10/06/2012 Match of the Day

Hello everybody. Three days into Euro 2012 and thankfully we have

been spared the usual sluggish start to a major international

tournament. Controversy, heroes, villains, goals aplenty. Group C

began under the watchful eyes of Lee Dixon, Clarence Seedorf and

Steve Staunton. The Emerald Isle is back on the big stage and we will

see how they fared against Croatia in their opener. Then we will seek

defending champion shows -- champions Spain kick-off against

Italy. Following the match action we will catch up with England who

begin their bid for Euro glory against France tomorrow. Poland had

all to themselves today as they hosted both of the day's games.

Later we will be in good dance for Spain against Italy but first we

will go to Poznan and the Republic of Ireland against Croatia. With

Spain and Italy in Group C Republic made a flying start against Croatia.

Maximum points would mean so much. It is their first major tournament

for 10 years. Trapattoni has made them a hard nut to crack. Croatian

coach Bilic will be looking for his big men to perform. They are in no

way a one-man band. Jelavic has proved his scoring ability and with

other stalls -- stars like Eduardo, they could surprise a few.

they could surprise a few. Having been into the middle of

Having been into the middle of Poznan this afternoon, it's hard to

imagine they are too many people left in the Republic of Ireland. 10

years on from their last appearance at a major tournament, one thing

the Irish will not be short of his support in the stands. No surprises

here. This team was named one week ago. Shay Given is is fit despite

in the injury last week. Damian Duff and Aiden McGeady provide the

width. Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews the glass when the surf --

graft in the centre with Kevin Doyle chosen to partner Robbie

Keane up front. Goalkeeper Pletikosa did not get much of a

look-in at Spurs but this is one of many international appearances.

Luka Modric pulls this brings in midfield while Jelavic who did so

well for a Leverton in the second half of the last season is in

getting involved in play. Croatia have the first corner of the game.

Racket it has recovered from a Croatia! It was Mandzukic. He

slipped as he went for the ball but Shay Given couldn't get there. Less

than three minutes played and it is an awful, awful start for the Irish.

The ball just gets deflected in a. He managed to guide it in and from

that distance, that ball took a deflection. He managed to guide it

to the corn and Shay Given really should do better with that. What a

start for Croatia! Mandzukic with the goal. The Republic of Ireland

have not conceded many in the last couple of years. They conceded very

was unable to force a save. The Republic of Ireland over the years

have a good record against Croatia. They have played them six times but

well using his body. A defender got 1-1 and the Republic of Ireland are

back in the game. That was Sean St Ledger for Ireland. These fans have

got something to smile about. Croatian players looked at the

assistant there. They timed this one beautifully. It is in the back

of the net. He is just not even looking at his man. He has on the

wrong side and get punished for it. Sean's N Ledger with his third

international goal. He scored a big goal against Italy. He scored an

even bigger goal here. This brings the Republic of Ireland level

clearance. What a game we have here! Shay Given adjusted to his

left and pushed it away from the Croatia. Eclairs in a row. Eight

green shirts defending for their was loitering. And it felt very

well. That was Jelavic who took the toss. The Republic of Ireland

players look in vain to the official on the far side. They

argue with the referee but Jelavic has scored for Croatia. The goal

stands and they lead by the 2-1 with two minutes to go to half-time.

The eventual goal scored by Jelavic. I am not sure if that is what they

are complaining about but as the ball ricochets about, it is of side

from the original shot. The arms go up straight away but the flags stay

down all importantly. The Everton That was a beautiful move but not

quite the finish. Lovely delivery here. Just watch her. They got in

Shay Given. The Republic of Ireland may be worst possible start to the

first half and they have done exactly the same thing at the start

of the second. Three minutes into each half they concede. It is 3-1

and it is a long, long way back tonight. They made their excellent

start to the second half, they moved the ball around from one side

of the pitch to another. This was a glancing header and Shay Given got

as far apart as he could but it just hit him on the head and it

went in. A lovely cross both. -- a ban on the back of the head. It is

up to the referee to blow the whistle to stop the game.

referee is happy for the game to continue and the players are within

their rights to do that. Whether there is a head injury the referee

would normally stop the game. Mandzukic has stayed down and

Croatia is momentarily down to 10 which means there is billing in the

background. They look for a penalty but nothing doing. The Irish

players complain of the referee and the Croatian players complain that

the Irish and nobody out there on the field is very happy at the

moment. Mandzukic caused all the problems by staying down. You have

to play on. I think it is a penalty. I don't think he gets the ball. He

took the back of Robbie Keane's leg and I think it is a penalty. The

referee got a good look at it. He was looking straight at and I think

the Irish were unlucky. The referee did not cover himself in glory

there. That really did look like a That was excellent play. He has got

forward a lot more in the second half. He doesn't panic on the cross

and he cut it back and I thought that was in to be honest. Excellent

plate. That is the best bit of football I have seen for a while

than the Republic, they have put them under pressure. They put them

under pressure when they are in possession and I think Croatia have

far too much space and time. Schildenfeld is under pressure.

