Euro 2012 Qualifiers

[Luis Suarez]

Ramsey wants Olympic spot

12 November 2011

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey is determined to play for Team Great Britain at the Olympic Games next summer.Ramsey recently posed in the shirt to be worn by the Olympic side next summer and has dismissed suggestions that the Welsh FA will stop him and Gareth Bale representing Team GB.

"Me and Gareth are contracted to adidas and it was a shoot for them."“It wasn't just that top we were photographed in that day, it was a few others. And I don't regret it."If it doesn't affect Wales' identity then I don’t see why not to play for GB. It is up to the players. The PFA haven’t given us any reason why we can’t play in the Olympics."

"Maybe we'll have a meeting, but I am not sure. It is still a long way away, so a lot can happen.""But whenever I put on that Wales shirt I give 100 per cent, and Gareth and Joe (Ledley) are no different to me." "I am a proud Welshman, who wants to go out and give his best every time."

Wales manager Gary Speed has said any decision that his players make about representing Team GB will be their own, with the opportunity to play at the Olympic Games proving an exciting prospect."It is only natural they would want to play, as it is a fantastic tournament and occasion."

"It would be good, but the scheduling for me would be an issue and I am not sure I would want to spend so much of pre-season in the athletes' village.""But I certainly won't be intimidating anyone. It is all their decision and their choice."

 

[Luis Suarez]

Cech hails 'ideal result' against Montenegro
Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech has praised his team for securing a 2-0 advantage ahead of their Euro 2012 play-off second leg against Montenegro.

Giovanni Trapattoni: I'm not God
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni insisted he was not God despite seeing his side romp to a 4-0 victory over Estonia.

Hiddink: I'm responsible for defeat

Turkey coach Guus Hiddink has taken full responsiblity for his side's 3-0 defeat to Croatia in the Euro 2012 play-off.
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[Luis Suarez]

Bento: Result against Bosnia was ´unfair´

12 November 2011

Portugal boss Paulo Bento lamented his side's inability to score against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first Euro 2012 playoff leg on Friday.Neither side were able to break the deadlock during the 90 minutes, despite Portuguese attacker Cristiano Ronaldo and Bosnian forward Vedad Ibisevic producing good chances to do so in the second half.

Bento believes Portugal were the better side, claiming Bosnia only tested Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio on one occasion."We had a brilliant first half, in which we had several chances to score," Bento told RTP Informacao."On their part, Bosnia created one chance on goal during the whole match.""This is an extremely unfair result, considering what we did.

I am proud and satisfied with the spirit of the national team, and I owe it to the players."The 42-year-old coach added that the result does not given his side an advantage for the second leg, which will be played at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday."We must now keep our feet on the ground," he said.

"We have a very complicated match ahead, against a good team, but in a different stadium.""We have to play with the same courage, this is a good result, but always dangerous in two-legged ties."Bosnian boss Safet Susic felt the stalemate was a fair result for both teams.

"This is a fair result. We had good chances, just like Portugal had, but the ball did not want to go in," Susic said. "Portugal are one hell of a team, they have a good player for every position. They are satisfied with the result, just like we are, because they know our qualities.""Perhaps it is better that all will be decided in Lisbon, in a very good stadium, which can gather almost 70,000 spectators."

Susic said he was predicting a 2-2 draw for the second leg in Portugal, which would ultimately take Bosnia through to next year's Euro finals in Poland and Ukraine on away goals.

 

[Luis Suarez]

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[Luis Suarez]

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Euro 2012 playoffs wrap: Portugal, Ireland seal qualification

16 November 2011

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Portugal thumped Bosnia and Herzegovina 6-2 in Lisbon to book their Euro 2012 spot in style, while the Republic of Ireland also qualified.Bosnia headed to Portugal full of hope after a 0-0 home draw in the first leg, but it was Paulo Bento's team who started off best, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick after eight minutes.

The Real Madrid star hit a trade-mark dipping set-piece and Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic was beaten from long distance again just 16 minutes later as Nani let fly with a 25-yard effort that dipped in.

