkeeper Joe Hart, and the optimism could prove justified.
However, the dismissal of Wayne Rooney for kicking an opponent in the last game of qualifying will mean that England’s most recognised player is suspended for the entire group stage.
Read more: Pot 1, Pot 3, Pot 4
Germany
Ever the consummate tournament specialists, Germany have the makings potential winners. Young stars like Bayern’s midfield sensation Thomas Muller and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Real Madrid’s midfielders Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira, and Dortmund’s sought-after Mario Gotze represent a team with huge potential and buckets of creativity.
Italy
Italy have bounced back from their abject World Cup display with a fantastic qualifying campaign.
Sadly for the Azzuri, their rejuvenated star striker Antonio Cassano has had heart surgery, and there is no indication when he could return, with pundits in Italy saying he is unlikely to feature in the tournament.
Step forward Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli, the star of the Premier League in more ways than one. As prolific in front of goal as he has been on the front pages of tabloids for his oddball on and off pitch behaviour, Balotelli appears to have gone from villain to hero. He could be ruthless next summer, given the chance.
Russia
Russia were the surprise package at Euro 2008 when they reached the semis, and a host of their players sealed moves to top clubs in Europe’s best leagues as a result.
This time around, little has changed in their squad, and the once mesmerising Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko are on the wane. They will nevertheless be expected to deliver.