Andrews made a shot. He applauded it, didn't he? Shane Long is coming

on. He is battling away. disappointing opening match so far

for the Republic of Ireland. It is only the second time they have made

it to the Euro champion final -- ground there. He has a problem with

his lower back. There are two players on the ground. Things are

getting a little heated out there. Kranjcar has to be careful because

his stud was shelling in that challenge. He has gone over the top

Poznan. None of the 39,000 crowd are leaving quite yet. A decent

ball in from Cox, a good punch from Pletikosa. Here is Damien Duff. In

towards Andrews, he was challenged by Corluka. Richard Dunne, getting

Andrews as he went for the ball. Andrews goes up for the second one.

Pletikosa does get an elbow to the face from the Shane Long. Pletikosa

gets a whack. Oh, dear. I take that put it behind. And it is the first

corner for the Irish in the entire match, and it is in injury time at

the end of the game. They have got to throw everything at Croatia,

including the kitchen sink. Over it comes! Andrews with the header just

wide. Just like on the first goal, a free header. Nobody is marking.

You would think after everything they have been through, Croatia

would get tight, but they don't. A free header for Keith Andrews and

he really should score. The last knocking us of added time.

whistle and confusing everybody on the benches. Perhaps one last

chance for the Republic of Ireland. Corluka is there, Andrews with the

shot again. But unable to even forced a save. It has been a

frustrating day for them. Now it is the referee's whistle that blows,

and he brings to a conclusion, this opening match. After a 24 year wait,

it is a disappointing return to the European Championships final so far

for the Republic of Ireland. Well They conceded after three minutes

in the first half, three minutes in the second and shortly before half-

time. Sean's then Leader's headed goal was not nearly enough. -- Sean

St Leger's headed goal was not nearly enough. The Republic have to

He it is always nice to get a goal but we lost the game and that is

the most important thing. We have another two games to go, two huge

games. It is always important to get off to a good start, that has

not happened. Croatia are a good side with a talented squad. We have

to move on and put it behind us. The fans in the stadium were

magnificent, I can't speak highly enough of them. The noise before

hand and when we scored, hopefully they will stick with us. They were

threatening us with set pieces, like they are going to do against

any team. They are good on second balls. They were better on that.

They were better in that department than us but it is quite normal, you

have to come close to them. You can't stop them closing the ball

from distance, it is very hard. You can minimise it but you can't stop

them. Other than that, we expected the game to be like this. OK, we

scored goals in great moments of the game. In the beginning and just

before half-time, and then after half-time, so it was perfect.

didn't perform to the 100% that we need to, to compete in games. It

was unfortunate. We were not terribly bad but the goals came at

the wrong time for us. It was a disappointing start. The second

goal was clearly offside. Two metres. With these two goals, we

lost in the first half, they deserved to win because they were

superior in midfield. Do you feel you can still qualify? It is a big

setback. It is. We usually perform well under difficult circumstances

and we will need to now. It doesn't get much more difficult than

playing Spain on Thursday. We could surprise a few people and that is

what we need to do. We need those fans ready to do the same on

Thursday and we need to get something. Steve, I will allow you

to blame everything from the missed penalty to the idiot in the crowd

with the whistle, but Trapattoni's side were the architects of their

own downfall. Unfortunately, tonight's performance has been so

out of character for the squad and what it has always been about for

the last three or four years. I don't know how to explain it.

don't know how to explain it. are going to have to! We are not

coming out quickly enough to close this down. You see the ball coming

in here inside the box. We are not close enough. We are slow coming

out. They get a lucky break off the back of Stephen Ward and it is

unfortunate because Shay Given has to come across. That was a great

header. Fantastic. Just - Shay Given is getting to it, it takes a

bounce off the wet surface -- just as Shay Given is getting to it.

They got men back behind the ball and you don't expect Ireland to

give anything away. To give two goals away three minutes into the

game and just before half-time really did them in. They get men

back, they win the corner, Croatia. From this, they get the second goal.

You can see here, we are slow coming out. It is not good enough.

Trapattoni will be disappointed. The defenders will be disappointed.