Portugal continued to dominate and had claims for a penalty as they looked to kill off the tie, but the visitors were thrown a lifeline just five minutes before the break when Fabio Coentrao was adjudged to have handled the ball while leaping for a header inside the area.

Despite the decision being hotly protested, Zvjezdan Misimovic converted the penalty as the hosts took a 2-1 lead into the break.The match appeared over when Ronaldo rounded Begovic for his second just after half-time with Senad Lucic given his marching orders for dissent in the aftermath, but Bosnia again fought back, this time through Emir Spahic who scored with 25 minutes to play.

But with their numerical advantage, Portugal were well on top and a late double from Helder Postiga, either side of Miguel Veloso's impressive free-kick, sealed the thumping win.

In the other three qualifiers played on Tuesday, the Republic of Ireland, Croatia and the Czech Republic all held onto first-leg advantages to book their places at next year's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

After a 4-0 first-leg win in Estonia, Irish fans at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin were in party mode as Giovanni Trappatoni's team claimed a 1-1 draw to qualify for their first European Championships since 1988.

Left-back Stephen Ward put Ireland into a 31st-minute lead when he bundled home the rebound from Kevin Doyle's saved header, and although Konstantin Vassiljev equalised from long-range early in the second half, an Estonian comeback was never on the cards.

Things were more even in Podgorica in the second leg, with the Czech Republic hoping to defend a 2-0 first-leg win against Montenegro.The visitors faced lots of pressure but managed to keep Montenegro at bay before Petr Jiracek's late strike gave Michal Bilek's Czech side a 1-0 away win.

In Zagreb, Croatia and Turkey played out a goalless draw, ensuring Croatia progressed with a 3-0 aggregate win.Selcuk Inan hit the post in the first minute while Hamit Altintop was also denied by the woodwork in the second half, but the Turks failed to make inroads into the deficit after their heavy home loss in the first leg.

 

[Luis Suarez]

Wednesday 16th November 2011

Sweden looking to resume dark horse role

Sweden will be looking to catch teams by surprise at the European Championships next year.

The Nordic nation have generally done well since their golden era in the early 1990s, when they reached the semifinals of Euro 1992 and third in the 1994 World Cup.

Sweden qualified for Euro 2012 as best runners-up in the qualification stages but will need the next generation to step up and take over if they want to improve and go all the way.

Sweden

World ranking (as of November 2011): 14
Coach: Erik Hamren

With new coach Erik Hamren taking over Lars Lagerback after failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, Sweden have always put attack on priority. Sweden are an aging team.

Their current key players are all in the other side of the hill of their careers, so to speak. Ibrahimovic (30), Christian Wilhemsson (31), Olof Mellberg (34) and Anders Svensson (35) have certainly seen
Sweden have lots of quality players in their side, like Sebastian Larsson, Rasmus Elm, Kim Kallstrom and Ola Toivonen, but they are yet to show that they can take over the helm and drive the team.

Can they win it?

They have shown that they are capable of great performances, but too many attacks go through Ibrahimovic, which should not be the case with so many other talents out there. For one, Larsson is one to look out for, with his performance at Sunderland putting him under the radar weekly.

He has proven that he has one of the sweetest strike on a freekick and his hardworking running is combined with that bit of flair that can unlock defences. Toivonen has also proved his finishing skills at club level and have already been been linked with a move away from PSV Eindhoven.

Should they step up and shoulder the responsibility, Sweden have a very good chance of advancing far in the tournament next summer.

Best performance at European championships: Semi-finals (1992)

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[Luis Suarez]

Wednesday 16th November 2011

Hiddink leaves Turkey post

The contract of Turkey coach Guus Hiddink has been terminated by mutual consent following the national team's failure to reach next summer's European Championships.

