England are a long shot for Euro 2012

The 2012 World Cup was considered a significant failure for an England side that simply never got going.  Soul-searching was expected following the disappointment, but in reality little has changed and as a result, there is little reason to believe that England are among the favourites in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Their cause has not been helped by the three-match ban handed to star man Wayne Rooney, who was needlessly sent off during England’s final group game against Montenegro.  The fact that Rooney will probably still be selected in Capello’s squad, although he will miss the entire group stage, is reflective of a serious lack of depth to the squad.  In reality, Europe’s meanest defences are unlikely to be quaking at the prospect of facing Jermain Defoe, Darren Bent or Peter Crouch.  Manchester United youngster Danny Welbeck is probably England’s brightest attacking prospect but Euro 2012 may come around too quickly for him to make a real impact.

Other new faces likely to represent the Three Lions at a major tournament for the first time next summer include Ashley Young, Gary Cahill and Phil Jones.  All have proven themselves as top Premier League talents, but have precious little international experience and the World Cup in 2014 could well be a more realistic target. 

In the meantime, Capello will have to rely on tried and tested seasoned internationals who have repeatedly failed to perform at a major tournament.  Euro 2012 will surely be one of the last opportunities for Frank Lampard, John Terry and Steven Gerrard to win an international medal.  Given the disappointments of previous tournaments, England fans are unlikely to be holding their collective breath.