Posted by Thomas Rooney
Those over at BonusBetting note how It is certainly a tough start to the tournament for Roy Hodgson’s men and avoiding defeat is very important with regards to their chances of progressing from Group D.
However, Downing – who was a surprise inclusion in the squad for many – says that the team are ready to get Euro 2012 off to the best possible start with three points.
The Liverpool man said: “We are confident we can get a result. We don't fear them. We know they are a good team but so are we. We know their strength and weaknesses.”
Downing then defended the amount of Liverpool players in the squad – they have six representatives, more than any other club – despite the relatively poor season the Reds had.
On this subject, the former Middlesbrough man said: “Whoever the manager picks, we get on with it. I concentrate on my position in the team and so do the other players.”
“If you look at our (Liverpool) performances, we battered teams at times but we did not have the killer instinct.”
As for what France are saying about England, manager Laurent Blanc believes that Hodgson’s men will be ‘physical’.
He said: They are not at full strength but what concerns me is that England will play in a certain style.
"We are going to have to be extremely strong physically. That is going to be a difficult match.”
Those assessing the match using an odds converter will tell you that France are the favourites, but England are very much in contention. It should be a top game. |
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World Football Daily