England: Progression or Regression?

By Aaron Leggott

After Sunday's quarter final defeat at the hands of Italy, something inside got me thinking about the past couple of years since the disastrous few weeks under Fabio Capello in Bloemfontein.

Before that World Cup, England were in great form under Capello. Losing just two friendlies, the Three Lions won their first eight qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, ensuring qualification with two games to spare.

Have things really improved since Germany humiliated us two years ago?
Photo: Tom Jenkins

EURO 2012: Group D Review

A Ukrainian fairy tale see's the co-hosts top Group D

Match day 1: By Aaron Leggott

The fourth day of Euro 2012 saw possibly the biggest shock of the tournament so far, as co-hosts Ukraine saw their idol Andriy Shevchenko strike twice to create a night to remember in Kyiv.

Shevchenko creates a fairy tale ending for the Ukrainians
Photo: Martin Rose/Getty Images Europe

Sweden, who boast a squad of fine talent, including AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, were the clear favourites but were unable to deliver as Ukraine used home advantage to deliver a spectacular win.

EURO 2012: Group C Review

Italy grab a deserved point against Spain whilst Croatia dampen Irish hopes

Match day 1: By Jamie Hepburn

This was the second game in the Euros that featured two of the big teams, and unlike the dull game between Germany and Portugal, this game was exciting from the start. 

Both teams were set up in a strong and attacking manner, leading to an interesting spectacle. From the start Spain were keeping the ball, passing it around how they usually play, but this wasn’t working against an Italian defence which stood up to Spain and made it difficult throughout the game for them to make a clear chance. 

EURO 2012: Group B Review

Netherlands bombardment not enough whilst Gomez pushes lacklustre Portugal aside...

Match day 1: By Archie Barnett

The start of “the group of death” was an eagerly anticipated one, with Netherlands taking on Denmark. The expectations for Netherlands are high, being one of the favourites to win the tournament.

With this expectation on their shoulders, they started with a high tempo and great attacking flair. Robben had a chance within the first 20 minutes, having the opportunity to shoot at close range, however he opted for the square ball which resulted in the attack being squandered.

EURO 2012: Group A Review

Questionable refereeing, dodgy goal-keeping, but certainly a thrashing.

Match day 1: By Tom Smart

Robert Lewandowski opens the
EURO 2012 scoring
Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe

The opening day of the European Championships without doubt sent messages of enthralling excitement to fans that have waited for football since the end of the domestic season. The day began with the early kick-off where co-hosts Poland took on a supposedly weaker Greek side including ex-City striker, Georgios Samaras.

The game burst into life with the hosts firing on all cylinders and certainly in the mood to impress the home crowd. A quick tempo took the Greeks by surprise and in the 17th minute a whipped cross in by Jakub Blaszczykowski found the soaring head of Robert Lewandowski to put the Poles in the lead.

The Greeks were stunned and hung on for the rest of the half despite being reduced to 10 men. Sokratis Papastathopoulos was initially booked for what seemed a fair challenge, before then being booked a second time for bringing down Polish attacker Ludovic Obraniak. A harsh decision on the Greek side who within minutes also had seen a debatable decision be ruled against them when the were shouts for a handball inside the area by a Polish defender.

EURO 2012: Day One Preview

Lewandowski to grab vital goal for Poland...

By Archie Barnett

The start of the prestigious EURO 2012 trophy beckons, with the first game set to take place in a few hours between co-host Poland and previous EURO champions Greece. Later on this evening, the second game of group A will take place between Russia and Czech Republic.

News: Adam Johnson speaks out ahead of the new season

Speaking to the MEN's Rob Dawson, the 24 year old winger has said that he is happy to play wherever manager Roberto Mancini asks him too this season, knowing of the ever increasing options available to the Italian tactician. Ever since his arrival to the Etihad Stadium, he has frequently been used on the right wing, a tactic used by many foreign clubs nowadays where wingers are played on the opposite side.

With regards to his new founded position, Johnson said: "Foreign wingers play on the opposite side and I think that’s how it’s going. I’ve had conversations with the manager and there are some things we agree on and some things we disagree on."


Johnson was very much quick to praise Mancini's mentality though, and is grateful for being brought to the club way back in January 2010

"Which side do you want me on, boss?"
AJ is prepared to be flexible this year

“He just wants to win every game. He focuses on everything, down to the last little thing, and  that’s probably one of the reasons we did so well last season."

"Since I signed, everything has changed for me. It’s given me the chance to play for England and express myself in a massive team. I don’t think the defensive side has ever been an issue in my game but at City you don’t have to use it as much. Now I’m at City I get the chance to attack more and that’s what I like doing.  

"Since I’ve come to City I think I’ve definitely improved. When you play with top players it brings you on. You probably learn more from just watching the players in training than you do from the coaches sometimes.”

He is looking forward to the prospect of playing Champions League football next season for the first time of his career, and said: "The Champions League is a massive thing. I haven’t played in it and it’s another thing I’d like to do in my career.”

Johnson also spoke of his desire to make the cut for the England squad for the 2012 European Championships next year, after narrowly missing out in last years World Cup squad

He said: "I want to be playing games because there's a championship at the end of the season. That’s definitely at the back of my mind. I definitely want to go there after missing out on the World Cup and I think England have got a great chance."