England Euro 12: Lower Expectations Will Allow for Greater Success

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 2, 2012

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By this time next week, we'll be just two days away from the first England fixture of Euro 2012.

They play France next Monday (June 11th) in what's definitely the match of their group, which also includes Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine.

There's almost been an underwhelming buildup to this tournament for England, especially when you compare it to the hype of the World Cup campaigns of 2006 and 2010.

Far be it for me to say, but I think there's a great sense of realism about some of the things that have come out of the England camp this week.

In particular, I've been very impressed with the way that coach Gary Neville and defender Phil Jagielka have spoken about England's chances this summer.

At a press conference this past Thursday, Neville told assembled sports journalists, including those from the BBC:

"After qualifying in Italy in 1997-1998 and then against Greece in 2001-02 it was almost, when you look back now, a little bit embarrassing. All we'd done is qualify, but it was like we'd reached the World Cup final. It's now about managing expectations slightly differently and probably being a little bit more realistic about what we are and where we've been.It's about showing that humility to say 'Spain are there, France did win World Cups, Brazil are there'. We are trying to get to them rather than thinking we are there already just by qualifying for a tournament."

Similarly, Everton defender Phil Jagielka, who was a last-minute replacement for the injured Gareth Barry, was equally realistic when he spoke to the associated press on Wednesday, telling The Sun newspaper:

"I am sure if we win a game we will be favourites but I am sure if we lose a game we will be a waste of space. It would be better for the squad if there is a little bit less expectation on us. Hopefully we can go under the radar until the latter stages of the tournament. I think if we are being r...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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