Far from riding on a wave of optimism heading into their first European Championships, Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin has all but written off his side’s chances before a ball has even been kicked.

He was brought back to the post for a second stint in March 2011 after leading his men to the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup during his first spell in charge but he has not really been able to inspire his charges second time around. Consequently, getting out of the group stage of the competition would be seen as a massive achievement (Ukraine 5/4 To Qualify).

The trouble for Blokhin is that he has inherited a team in transition, with several talented youngsters coming through who are not quite ready while veterans such as Andriy Shevchenko and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk are clearly past their best.

They have also had to prepare without any recent competitive football having qualified as hosts and the coach has used 40 players in his 15 months back in charge to try to find a winning combination.

He does not appear to have done that and, worryingly, slated both his defence and attack in an interview on Saturday.

The former Dynamo Kiev striker confessed that he has struggled to select an in-form striker, while making it clear that he has problems both in central defence and at full-back.

This does not leave much of the pitch to enthuse about and the scattergun approach to selection and tactics has left a number of players unsure of their role in the side (Ukraine – Exactly 0 points in group stage 10/1).

They tend to play a standard 4-4-2 which sometimes changes into a 4-5-1 during games and it would appear likely that, despite home advantage, goals will be at a premium against the Swedes and in their subsequent two group games.

One player to watch is 22-year-old Dynamo Kiev wide man Andriy Yarmolenko, who has now moved out onto the flank after starting life as a target man.

He has searing pace and has retained the ability to score, with seven goals from 20 appearances to date.

The St Petersburg-born youngster has been courted by, among others, AC Milan and could make a name for himself in the tournament.

Results for Ukraine in 2011 were not great – with four wins, five defeats and three draws – and they will need their best players to be at the top of their game if they are to advance to the last eight.

They have won three of their last four friendlies, however, and drew 3-3 with Germany in November last year.

But this is where it starts to get serious and Sweden are tournament football veterans, who always seem to make a nuisance of themselves in the group stage.

Erik Hamren has moulded his charges into a solid, hardworking side who are well-organised and difficult to break down.

They also like to play 4-4-2 and hit teams on the break and, in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, have one of the best strikers in Europe to put the ball in the back of the net.

The giant hit-man has enjoyed another excellent season with AC Milan and will be full of confidence going into Sweden’s opening match, despite never really having shown his true colours on the biggest international stage.

He does have an excellent scoring record for the Swedes with 31 strikes in 77 appearances but he will need a solid tournament this time around to silence the doubters, with age not on his side.

Lyon’s left-footed midfielder Kim Kallstrom should provide Ibrahimovic with the service he needs as he was credited with seven assists during qualifying, while chipping in with three goals of his own.

If he can find his talismanic team-mate in the box then the Swedes will be a goal threat.

Former Bolton star Johan Elmander is likely to be the second striker and, while he is not as prolific in front of goal as his esteemed strike partner, he is a vastly experienced player and will not be fazed by facing the hosts on their own patch.

Sunderland’s Sebastian Larsson could have a big say in proceedings with his ability to score from set plays, while he will also provide decent crosses for the big man up front.

Midfielder Rasmus Elm has the x-factor needed to unlock defences and has been watched by several top European sides over the past 12 months.

Like Larsson, he is a dead-ball specialist but also has the ability to beat players and pick out a pass – he will pull the strings in the middle of the park for Hamren’s side.

Eight wins and two defeats in qualifying was a decent return and they will be confident of getting out of a group that contains England, who have always struggled to beat the Swedes, and a France side that can blow hot and cold.

Consistency is the Swedes’ main strength as they rarely get pummelled, with only Holland giving them a drubbing in qualifying and, despite Ukraine’s home advantage, they should get at least a point out of this one.

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Regardless of the lack of expectation around the country before the tournament, England will still be criticised if they fail to make the last eight, something new boss Roy Hodgson is fully aware of.

Hodgson, who led England to consecutive 1-0 victories in his first two games in charge, was quoted as saying “it could be the most terrific three weeks or the most torrid of my career” ahead of Monday’s clash at the Donbass Arena.

Much of England’s build up has been overshadowed by the Rio Ferdinand saga. The Manchester United defender’s omission from the squad has received plenty of media coverage, with many experts miffed by the decision.

Hodgson has defended his call, saying he has plenty of options in central defence and would not take Ferdinand to Poland and Ukraine to be a bit-part player.

The show must go on without the 33-year-old, as well as the likes of Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry. Wayne Rooney will, of course, miss the first two games as well, leaving Hodgson without a whole host of stars for the France clash.

The England chief will pin his attacking hopes on Ashley Young and captain Steven Gerrard, the man who got England’s 2010 World Cup campaign off to a flyer when he scored early on against USA although the match ended in a 1-1 draw (Euro 2012 outright 12/1).

