Major Injuries
One worrying factor is the amount of injuries the England squad has suffered. With Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and Gary Cahill all out of the competition, England's chances are obviously reduced. The injury to such a key player as Frank Lampard is a major blow. With him out, the likes of Steven Gerrard will have to step up to the plate and produce their club form. England could also struggle with Wayne Rooney's suspension until the later stages of the tournament. I think they may struggle to get out of their group, although you could say the same about France. If England managed to come through the group stage, I believe they would have a good chance of getting to the final, with then Rooney available. If England are to do well in the tournament, they need to keep any more injuries to a minimum.
New Coach
With Roy Hodgson only just in place as England manager, the performance of the team in a major competition is an unknown quantity. The progress of the team will be reliant on Hodgson's well renound man management and coaching skills. Hodgson has experience of international football management, taking Switzerland to the 1994 world cup finals after he got them through the qualifiers. Hodgson also got them to Euro 1996, but left before the finals to go back to club management. At the time that he managed Switzerland they got to No.3 in the Fifa world rankings. He is very highly thought of by the Swiss players that he took charge of. With a record like that, is their anyone better qualified to lead England at Euro 2012?
Strike Force
Some people may say that England's strike force is lightweight, but I think they're quite versatile. They've got the physicality and heading prowess of Andy Carroll, the industry of Danny Welbeck, the clinical finishing of Jermaine Defoe and for the latter stages, the all round skill of Wayne Rooney. They may perhaps have a solution to break down different defences.
New Beginnings
With a fresh start, a new coach and younger players now coming through, the likes of Danny Welbeckand Phil Jones, England does have at least half a chance at Euro 2012. Hodgson has a chance to rebuild the team and make them a force again. His experience at Liverpool, where he struggled with some of the players egos, will stand him in good stead for the England team. He's a man who learns from his mistakes, unlike some footballers that could be mentioned.
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