Tuesday night's 3-0 aggregate defeat to Croatia in the Euro 2012 play-offs brought an end to Turkey's hopes of reaching the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

A statement on the official TFF website read: "Following the meeting between Turkish Football Federation Executive Committee and Turkey head coach Guus Hiddink, the Dutch coach's contract has been terminated by mutual consent.

"We would like to thank Mr Guus Hiddink for his services during his working period, and wish him all the best in his future career."

Hiddink, who has also managed Holland, South Korea, Australia and Russia at international level, took charge of the Turkish national team in August last year and leaves the post after just 15 months.

His contract was due to run until next summer, although it was widely expected the 65-year-old would move on before that time if Turkey were unsuccessful in the qualification campaign.

Turkey were thrashed 3-0 in the first leg of their qualifying play-off in Istanbul last week before Croatia finished the job with a goalless draw in Zagreb last night.

Hiddink has already been linked with a possible return to English football after a successful spell as caretaker manager of Chelsea in 2009, when he guided the club to victory in the FA Cup final.
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[Luis Suarez]

Wednesday 16th November 2011

Seedings announced for Euro 2012

The seedings for the Euro 2012 draw to be held on December 2 have been announced, and they have opened up the possibility of some enthralling match-ups.

England are in the second group of seeds for the Euro 2012 finals draw, UEFA confirmed on Wednesday.

Fabio Capello's men are alongside Euro 2008 runners-up Germany, 2006 world champions Italy and Russia in the second pot.

Reigning world and European champions Spain are in the top group of seeds, alongside 2010 World Cup finalists Holland plus co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, who have already been allocated to groups A and D respectively.

The Republic of Ireland, whose qualification for the finals was confirmed on Tuesday night, are in the fourth group of seeds alongside Denmark, the Czech Republic and France.

That means they cannot face the French, who knocked them out in a controversial World Cup qualification play-off two years ago.

The draw for the finals will be made in Kiev on December 2. The worst case scenario for Capello's men would be a group containing Spain, Portugal and France.

As well as that potential 'Group of Death' , there is also the possibility of a 'Group of Debt' made up of ailing Eurozone members Spain, Italy, Greece and the Republic.

A more palatable group for Capello's team might be to be drawn against Poland - with England having already confirmed they will be based in Krakow - Greece and the Czechs.

The pots have been decided on the countries' UEFA coefficient rankings, except for the co-hosts.


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Euro 2012 Seedings

Pot 1: Spain, Holland, Poland, Ukraine

Pot 2: Germany, Italy, England, Russia

Pot 3: Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Sweden

Pot 4: Denmark, France, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland

*Poland already allocated to Group A, Ukraine already allocated to Group D*​

 

[CheesePie]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ww0Xn-TsaWU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Portugal 6-2 Bosnia
Full Match Highlights

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[CheesePie]

Turkey turn to Avci as Hiddink replacement

17 November 2011

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The Turkish Football Federation have unveiled Abdullah Avci as new national team coach.

Avci was presented to the press on Thursday as a replacement for Guus Hiddink, whose contract was terminated on Tuesday after failing to guide Turkey to the Euro 2012 finals following a 3-0 aggregate loss to Croatia in the playoffs.

Avci, who has been in charge of Turkish Super Lig club Istanbul BB since 2006, returns to international management after leading Turkey's Under-17 squad to glory at the European Championship in 2005.

TFF president Mehmet Ali Aydinlar had revealed that the TFF had met with Avci on Wednesday.

"I am very happy with this opportunity," Avci said during his presentation. "We will make important moves for Turkish football."

 

[Luis Suarez]

Hiddink fires parting salvo at Turan

18 November 2011

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Former Turkey coach Guus Hiddink has slammed Atletico Madrid winger Arda Turan for being booked in the Euro 2012 play-offs. Turkey lost 3-0 to Croatia last Friday in the first leg of their play-off in Istanbul.

Tuesday's second leg ended 0-0, meaning Turkey did not progress to next summer's championship finals in Ukraine and Poland.Turan needlessly kicked the ball away, earning himself a booking that ruled him out of the return leg, and Hiddink could not hide his anger at the 24-year-old.