Much has changed since the debacle in South Africa, with Young one of the most promising players to emerge in the past two years. He has hit five goals in his last seven games and will be England’s main attacking threat in the opener (First Goalscorer 8/1).

France go into the game unbeaten in 21 internationals but do have defensive frailties. Those weaknesses were on display during their final warm-up match against Estonia last week, despite their 4-0 victory.

Add to that France’s recent record in tournaments and England have a real chance. It has been a case of all or nothing for Les Bleus in recent years.

Since winning the World Cup and European Championship back-to-back in 1998 and 2000, France have failed to qualify from the group stage three times but reached the World Cup final in 2006 and the quarters at Euro 2004.

It is fair to say, however, France are a different proposition under Laurent Blanc. During their 21-game unbeaten run they have won 15, including victories over Brazil, Germany and England (Euro 2012 outright France 8/1).

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema are France’s main threats going forward but concentrate on those two at your peril.

Fans of the Premier League will be familiar with Samir Nasri and Yohan Cabaye, while 21-year-old Yann M’Vila, if fit, could be one of the stars of the tournament.

England will no doubt sit back and let France do all the running, hoping to hit Blanc’s men on the break. It is a dangerous tactic but one England need to employ in the opener if they are to get their tournament up and running with a win.

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For the football fanatics it will be a welcome relief from the tedium of pre-season friendly matches, although the players might not agree with any excitement over an early start.

Saturday’s curtain raiser should be a belter between defending champions Rangers and Hearts. Can the Gers pick up from where they left off or can the Jambos make a statement of intent at Ibrox?

Rangers v Hearts (12:30pm)

Saturday represents the beginning of a new era in the blue half of Glasgow as Ally McCoist takes charge of his first competitive game since becoming Rangers boss. The former Scotland and Gers striker has some big shoes to fill after watching Walter Smith guide the Light Blues to three consecutive SPL titles.

McCoist’s first game in charge is likely to be a decent test as they take on a Hearts side, who finished third last season and have added some decent players to their ranks. Danny Grainger, Jamie Hamill, Mehdi Taouil and John Sutton have all made the switch from their respective clubs to Tynecastle and should provide manager Jim Jefferies with some good options.

While matters off the field have dominated their build-up to the season Hearts shouldn’t be overlooked by Rangers.

Having said that they do have a terrible record at Ibrox in recent years, losing 13 of their last 16 visits to Glasgow. Recent matches have been low scoring affairs so the bet to look out for is under 2.5 goals at 6/5.

With an earlier start time than usual both teams should be a little rusty but Rangers’ quality should shine through. Rangers are 4/11 to win, while Hearts are 17/2 and the draw is 7/2 in the match betting.

Aberdeen v St Johnstone (3pm)

Two teams who struggled last season clash at Pittodrie in the first of two 3pm kick-offs, with Craig Brown looking to carry on the good work he has been doing with the Dons.

Aberdeen have had another tough summer, losing a number of key players including Chris Maguire, Derek Young and Zander Diamond.

Brown did some great work to make sure the Dons weren’t in a relegation battle last season but another bottom half finish looks as though it is calling to the men from the Granite City.

As for St Johnstone they are 9/2 to finish bottom this season and they could find themselves slipping that way if they don’t find a consistent source of goals after managing just 23 in 38 games last season.

The Dons will need to be strong at home and are 21/20 to get the campaign off with a victory in the match betting, the Saints 11/4 and the draw 23/10.

Motherwell v Inverness

Not much separated these two teams at the end of last season, with Inverness ending up with more points than the Steelmen but finishing below them due to being stuck in the bottom half of the table when the league was divided.

Caley will be looking to make sure they finish in the top six this season, despite the loss of Adam Rooney. The promising young striker has gone to Birmingham City and means, like Motherwell, Inverness are without their main source of goals from last season.

The Steelmen lost John Sutton during the summer and will do well to replace their main threat for the upcoming campaign. Last season Inverness took seven points off Motherwell and we fancy them to do the same again to kick start the campaign. The Highlanders are 5/2 for the away win, while Motherwell 11/10 and the draw is 23/10.

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The Manchester City star’s recovery from surgery has gone to plan and he is currently away with his team-mates on their pre-season tour of the USA.

Given’s place in the City XI next term was thought to be under threat following the emergence of Joe Hart, who caught the eye last term on loan at Birmingham City.

But the former Newcastle stalwart insists he has no intention of fading away from the first-team picture as he looks to give Blues boss Roberto Mancini a massive selection headache.

Given told the Daily Mirror: “I saw the specialist last week, he was delighted with it and he told me to kick on with the rehab work.

“If it keeps progressing the way it is then I’m hoping to be playing before we leave America.

“By the second last game or the last game I should be in with a shout of playing and I’m definitely looking to be ready for the start of the new season.”

