Soccer Limey in America

In the world of football, there are no invincible formations. Manchester United’s 4-4-2 exposed their deficit in midfield last season, losing the title dramatically to their neighbours Manchester City, whose abundant talents allow them to switch between 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2, but the ultimate champion had also struggled against Stoke City and relegation battlers QPR. Italy [...]

It’s only just under thirty six hours since England’s Euro 2012 hopes were unceremoniously crushed at the hands of old foes Italy on penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw after extra time. Once again, an English team fails to handle the pressure of the ultimate decider and although the Italians deservedly went through to face [...]

    A Xabi Alonso double secured a semi final spot for the Spanish, where they will face Paulo Bento’s Portugal side. Spain began the game without a known striker, Cesc Fabregas being the furthest forward of a midfield six. Whilst averaging 64.9% possession so far in the tournament it wasn’t a surprise to see [...]

Whenever these two countries lock horns on the football field, it is always has an extra level of importance no matter what the circumstances are, and tomorrow, in Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, they meet in the Quarter Final of Euro 2012. I can hardly believe that it is eleven years since they last played [...]

Following the completion of the Group stages of this summer’s Euro 2012 competition, I have revised my Power Rankings. I’m sure these will change dramatically over the next couple of weeks. Remember, the best team does not always win the tournament: 1. GERMANY 2. SPAIN 3. PORTUGAL 4. FRANCE 5. ITALY 6. ENGLAND 7. CZECH [...]

Yesterday was a good day despite the blast furnace heat here in Chicago as England proved me totally wrong by advancing to the Euro2012 Quarter Finals with a shaky 1-0 win over co-hosts Ukraine. This win sets up a mouth watering confrontation against Italy on Sunday in Kiev but frankly, this was a win that [...]

Before the start of Euro2012, many England fans were pessimistic about their chances of having a successful tournament after being decimated by player injuries and with a new manager who had hardly got his feet under the table. Yesterday’s 3-2 win over Sweden in their Group D matchup, certainly gave us all hope that maybe, [...]

For what it’s worth so early in the tournament, here are my Power Rankings for all sixteen countries up to and including the second round of games in Group A. I’m sure you’ll disagree but use the comments feature to pass your own opinions and give us your rankings:

BBC Sport – Euro 2012: France 1-1 England. England today embarked on their Euro2012 with a robust defensive display against an in-form France team that threatens to win Group D outright. England opened the scoring withna Joleon Lescott header while France equalised just 9 minutes later with a Samir Nasri strike from 20 yards out. [...]

Over the past couple of seasons, I doubt that there has been a harsher critic of the England football team than myself. I have gone from a flag-waving, forget the scoreline, fanatical supporter to one who has grown tired of the mediocrity and feeble apologies and explanations from players and coaches. So for the first [...]