"A player like Arda is a major talent who should not leave the team in any circumstances. Before the game I talked to him one-on-one," Hiddink told Fanatik."Then he went off and kicked the ball away for no reason. Only a stupid man would do this. This is the only incident I won't forgive."

Despite Turkey's failure to qualify for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, Hiddink said that he achieved his objective in charge of the nation."When I received the job proposal, the priority was to put a new squad together," he said."The target was to participate in all major competitions from 2014. We have gained important players such as Gokhan Tore, Mehmet Ekici, Burak Yilmaz and Omer Toprak."

Finally, the Dutchman said top Turkish talents are based in Germany as opposed to in Turkey itself, citing Germany's superior youth system."Everybody should consider why there is more talent among the three million Turks in Germany than the 70 million in Turkey."

"It's because in such advanced footballing countries, everything is planned out and done more professionally."Hiddink left his post as Turkey coach on Tuesday to be replaced by Abdullah Avci.

 

[Mesut Özil]

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Germany?

Should be Sweden vs England.

 

[Mesut Özil]

England draw France, Spain to face Italy at Euro 2012

3 December 2011

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Defending champions Spain will face Italy in the Euro 2012 group stage while England are up against France, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine.

The 16 nations competing at next year's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine discovered their group-stage opponents for the tournament during Friday's draw in Kiev.Co-hosts Poland will be hopeful of qualifying for the quarter-finals after being drawn with Russia, Greece and the Czech Republic in Group A.

Russia reached the semi-finals of the 2008 tournament in Austria and Switzerland, before losing to eventual winners Spain.Greece sprung a major surprise in 2004, beating hosts Portugal in the final, while the Czech Republic claimed third place that year.

Beaten World Cup finalists the Netherlands were drawn in Group B alongside Germany, Portugal and Denmark.Germany reached the last four at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and are among the favourites for next year's finals after qualifying with a 100 percent record.

Portugal needed a play-off victory over Bosnia to book their spot, but do boast Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as their captain.Denmark were unlikely winners of the competition in 1992, but may struggle to make it into the knockout stages after being drawn in what shapes as the toughest of the four groups.

Reigning world and European champions Spain face a tricky road into the last eight, drawn with Italy, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland in Group C.World Cup winners as recently as 2006, Italy have shown marked improvement since their dire performance in South Africa last year.

Croatia reached the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, while Ireland are making their first appearance at the competition since 1988.In Group D, England will be hoping to reverse their recent woes at major tournaments, but will need to overcome France, Ukraine and Sweden if they are to do so.

France and England were drawn together as recently as the 2004 group stage in Portugal, when Zinedine Zidane inspired France to came from behind and record a 2-1 victory.England and Sweden continue their record of being drawn together at major championships - the two countries previously faced off at the 2002 and 2006 World Cup finals.

It will be the Ukraine's first appearance at the competition after failing to qualify for the first four championships since declaring independence from the Soviet Union.They reached the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, before losing to the eventual winners Italy.

 

[Mesut Özil]

Loew: Germany handed toughest group

3 December 2011

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Germany boss Joachim Loew believes his side face the toughest and most interesting group at Euro 2012.

The 51-year-old's team were drawn in Group B for next year's tournament, alongside the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark.Loew told reporters: "Our group is the strongest and most interesting group.""Also, Denmark is very dangerous, because they are not scared of great names and teams. I said for the draw: I have no teams that I wish or want to avoid."

"This is a very great European championship and every team is strong. It's not like a World Cup where you also play against Costa Rica, Ecuador or teams like that.""Before such a competition many people discuss. But it is only important, which team has the best form 2012. There are many things that can happen until then like injuries."

Former Germany international Mehmet Scholl was also worried by the draw, claiming that it will be a hard group for such a young team to face.He told reporters: "That's a bullet to bite. That's a hammer group for our very young team"

 

[Mesut Özil]

Del Bosque wary of Italian opener

3 December 2011

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Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has admitted that he is worried about the strength of Italy in Euro 2012, after drawing them on Friday.