Modric does well. A little bit of luck, in an offside position when

the shot comes in but there is not a ricochet and it is a great finish.

It was a great finish. I enjoyed watching the Croatians. The

strikers are really important in the whole match they were available.

Moving forward, giving a lot of work for the defenders of Ireland.

That has been an exciting game. Knowing that we have had a

difficult start in the World Cup -- Everybody is going for the win.

That was the third goal. Great player from Croatia. Shay Given

will be given the own goal which is unfortunate. I don't think the ball

was going out, I think there is a chance it might have trickled in.

It doesn't really matter, we would like to give it to the striker but

unfortunately not. The way that Ireland set up, you don't expect

them to give goals away anyway, but when they gave them a way, it

showed a bit of a lack of concentration. To give the ball

away so early in the second half, when they got themselves back in

again, it was really unfortunate. Clarence, let's explore your love

of Croatia a bit more. The forwards were a bit of a handful and you

were impressed with the efforts of Modric. Absolutely. He had a great

game. A real playmaker for them. He was all-around. Always in control.

He was the extra man for Croatia. I still think the Republic of Ireland

will have great matches against Italy and Spain. Here he shows his

extra value for this team. A good shot on goal. Modric was just

quality. Of course, he got a bit too much freedom. With that space,

a quality player like him can make the difference. The two forwards,

Jelavic and Mandzukic, I thought they led the line well. They caused

Richard Dunne problems, getting the ball around to this guy as well, he

was superb from right back, Sir enough. I think he was their Man of

the Match. -- from right back, Darijo Srna. Unfortunately we did

not do what we normally do, we normally win crosses and push out

as a back four, but we are sat in there. Against two tall centre-

forwards, we saw it with the third goal, you are only a few yards out,

a greasy surface and it is a golf. I think the quick goal just killed

them. Modric is not getting that space. Left-right was centre, he

could have a picnic but he will not get as base against Italy or Spain.

Win omelette -- he would not get I don't think Croatia were that

special which will be disappointing for the Republic. Steven, let's

have a moan. The penalty decision was a shocker. Most definitely. It

is a certainty. The defender takes Robbie's left leg. You can see it

as the ball comes into him. Mandzukic was injured further up

the pitch. He was lying on the ground. You spotted this for the

second goal. As Stephen Ward is about to kick that, the big centre-

forward has clipped him on the heel. He puts his hand up. Because he

knows he has tapped him on the ankle as he is ready to clear it.

Unfortunately it is like a golf swing, if you hit the tree on your

back from, it is going to put you off and you miss the ball, and that

is what will happen. I love that we have said it should have been two

well. -- it should have been two wall. That makes it 2-1, just

before half-time. We were controlling the game. OK, we lost a

bit of control, but to go in at 1-1 I think Ireland were unlucky but

beaten, and not a very Republic of Ireland like performance. The Irish

fans out there will be loving it tonight, they will be painting the

streets Green. They like a laugh, even in adversity. You could look

at the two managers all right. are at the opposite Spectrum's of

the managerial career. Slaven Bilic, a reasonably inexperience, he has

been there for six years managing Croatia. This guy, 73 years of age,

he is just as passionate as ever. Both of them trying to run the game

from different positions, up and down, shouting and controlling. The

energy is unbelievable. -- cajoling. They are kicking every boy -- every

ball like David Moyes or Martin O'Neill. That is what you do. Sir

Alex has only just come down in the last couple of years. That is what

managers do, you kick every ball. We saw a clip earlier on,

Trapattoni Polly a bottle of water into the stand. That is what it is

all about -- volley a bottle of We move on to the second game,

Spain. They arrived without David Villa and Carles Puyol. They also

took on an Italian side beset with match-fixing allegations, just like

in 1992 -- 1982 and 2006, when they won the World Cup. Spain are

without doubt the team to beat. The touch and technique is unrivalled

and rightly, they are short-priced favourites to triumph again. They

won eight from eight in qualifying and their generation of geniuses,

marshalled by Vicente del Bosque a, will take all the stopping. For

Italy, this is a tough start but if they are disciplined, they could

catch a slow start in Spain cold. After qualifying unbeaten, they

could -- they have lost their last three and they were knocked out in

the Group Stage of the World Cup 2010 come as a depression is on

them to deliver. -- so the pressure that is quickly described as must

watch. Four years ago they met in the quarter-finals, spay won the

penalty shoot-out, crossing a huge psychological hurdle and they have

not looked back since. They now trace an unprecedented treble.