City kick off the new Premier League season with a trip to Tottenham while Given will also hope to be involved when the Republic of Ireland kick off their Euro 2012 qualification campaign away against Armenia on September 3.

Prior to the new season, Giovanni Trapattoni’s men take on Argentina in a friendly game on August 11 to mark the opening of the new Aviva Stadium which used to be known as Lansdowne Road prior to its redevelopment.

Trapattoni will be determined to make sure his side gives qualifying for Euro 2012 their best shot following their World Cup 2010 play-off heartbreak against France thanks to Thierry Henry’s infamous handball (Ireland 80/1 – Euro 2012 Outright).

But one player who will not be on board is injury-plagued West Brom midfielder Steven Reid who has retired from international football.

Reid said: “I wish the squad every success for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers and thank the players, the backroom team and the management for their help, support and friendship over the past nine years.

“I would also like to say a massive thank you to all the Irish fans for their support. They always got behind me and it was an honour to represent them.”

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A freak own goal from Daniel Agger put them ahead before his Liverpool team-mate Dirk Kuyt sealed the points late on.

The first half failed to excite the fans, but the Dutch were ahead within a minute of the restart and took command of the match.

Rafael van der Vaart failed to find the target with a couple of early half-chances from the edge of the area for the Dutch before the best chance of the first half arrived on 27 minutes when Dennis Rommedahl played in a cross from the right which was nodded wide of the target by the unmarked Nicklas Bendtner.

Holland could have taken the lead in fortunate circumstances on 33 minutes when Kuyt’s low cross deflected off a Danish defender and then ricocheted off Johnny Heitinga on its way over the bar.

Rommedahl drilled a fierce attempt at Maarten Stekelenburg before the Dutch shot-stopper was forced to parry away Thomas Kahlenberg’s thumping effort for a corner.

The Netherlands were in front inside the opening minute of the second period and luck played a major part in the goal.

Simon Poulsen’s laughable attempt to head clear Van Persie’s cross merely bounced off the back of Agger before clipping the post on its way past a helpless Sorensen.

The Danes could have swiftly found themselves 2-0 down if Van Persie had not produced a terrible first touch following a poor pass by Simon Kjaer.

Van Persie then sought to be the creator once again as his clipped pass into the box was turned towards goal by Van der Vaart, allowing Sorensen to produce an acrobatic save for the cameras.

Holland continued to look the more likely to score, with Sorensen pushing Mark van Bommel’s drive wide and Van Persie heading the resultant corner off target when found unmarked.

A second goal for Bert van Marwijk’s side almost arrived eight minutes from time when Sneijder’s shot deflected off Agger and looped on to the top of Sorensen’s crossbar.

The Dutch wrapped up the points with five minutes to go when Kuyt tucked away the loose ball after Elia, who had injected some spark into the game after his introduction from the bench, had seen his delicately clipped shot come back off the post.

Simon Poulsen did at least prevent the score from becoming worse for Denmark when he acrobatically cleared the ball from underneath his own bar after substitute Ibrahim Afellay had beaten Sorensen to a cross, but it was a case of too little, too late.

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Liverpool

Spain begin their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 16 and according to the head of Liverpool’s medical team Peter Brukner, Torres could well be a doubt for the first game.

He said: “He’s doing well and he’s certainly tremendously committed to his rehab, as are the staff here, and if anyone can recover from an injury, he can.

“You can’t be absolutely certain of anything but at this stage, if he continues to progress the way he is, he should be fit to play at some stage during the World Cup. Whether he’ll be fit for the first game or not is uncertain, he added.

Brukner and the medical staff at Liverpool are looking at the 26-year-old’s fitness in the long term and are determined not to rush him back from his operation which was the second on his knee within three months.

Torres has spent large parts of this season on the sidelines, which many believe was one of the main reasons for a poor season by Liverpool’s standards. Despite the injuries, the Spaniard has still scored 18 goals in 22 Premier League games.

The European champions who are one of the strong favourites for the tournament (Spain 4/1 to win the World Cup outright) are struggling with injuries to key players, which could severely affect the team’s chances of bringing back the trophy from South Africa.

Along with injury to Torres, Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas is recovering from a cracked fibula which he picked up in his clubs Champions League tie with Barcelona, who are also struggling with an important injury.

Star midfielder Xavi, who is integral for both club and country, could miss out on the World Cup for Spain. The Barca ace is currently playing through a calf tear to help ensure the Catalan giants fend off rivals Real Madrid and the win La Liga this year, but what part he will play in the World Cup is uncertain.

Spain’s group in at the tournament include Switzerland, Honduras and Chile (Spain 1/18 to qualify through the group stages).

That’s a group that they are expected to come through comfortably which should give players like Torres Fabregas and Xavi time to recover for tougher challenges further on in the competition.

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