As a country England are renowned for bottling it in competitions, we’ve all felt the ups and downs, the highs and lows and massive heart ache in recent times. If England were to lift the cup and show the passion and commitment expected, it will be easy to reconnect with the overpaid pre-Madonna's that have distanced themselves from fans.

It is guaranteed as far as many football betting tips are concerned that England’s travelling army will be out in numbers as they always are at International tournaments. Fans and players alike will be hoping for success in the tournament which four years ago saw then manager Steve McLaren fail to even qualify.

As the groups for Euro 2012 have now been drawn and England ending 2011 unbeaten, the squad should be full of confidence heading into the New Year.

Those who bet money on international football note how France are the first team to face England in the summer and offer the greatest talent in the group, but nothing for England to be too concerned about, should they turn up.

Home nation Ukraine is the final game for England and could be the difference between qualification and failure at the first hurdle. The home nation’s are renowned for being galvanised by their support in tournaments in recent times, France (98), Japan (02) and Portugal (04). On a personal note I hope England are through by the time the June 19^th comes around.

Looking outside of the group it is going to be a case of the usual suspects for those who will have the biggest impact on the tournament. Current World and European Champions have to and will be considered favourites to re-lift the trophy, despite being beaten by England a month ago. Group B, the group of death will see at least one big footballing nation exit the competition prematurely, on paper Portugal but rule them out at your peril, with Cristiano Ronaldo being the driving force behind their potential success they will be a constant threat.

Should England fancy their chances at lifting the trophy there are a lot of fixtures to play between the game with France June 11^th and a potential final on July 1^st. Outside of the fixtures, the location of England’s camp has raised eyebrows as the players will be expected to travel over 10,000 miles in order to stay at their Ukrainian camp, whilst their games are played in Poland.

This in mind I believe the Football Association should relocate to one of the available camps in Ukraine to reduce travelling times and removing it as a potential excuse.