England Euro 2012: Biggest Question Marks Who Could Doom Tourney Chances

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at Internationaled.org

Published: June 10, 2012

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England enters European Championship play without three of their more prominent stars. They will be tested early in a Group D match against France where England will need to show they can be competitive without three key pieces to their national team.

Frank Lampard (thigh) and Gareth Barry (abdomen) were lost for the tournament after injuries in the week leading up to their opening game with France.

Per an AP report on ESPN.com, England manager Roy Hodgson is concerned with the loss of Lampard. "It's a huge blow for the team," Hodgson said. Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will take Lampard's spot on the roster, but he certainly can't be expected to carry the production of one of soccer's best players.

Hodgson also said, "I'm very disappointed to lose Gareth." Barry played a big role in leading Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 44 years.

The Football Association, per an ESPN.com article, says a scan confirmed he has a torn abdominal muscle.

Everton center back Phil Jagielka will replace Barry for Euro 2012. Hodgson can be expected to rely on Phil Jones' versatility to cover for England in central midfield, but these injuries will prove to be a big blow should England make it beyond group play.

While almost impossible to consider just a week ago, there is a possibility England could falter early. They will be hurt all the more given Wayne Rooney's looming two-game suspension to open Euro 2012 play.

Rooney will miss the opening matches against France and Sweden before taking the pitch against Ukraine.



Ashley Young was called upon to fill the shoes of his Manchester United teammate. He was quoted in a Daily Star UK article on what it meant to have this opportunity.

It’s always been a boyhood dream of mine to say that I represented my country in a major tournament that we’ve won and ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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