This week gave us a chance to check out the home nations and the Republic of Ireland in the first internationals of 2011. Hopes were high for most, but for some there was more to be happy about than others. For Wales and Northern Ireland a sense of dread will have been the endearing emotion. With the Euro 2012 qualifiers set to get back underway next month, we examine who can look forward to them and who should watch from behind their sofas……
1 – England have hope after ‘golden generation’
Before England’s win over Denmark, all the focus was on whether Jack Wilshere would do well in his new role as a holding midfielder. Well, as they say, the proof was in the pudding as the 19-year-old showed he is a class above Gareth Barry. The Manchester City man struggled in the World Cup and based on Wilshere’s performance this week, his days as a starter could be numbered. The World Cup and subsequent Euro 2012 qualifiers have shown green shoots of hope, particularly with the likes of James Milner, Joe Hart, Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Michael Dawson showing their international capabilities.
After being let down by Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and co, England fans might be feeling a little bit optimistic about what the future will hold. England’s win over a decent Denmark team showed the Three Lions have strength in depth, with a raft of changes seemingly not affecting their rhythm. It is probably too early to start talking about England as Euro 2012 contenders, but at 9/1 to win the tournament I’m sure a few punters will be persuaded to take the plunge.
2 – Republic of Ireland should reach Euro 2012
While it is dangerous to read too much into friendly matches, Ireland’s comfortable win over Wales can’t really be ignored. While the first half was nothing to write home about, the second saw them score three good goals and they never really had to break a sweat. The Republic currently sit second in their qualification group behind Russia, who beat them in October.
Ireland are 5/4 to make it through to Euro 2012 and as long as they avoid France in the play-offs, they should be fine. People will say they haven’t made it out of the group yet but with Armenia and Slovakia – who lost to Luxembourg on Wednesday – their closet contenders, it could be a triumphant return to a major tournament after a ten years absence.
3 – Levein starting to get the best from Scots
Wednesday’s victory over Northern Ireland in the Nations Cup might have been expected, but perhaps the manner in which they so convincingly beat Nigel Worthington’s men might have come as a shock. Scotland’s third goal involved a build-up that Spain would have been proud of as they passed Northern Ireland off the park.
Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 are all but gone, after one win from their first four qualifiers,, but the future is beginning to look bright. Scotland are 8/1 to qualify for their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup and they seem unlikely to break that duck just yet, especially with Spain in their group. However, the battling display against the world champions and two wins since then have given cause for optimism for 2014 World Cup qualification.
4 – Without their star men Wales are poor
Optimism surrounding Wales was high after Gary Speed took the reins as national team coach. However, reality made a speedy return to Welsh supporters after their disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Republic of Ireland. Speed had plenty of big name withdrawals to cope with and without them, Wales justify their position as 116th in the Fifa rankings. Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Craig Bellamy are effectively Welsh football right now and until Speed can unearth some fresh talent, they looked doomed to struggle for the next few years.
Wales play England next in their Euro 2012 campaign, which is already over after three defeats in their first three matches. In Cardiff, and with Welsh fans baying for blood, they might give England a bloody nose but that could be as good as it gets.
5 – Northern Ireland going backwards
Remember the days when Northern Ireland were on the verge of qualifying for a major tournament and David Healy was the most prolific striker in Europe? Well they appear long gone and if you are a supporter of Worthington’s men, you might be concerned. Wednesday was a glimpse into what the future might hold for the North and it wasn’t pretty. Admittedly they had 11 players missing but when you make a big fuss over George McCartney retiring from international football, you know you are in trouble.
Like Wales their hopes of making it through to Euro 2012 are pretty much over, a draw against the Faroe Islands in a game which did nothing to convince Northern Ireland’s fans things will get better. For Worthington and co expect a long, hard 2011.
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