Author: David Gold

England enter Euro 2012 with few expectations under new manager Roy Hodgson. That may make the side dangerous opponents, especially when Wayne Rooney returns to the fray.

Euro 2012’s Group A could be one of the hardest fought at the finals. All the teams involved, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland and Greece, will feel they can go through.

Russia will expect to qualify from Group A, but then Euro 2012 will test this ageing group to the limit. Can they produce the goods?

Greece shocked Europe in 2004 when they won the European Championship. Could a similar feat be on the cards again?

Co-hosts Poland have been handed a group from which they will feel confident of emerging. But the country have not played a competitive international since 2009.

The Czech Republic have consistently performed at European Championships, but a lack of goals may hinder their chances at Euro 2012.

Auxerre’s long stay in Ligue 1 may be over, but there is a sense of history as the side Guy Roux built swap places with the legendary Reims. With Saint-Etienne firmly in Ligue 1, the history boys are now both back amongst the elite of French football.

French coaches have long been at an advantage when it comes to taking charge of African national teams. And while far from all have worked genuine magic, the love affair between African football and French coaches is firmly entrenched.

David Winner explains the beauty and neurosis of Dutch football in his highly-acclaimed book Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football. The author sets out to lead the reader on a journey, providing an in-depth look at the psychological profile of the Dutch people and even the country’s architecture, all in an effort to understand their approach to a game they have been responsible for making beautiful since they first began to caress a football. Read more…

Montpellier’s winning of the 2011/12 French Ligue 1 title is a victory which, in the modern era, should not have happened. With only the 13th largest budget in the league and up against a wealthy PSG side, Montpellier had the odds stacked against them.