i look dorward youve just inspired me to be national team manager again
thank you that means alot i really want to keep this story going and with comments like that it makes me smile
---------- Post added at 10:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:49 PM ----------
Try Without Terry
England Fans are optimistic that the team can get past the quarter-finals for the first time in sixteen years/
Reaching major finals is hardly a dead certainty for England in the last ten championships England have failed to qualify twice {1994 & 2008}, played as hosts {1996} and qualified via the play-offs once {2000}.But reaching Poland/Ukraine was nevertheless met with euphoria, partly because of the style the teamed played and the fact they remain unbeaten under manager Desmond Pugh.
Many fans were so uplifted that they predicted England could even win EURO 2012. But then came a terrible blow. The broken ankle suffered by John Terry, England's top defender and most consistent player during the qualifiers, which will keep him out of the finals.
Also there is several key discussions to be had, whether or not David Beckham in surely his last finals will make the impact required at this level, and the form and fitness of Rio Ferdinand. Ferdinand now will be seen as No1 defender and will have to assert himself at the back.
Despite the negatives, there is still optimism that they can at last lift the trophy that has eluded them for so many years.The group has been kind - England face Greece, Republic of Ireland and Sweden.
THE COACH: Desmond Pugh
The English public expect you to win the Championships. Can you do it?
Well, it's not going to be easy. Spain are Favourites and other teams like Italy, Portugal, Holland are always dangerous. You could also have a dark horse like the hosts. The challenge will come once we meet a team like Spain or Italy.
Why?
Personally i like big challenges. If we consider ourselves better then most of the participating nations, our team would receive a tremendous boost if we beat a top team at the finals. In my opinion there is no better thing than to prove your strength against the favourites. I Believe in the abilities of my team, especially our creative players, who usually play their best against the best.
Is the current team capable of emulating the 1996 side, who reached the semi-finals.
Our supporters were euphoric after qualification but they calmed a little after Terry's injury. I don't like to mourn and we have a very good team, but it's undeniable that with Terry in the side we would be more solid at the back. We are going to be well prepared and highly motivated and if we get a little luck we could go all the way. Anything is possible.
Which players are going to shine at the tournament?
I don't want to think about that too much, but i can say that some of our players are going to get complete affirmation. For Example Ben Foster or Ashley Young as well as James Milner and Micah Richards are all young players with a real future. As a coach it's very important that they as well as me, are hungry for success.
Who will win the title?
I don't think there will be a surprise like in 2004 which means the champions should be one the big nations like Spain, Italy, Holland, Germany, France or Us.
ENGLAND'S 23 MAN SQUAD FOR EURO 2012
GOALKEEPERS
Ben Foster
3.4.1983
Manchester United
13 caps {0 goals}
Bundle of Energy who has agility smart reflexes and is quick off his line. Now first choice at Manchester United after the retirement of Edwin Van Der Sar.
Robert Green
19.1.1980
West Ham United
9 caps {0 goals}
A good athlete and capable of fantastic saves. Fighting with Ben Foster for the No1 jersey. Voted West Ham player of the year.
Joe Hart
19.4.1987
Manchester City
2 caps {0 goals}
Third-choice but earmarked to take the No1 shirt one day. Brilliant in one-on-one situations and a regular at club level too.
DEFENDERS
Ashley Cole
20.12.1980
Chelsea
87 caps {0 goals}
Pacy left-back and a key player. Underwent knee surgery earlier in the season and though returned to action with Chelsea has not yet got back to his best.
Rio Ferdinand
7.11.1978
Manchester United
84 caps {3 goals}
Not particularly fast now, but always in the right place at the right time and tackles cleanly. Most reliable defender now Terry is out.
Phil Jagielka
17.8.1982
Everton
8 caps {0 goals}
Strong, tough central defender who is never shy in the tackle. Likened by Pugh as ex-England captain Tony Adams. Is a contender for a starting place.
Glen Johnson
23.8.1984
Liverpool
33 caps {1 goal}
First choice right-back battling to be fit after a groin operation. Can be devastating going forward but is can be caught out of position.
Micah Richards
24.6.1988
Manchester City
14 caps {1 goal}
Solid right-back who gives unspectacular but consistent performances. Better at defending then attacking. Can also fill in at centre-back
Matthew Upson
18.4.1979
West Ham United
21 caps {1 goal}
Very confident central defender, excellent in the tackle and rarely makes mistakes. Looks to have shrugged off a niggling knee injury.
Stephen Warnock
12.12.1981
Aston Villa
4 caps {0 goals}
Left-back who stepped in while Ashley Cole was injured and did a good job. lost form at club level recently though and is purely here for backup to Ashley Cole.
MIDFIELDERS
Gareth Barry
23.2.1981
Manchester City
38 caps {2 goals}
Shows great commitment and has a fine touch. Shone at Aston Villa and has continued to shine at Manchester City. Unlikely to Start if Lampard and Gerrard are both fit.
David Beckham
2.5.1975
Real Mallorca
122 caps {17 goals}
The world's most recognised footballer has enjoyed the full support of Pugh despite dips in form and suggestions that at 37 he can no longer make an impact. Excellent with the dead ball, this will be Beckham's last finals. Is four appearances away from becoming England's most capped player.
Michael Carrick
28.7.1981
Manchester United
29 caps {1 goal}
Defensive minded midfielder whose unfussy style doesn't grab him many headlines but he's nevertheless solid, compact and dependable.
Joe Cole
8.11.1981
Chelsea
61 caps {11 goals}
Lively winger who can operate on either flank. Can create havoc with his pace, dribbling skills and his eye for goal. His only downside is that he is injury prone.
Steven Gerrard (Captain)
30.5.1980
Liverpool
86 caps {18 goals}
Captain for both club and country. Wears his heart on his sleeve. Great passer and motivator with a never say die attitude. Scored a hat-trick in qualifying.
Frank Lampard
20.6.1978
Chelsea
89 caps {21 goals}
All-action midfielder, full of running and invention, with a powerful shot.Speculation of him moving to Barcelona has affected his club form.
James Milner
4.1.1986
Aston Villa
8 caps {1 goal}
Has tons of potential, but we've yet to see him take many games by the scruff of the neck. He has a great first touch, good vision and real athleticism. What's still open to debate is if he's a big-game player.
Ashley Young
9.7.1985
Aston Villa
23 caps {9 goal}
Can operate on either wing. He is increasingly adapt at dribbling past defenders. Forced his way into the first eleven with a string of goals and fantastic performances.
FORWARDS
Gabriel Agbonlahor
13.10.1986
Aston Villa
8 caps {1 goal}
Quick, direct striker who broke numerous scoring records as a boy. As an international he has been limited to coming off the bench.
Carlton Cole
12.10.1983
West Ham United
12 caps {11 goals}
A real sensation during qualifying, forming a great partnership with Wayne Rooney resulting in the pair of them scoring nearly half of all England's goals during qualification.
Peter Crouch
30.1.1981
Tottenham Hotspur
48 caps {19 goals}
The 6ft 7in striker made an instant impact in Desmond Pugh's first game in charge scoring a hat-trick against wales since then he has failed to find the back of the net. Nevertheless he is a unique talent and with his aerial presence, will cause a problem for many defenders.
Jermain Defoe
7.10.1982
Tottenham Hotspur
39 caps {11 goals}
Very fast striker who likes to take on players. His goalscoring record is impressive for both club and country.
Wayne Rooney
24.10.1985
Manchester United
64 caps {31 goals}
Rooney remains England's best source for goals. Finished as England's top goal scorer during qualifying with six goals. Hopes will be pinned to him to get the goals in the finals.