Rocked by another match-fixing scandal at home, Italy hopes to

unite rather than -- it to the edge it divides -- Italy hopes it unites

rather than divides. How significant will be the absence of

Puyol and Villa? It lacks an out and out striker, Fernando Torres

left on the bench, Cesc Fabregas included as one of six midfielders.

Only Busquets and Alonso will hold positions, the rest with licence to

roam and cause havoc. With Barzagli injured, Italy gamble with three at

the back, including De Rossi. A five-man midfield will try to block

Spain's way to the box. Balotelli gets a start alongside Cassano up

front. The big surprise is a debut for Giaccherini, now of eventers,

four years ago he was playing in the 4th tier of Italian football --

this trophy. West Germany were beaten in 1966 in a famous penalty

and then checked. Spain will try and get both full-backs as for

Rossi. There was a last-ditch challenge. So far the gamble to

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds

play him as one of the defenders is The referee said to play on. That

was David Silva for Spain. He strong and unfair challenge. Now

then, this is a very inviting position for Italy. That blog

stopped Cassano getting to the ball. Italy have a free kick. Will

Balotelli blast or do something more subtle? That bounced off fully

in front of the Spanish captain. He got a good firm palm to that to get

it clear. Prandelli will be pretty impressed with the way his team

nearly got there. I am not sure if that was an attempt for goal of or

just an attempt to get over the six-yard box. He justified it over

but in the end it was neither a shot nor an accurate centre but

agonisingly close to the boot of Balotelli who did not quite arrived

Buffon gave a good save. It was on target. That was the first save the

been penalised for his challenge. It was a great little run from

Cassano. That is why Balotelli was blown up for the foul on player two

macro. He felt it should have been bit too straight. Casillas didn't

forward at the moment for Spain. He appears. That was beautifully found.

He just couldn't find the finish. He just couldn't execute it. They

can sit down again, the score is was Motta. Player five macro nearly

put Italy in front on the stroke of Fabregas. It was heading in and

Buffon had to stretch all the way unfavourable. That was why it

finish wide. Spain he had a man over. Buffon showed all of his

world-class, the faintest of fingertips were hugely significant

to see that go the right side of he took far too long. How long did

he need here? Reworking initially. afternoon. Antonio di Natale to

come on for Italy. It's the end of the road for Super Mario. That was

a missed opportunity where he had a brilliant. That was inspired

substitution. Antonio di Natale and Italy are in front. That is food

for thought for del Bosque Day and company. Di Natale timed his run to

perfection and what a finish! Lifting it beyond Casillas and that

was the far corner. The man was that -- the man that was denied

from the penalty shoot out for years ago makes up for it there.

Italy take the lead. The way they have played today, few will hold

That was as comfortable as it comes Fabregas. Spain are at their

wonderful best. The lease lasted barely three minutes. -- the lead

lasted barely three minutes. We had two goals in the space of three

minutes. Look at this lovely goal from there. That was the mark of

champions. We all square in did outscore once more. Spain's

goalscoring Cesc Fabregas will make way for the man that they hope will

scour the winning goal, Fernando brilliantly in the end. With that

it was a spectacular introduction for the di Natale when he scored

five minutes after coming on but this would have been five seconds

could have made it too. Spain were almost behind again. Di Natale

coasted in behind Ramos. That was chances in see came on but he could

not quite pull it off. Buffon was in no man's land and he got away

finished. What a goal that would have been. From the halfway line to

the six-yard box, but not a happy for the opening up would get them

three points. Alarms so fired wide. -- Alonso. The leader from di

Natale was only to last three minutes before Fabregas made a

brilliant move. In Gdansk it finishes all square, of Spain won

Let us have a look at groups say, Croatia lead the way. The Republic

of Ireland are rock-bottom. That was a must not lose game against

Croatia. See how bad my body languages after that group! My arms

are folded. I am not playing! They caught us a bit off guard. It was a

little unusual that Italy played with three centre-backs with de

Rossi playing as a sweeper in the middle and Spain decided to play

with six midfield players and no forwards which was unusual but

Spain, to be fair to them with their midfield, they tried to draw

out the defenders of Italy and hit the space behind. Time and time

again they tried that. They have three centre-backs and the midfield

players, we know what they're all about with Spain, there are the

three centre-backs in the middle and they were all deciding who

should go tight and when they should go to but tight and should

they stay where they are. One of the runners got in there that he

got tied on his man and that was good defending. This time as the

ball comes in, they are the three centre-halves again. There is the

space behind and Silva is in it up but they do not get it to him

quickly enough. Italy get men behind the ball and clearer it.