The teams join Croatia and the Republic of Ireland in Group C of the European Championships, but the defending champions will take on the Italians in their opening clash in Poland, in what is a rematch of their quarter-final at Euro 2008 which Spain won on penalties.

Speaking on Friday following the draw, however, Del Bosque recognized that his charges would have to be at their very best to down Italy, who beat his outfit 2-1 in August's friendly between the two nations.

"Italy have only just beaten us and they are strong opponents," the coach told Cuatro Television, adding that he was otherwise pleased with the outcome of the draw.

"It will be tough, in the European Championships there are 16 tough teams and every one poses their own threat. But the outcome that I wanted has come to fruition (avoiding Germany and playing in Poland)."

"We have to play a more renowned team like Italy, and two teams that made it through the playoffs. We will prepare carefully, we have to focus on our own game and get ready."

Spain and Italy will meet in the opening game of Group C on June 10, in the Polish city of Gdansk.

 

[Luis Suarez]

Luckless draw motivates Van Marwijk

3 December 2011

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Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk says his side face a 'huge challenge' after being drawn with Germany, Portugal and Denmark for Euro 2012.

Van Marwijk concedes his team will have their work cut out for them if they are to progress from Group B of next year's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

"Nothing can be done about it. It is a huge challenge, and it is the hardest group, that is what everyone agrees on. We just had the picture with all the coaches, and none of them were happy," Bert van Marwijk told uefa.com.

"The others also respect us a lot. The big advantage is that you want to play those matches now and you are really motivated for them.""The schedule looks a lot like the World Cup tournament. The first match was against Denmark, just like now."

"I do not look any further than that first one. It will be extremely important to win that first match.""When we get through this group, we play a team from Group A so the draw has its advantages and disadvantages."

"For me personally, I think it is a thrilling draw, with attractive opponents. It is an extremely hard draw and a huge challenge for us."

 

[Luis Suarez]

English still bitter at losing World Cup, says Blatter

5 December 2011

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Sepp Blatter claims the English are still reeling from their failed attempt to bring the World Cup back to the country for the first time since 1966.

The FIFA President said the Football Association (FA) felt they had a right to host the tournament and resent him because of this.England lost out on hosting the 2018 tournament to Russia despite a high profile campaign and only managed two votes in a ballot of Fifa's 22 executive members in Zurich last December.

"The World Cup was theirs by right. When they came here with Beckham, Prince William and Prime Minister Cameron, they were certain of winning," Blatter told Swiss newspaper Matin Dimanch.

"They got two votes. Since then, they have looked for every means to justify their defeat."Since missing out on the tournament, the English FA have opposed Blatter’s re-election as FIFA president, but he was voted in for a fourth term in office in June.

The 75-year old has faced much criticism over the past year for allegations of corruption within FIFA and recently said that football doesn't have a problem with racism, claiming that such incidents should be settled with a handshake.

Blatter also claimed that the English have lost power in recent years and were more concerned about hosting the next World Cup than the Olympic games.He continued: "In the 60s and 70s, the great sporting federations were in the main British. It's no longer the case."

"The English have lost power and, most recently, the 2018 World Cup.""They were very keen, more than for the Olympics. They thought that football should have come home."

 

[Luis Suarez]

Eriksson back England´s Euro 2012 chances

5 December 2011

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Sven-Goran Eriksson feels England can win Euro 2012 and has also backed Harry Redknapp as the man to take over from manager Fabio Capello.

The Swede managed England for six years, taking them to the 2002 and 2006 editions of the World Cup as well as Euro 2004.England were drawn in Group D for next year's finals with France, Sweden and the co-hosts Ukraine.

"I think they have big possibilities of the semi-final or final. Why not win it? With a little bit of luck, not a lot of injuries and players not too tired, they have a chance," Eriksson told BBC Radio 5.England face France in their first game and Eriksson believes that they will be the toughest test for Capello's men.

