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Wenger backs Lions for Euro success
Frenchman believes in English talent
Wenger backs Lions for Euro success | Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has expressed hope that the underachieving England squad performs well in next summer’s Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, despite knowing that the level of competition will be extremely high.
Wenger understandably considers Germany and Netherlands as the greatest threats to defending champions Spain but after watching the Three Lions defeat the Spaniards 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday, the Frenchman refuses to rule out the prospect of an English triumph.
In fact, the Gunners manager does not even believe that any question marks lie over the talent pool in England. Rather, he feels it is the pressure that often gets the better of the Lions.
“England is always under massive pressure. I believe that the expectation level is so high in England, that it always puts extra pressure on the team. So let’s just say that England has a good team, because they have good players. But let’s not make England a favourite to win the European Championships,” Wenger told Arsenal’s official website.
He added: “Let’s give them credit, support and hopefully we will have a good surprise for once.”
Wenger insists that his own country’s struggles following the legendary Zinedine Zidane’s retirement have also been down to a lack of proper execution rather than shortage of talent.
Therefore, he has drawn comparisons between France and England, labeling them as outside favorites, at best.
He elaborated: “I would place England and France roughly at the same level. They cannot say that they definitely have the quality to win the European Championship, but if it all clicks well in their preparation and the form of their best players, they might make a good surprise.
“You would say it’s between Spain, Germany, Holland, and then just behind them are England and France who can be outsiders – interesting outsiders. Let’s wait and see the draw, and see who is available and in form.”
England host Sweden at Wembley tonight while France face Belgium. Following the international break, Wenger’s Gunners will travel to Norwich for Saturday’s early kick-off.
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