The Euros 2012

During the 52-year history of the European Championships there have been more turn-ups than any other national competition. Czechoslovakia and Greece have both been champions as have Denmark, who were only in the finals because Yugoslavia was beating itself up at the time. Belgium, Hungary, Sweden, Turkey and even England have each made it to the semi-finals. Yet almost everyone expects nothing from Roy's England team at this year's event. And that maybe *big maybe* is our most potent weapon.

I was interested to read, because I had forgotten, that only 4 teams played in the finals up until 1980, and only 8 before 1996, when football came home. In fact the participants in those earlier competitions gives a real lesson into the wars and break-ups of communist states and this along with television are probably the reasons for the bigger finals today.

I personally like that UEFA allow small, less powerful nations to host and share the competition. It is as much Ukraine and Poland's as it is anyone elses. Although France have it in 2016 when the competition again expands to 24 teams, giving middle ranked countries a better chance of qualifying.

In 2020 Turkey are favourites but the Republic, Sotland and Wales have submitted a joint bid as have Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Unfortuntely but not surprisingly the venues for Euro 2012 has put a lot of supporters off travelling. Ukraine is hardly family friendly and 5,000 is the highest number of England fans I have seen expected to be in the country, but not necessarily at each game. Donetsk and Kiev are 10 hours apart by road and depending on how far the team progresses England will almost certainly play all their games in these two cities.

Like everyone else I will be watching it from the comfort of my own home or the pub. The games all kick off here at lunchtime or mid-afternoon.

Jermaine Defoe is the latest England player to leave the camp after his father died. No replacement has been named as he is expected back in Krakow. Like other Addicks I am no fan of Defoe, but there is no doubting his impact from the bench.

In a roundabout way I was hoping to see an experimental squad, and by hook or by crook that is what Roy has ended up with. I do think we will be hard to break down and Gerrard and Parker will be key in the middle. The highlight hopefully for me will be watching the fearlessness of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain.

I am plumping for a Holland v France final. RVP to be top scorer and Russia to be the outside bet.

As for England, the country for once doesn't expect, and I think we are wise not too.