"They (France) have changed everything since the last World Cup and things are going very well for them, so I think they will do much better this time than they did in the World Cup," he said.

"It's tough, but the squad England will have out there is very strong, so if England don't have a lot of injuries, if they are not too tired - which always is a big issue, of course - they are the strongest team.""They should be the strongest team in the group. They should go through to the quarter-finals and I am quite sure they will do that."

"If England make it out of their group they will face a tough task in the quarter-finals against one of the teams to qualify from Group C, which includes current World and European champions Spain."Italy, the Republic of Ireland or Croatia could also lie in wait for England but Eriksson believes it is key they avoid Spain.

"Let's hope it's going to be Italy," he continued. "Spain, as we all know during the last years and the last two big tournaments, they have been outstanding.""They have been for years now the best team in the world, so let's hope it's going to be Italy."

"If it was Spain, if Spain perform like they have been lately, probably England would not be the favourite, so that's good in one way.""If it's Italy, England could be the favourite there."

Current manager Fabio Capello has already said he will be leaving his post after the Euro 2012 and Eriksson believes that Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp should be given the job."I would say Harry Redknapp is a very, very good choice," he said."Of course there are others. Harry is English and if the FA wants an English manager I think he's the perfect one."

 

[Luis Suarez]

Monday 5th December 2011

Allegri doubts Cassano Euro chance

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has cast doubt over striker Antonio Cassano's availability for Italy at next summer's European Championship.

Cassano is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing heart surgery last month.

However, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli had recently said he hopes to have the striker back fit for the national team as they look to progress from a tough looking Group C at Euro 2012.

Italy were drawn against reigning World and European champions Spain, as well as Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.

Allegri is not as optimistic though and believes the 29-year-old will not play for Milan again this season and as a result would be unfit for the Azzurri in time for the start of Euro 2012 in June.

"He is on the road to recovery after the heart surgery, though I don't know if he'll manage to be fit in time for Euro 2012," Allegri told Verissimo.

"Now he needs to focus only on recovering."

Italy will head into the tournament a little short of quality up front with Giuseppe Rossi also sidelined along with Cassano for the considerable future.

In the absence of Rossi and Cassano, Prandelli has turned to Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli and Inter Milan hitman Giampaolo Pazzini in recent matches.
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[Luis Suarez]

Monday 5th December 2011

No worries over England's Euro base

England have criticised as a "scare story" reports that the team's training base in Poland for Euro 2012 is dilapidated and not fit for purpose.

England will be using the ground of fourth division Hutnik Nowa Huta as their base in Poland for at least three games - against France, Ukraine and Sweden.

Club England managing director Adrian Bevington admits the facilities are not up to standard but insisted they will be ready for when the players arrive before the tournament.

The Sun has reported the ground in Krakow is "barely fit for a pub team" and describes the dressing room and medical facilities as "a shambles". Pictures show rubble-strewn dressing room and showers.

But Bevington said on his Twitter account: "We have pitch specialist company who work with Fifa and Uefa working on our training pitch - it will be fine."

He added: "Pre-tournament base camp scare story in Sun today. V predictable. Training pitch isn't good but will be in June."

While England are adamant the ground will be up the high standards they demand, it adds to concern over Fabio Capello's choice to be based in Poland.

England's group games will all be in Ukraine with matches against France and Ukraine in Donetsk as well as a trip to Kiev to play Sweden with their journeys totalling 5,000 miles.

Should they reach the latter stages of the tournament they would face two more trips to Donetsk for the quarter and semi-finals.

Yet Capello, who chose a city centre location in Krakow after what Bevington described as a 14-month search which ended with the Italian adamant his side would prepare better in Poland, refused to entertain any thought of a change following last Friday's draw.

"Absolutely not," he said. "I am happy with Krakow. When we played in Ukraine, we arrived the day before. That was a long trip from London.

"When we played Montenegro we did the same. "I prefer to play in Krakow because the facilities are really good. "The players will be happy with the hotel and the training."
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