Spain for me, but don't rule out the Germans

The flag of St.George will not be flying high this summer, and the sound of the Great Escape will definitely not be heard. The nation is looking forward (are they?) to an England-less European Championships.

Like it or loathe it, Euro 2008 is here. On a positive note, one thing we don’t have around the corner is the inevitable penalty shoot-out loss in the knockout stages!


So, for those who can be bothered, what can we anticipate in Austria and Switzerland this summer?

Obviously there is going to be a phenomenal amount of talent on show. From the Premier League’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres to La Liga’s Thierry Henry and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Two other players to watch out for could be France’s Karim Benzema and Holland’s Robin Van Persie.

We can certainly anticipate some twists and turns, particularly in the group of death; group C. Only two teams can progress from Holland, France and Italy in what can only be described as a nightmare group for the Romanians.

You can definitely expect the usual steel, grit and solidarity from the Germans. They may lack so called ‘stars’ in comparison to recent German sides, but come the latter stages they will still be there.

I find myself backing Spain, maybe that is because I am English? Like us, Spain so often flatter to deceive when it comes to the major tournaments. In Casillas, Ramos, Puyol, Fabregas, Xavi, Torres and Villa they have a core of great players, and 2008 could be their golden generation.

The action gets underway on Saturday, when hosts Switzerland do battle with the Czech Republic. England or no England, it is sure to be a fantastic tournament.

What odds on Greece winning again!?