Euro 2012 Group D XI – Ukraine, Sweden & France’s Threats
After Friday’s insufferable build up to the Euro 2012 group draw – featuring a dreadful Eurovision-esque performance by Ukrainian ‘singer’ Jamala, the introduction of the Official Euro 2012 Ball, and a touching tribute to Gary Speed – it was eventually revealed that England will play against Ukraine, France and Sweden in Group D in Polkraine 2012.
With 189 days until Euro 2012 kicks off in Poland, I’ve compiled a list of players from all 3 nations who Fabio Capello will be researching over the coming months as he prepares for what certainly looks to be a winnable group stage. Whether or not he manages to fluff it up or not, remains to be seen…
The Euro 2012 Group D XI
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris – France
Lyon’s goalkeeper has been France’s Number 1 since taking over from Gregory Coupet in 2008. The 6’2 shotstopper is renowned for his incredible reflexes and his ability in one-on-one situations. England will have to make sure they get lots of good quality shots off against Lloris if they want to ensure victory against the French.
Right Back
Yaroslav Rakitskiy - Ukraine
Able to play at both Left and Right Back, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Rakitskiy is a very talented young defender. At 22, he’s been a Ukraine regular since 2009 and was linked with a move to Barcelona during summer 2011. Although the Ukrainian’s not all good as he showed with a horror challenge on Joao Moutinho in a recent Champions League game against Porto, which ended up in him getting sent off. Watch out tricksters…
Left Back
Martin Olsson – Sweden
Capello won’t have to travel quite as far to scout Blackburn’s Martin Olsson, although he might have to sit through some terrible football. At 23, Olsson is set for a bright future, combining lightning pace with a decent defensive ability. Let’s hope he’s completely demoralised by the end of what’s going to be a horrible season for him (sorry Rovers fans) and performs terribly come June.
Centre Back
Eric Abidal – France
Barcelona’s left-back has performed solidly at centre back for his country after first appearing in the middle of defence against Italy in Euro 2008, when he got sent off helping France lose 3-0, meaning they were eliminated from the tournament.
Since Euro 2008, Abidal has won the Champions League twice and famously recovered from a liver tumour to lift the European trophy when Barca battered Man Utd in May. At 32, this may be the last major international tournament he plays at, and England fans will be hoping he doesn’t enjoy it one bit.
Centre Back
Dmytro Chygrynskiy – Ukraine
‘Dmytro Chygrynskiy’ sounds more like the noise of a car crash than the name of a football player, yet Ukraine’s long-haired centre back has been touted as a potential great across Europe since he was a teenager. When Barcelona splashed out €25 million for him in 2009, it appeared his career had taken off, yet after failing to settle in Barcelona, he was sold back to former club Shakhtar for €15 million a year later. With Shakhtar making €10 million from what was effectively a year long loan, the 25 year old defender is back to his best.
Right Midfield
Franck Ribery – France
Able to play on either wing, Franck Ribery can tear apart teams with his all round ability. The pairing of Ribery and Robben has proved effective for Bayern Munich over the last few years and the man ‘fondly’ nicknamed ‘Scarface’ (subtly relating to the scars on his face he received after a car accident when he was two) will be hoping he can work a similar partnership with fellow French midfielders Samir Nasri and Florent Malouda.
Left Midfield
Andriy Yarmolenko – Ukraine
Yarmolenko is the best player in what is a poor Ukranian attacking line-up. However, playing as a left winger or centre forward, Dynamo Kiev’s 22 year old has got the ability to worry England’s defender with his trickery, pace, and heading ability.
Centre Midfield
Kim Källström – Sweden
Källström first became known as a ‘Football Manager Wonderkid’ when he was at Swedish club Djurgardens. Since leaving for Rennes (incredibly frustrating for FM players who wanted him on the cheap) and later Lyon, he’s been an ever present figure in the Swedish midfield. At 29, he’s known for his brilliant distribution and has scored some cracking goals from distance.
Centre Midfield
Rasmus Elm – Sweden
Partnering Källström in midfield is likely to be Sweden’s latest hot product, Rasmus Elm. Since shining in the U21 European Championships in 2009, he’s been dubbed as Sweden’s ‘David Beckham’ for his free-kick ability and Sweden’s ‘Rory Delap’ for his outrageously long throw-ins, so England will undoubtedly be trying their best to not commit any fouls, or kick the ball out of play during their game against the Swedes.
Centre Forward
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Sweden
Ibrahimovic has been one of the best strikers in the world for a number of years. When the world saw videos of his brilliant trickery and goals for Ajax, it was clear that he’d soon be playing for the biggest clubs in world football. Now playing for AC Milan after spells at Juventus, Inter and Barcelona (in a move which proved to be one of the worst transfers of all time), Sweden’s captain is the man England need to watch out for in the group stage.
Centre Forward
Karim Benzema – France
Real Madrid’s number 9 has been leading the line for Los Blancos this season, experiencing a great run of form which had previously deserted him since joining from Lyon in 2009. Benzema’s feared due to his pace and finishing ability, a dangerous combination for any striker – if France get their act together in Polkraine, Benzema will be their most dangerous threat.
(Translated by Oliver Jay)
The Future England XI - The Best Young English Players
where the heck is sturridge better the all the strikers up...
Man City: The Long Trail to Success & Inauthenticity
Gutting and at the same time exciting...
Upcoming XI – Players To Watch In 2011
pathetic...