That leads them to the goal which is a mirror image of what has

happened so far. There are the three centre-backs and the little

passing of Spain. This time the run happens when Fabregas sees it. They

have the quickness of thought to make a pass and Fabregas is in none

of us absolutely super. That is Spain claimed that his centre

forward and it was very effective at times and got them back into the

game and Italy were bit unlucky When they brought on the right

could nice striker, the pattern changed completely. -- when they

brought on the recognised striker. It did. Torres came on and you get

a different sort of game completely. It is a different sort of build up.

It was poor defending from Italy and the first touch was horrendous,

but Buffon does really well and the chance goes begging. The chest

control, laid it off and spin. That is the job of the centre forward.

There is the space, poor defending. He should do better than that. He

should have passed and they should have scored. There are two

different ways of playing. Spain have that quality in the squad with

players like Torres and Llorente on the bench, I think they are still

going to be a force. Let's look at the question of Italy, coming into

any tournament. They were undefeated and stylish in

qualifying, then they lose three warm-up games in a row and they

have all sorts of crisis at home. They always come together in this

sort of situation. It seems to motivate them as a unifying matter.

In a lot of years, things have gone on in Italy. But Italy has a great

team. Prandelli has done a great job, putting in a lot of new

players. Cassano had struggles this season but he was close to him. He

is motivated. Balotelli didn't have a great game. Italy is a strong

force. In the first half, I liked them. You have the situation of

Spain on defending well. Thiago Motta gets in a header. This was

not a great defending either. what is he doing? He was waiting

for a cappuccino! Di Natale made a difference, he made a great run.

Poor defending from Spain. They were a bit wobbly at the back. A

great finish. I think that is a wonderful finish but Ramos, for a

top defender, I thought he was very poor. All day himself and Pique

were only interested in playing out from the back. They are so far

apart, they are ball-watching. You don't come running out when the

ball is going the other way and that is why Italy scored. Maybe

Pique is back with Shakira. Is that inside information? I don't have

any contacts! This is the most obvious thing we are going to say,

but Iniesta was unplayable. He is one of those players you pay money

to watch. He is fantastic. He has a low centre of gravity, he just goes

by you, left side, right side, left foot, right foot. He is unplayable.

When he gets into the groove, you can't stop him. We had a

conversation during the World Cup, if you could sign one player, would

it be Iniesta or Chavez? I always go for Iniesta, I think he has got

everything -- Iniesta, or Xavi? the team, I think Xavi has more

influence. I think if Iniesta has his day, he makes an influence but

often I have seen him not being into the game. Chevy, instead, it

is always present -- chappie, Iniesta, fantastic dribbling, fast

feet. Xavi making the right choices and it was not a good shot. It was

a seed of a shot at the end! Thank you! A -- a Clarence Seedorf shot

at the end! Thank you! It is hard to see how the Republic of Ireland

can get through this group, now. are certainly up against it! We

like to be the underdogs, but I think that is an understatement

after tonight's performance. game has done for Group C, before

game has done for Group C, before we move on, some sad news. Former

Everton goalkeeper Gordon West has died today at the age of just 69

following a long illness. He won two First Division titles, and FA

Cup with Everton. He made 400 appearances for the club and will

be fondly remembered. He was also capped for England three times.

We move on to England. Gabby has been with the team on the eve of

their big opener against France. England have arrived in the next go

ahead of their first Group D game. Just a two hour flight from Krakow

but noticeably warmer. -- England have arrived in Donetsk. Roy

Hodgson insists he would not take any of England's plans. It has been

absolutely no hardship to take a short plane journey here. We have

moved from one good hotel to another. I like being in Krakow, I

like our training facilities and I am convinced that our performances

will not suffer by making a short plane journeys. The journey of a

couple of our flight was what we do in European games at home. A lot of

the squad have European experience. It will be really hot tomorrow, but

for both teams are so we won't use that as an excuse. In the earlier

game, it plays a bigger role than the later game. We have been

fortunate that we have two later games and only one earlier game.

The bus journey from the team hotel to the Donbass Arena is just a

stone's throw. The 49,000 seater stadium has only got a handful of

tickets left for tomorrow night, when England face daunting

opposition. I am unwilling to make too many comments about the front

but it is obvious that in the attacking phase of the game, they

are blessed with a lot of players who can make an enormous difference

and can maybe win again off their own bat. Any scored would miss the

likes of Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry but you have to cope. Other

squads in this competition are suffering similar things. You have

to cope and get on with it. We are really confident that we can do

well in this competition. By now, the players will know who has been

selected for the Euro 2012 open up. We will find out tomorrow but it is

expected James well there and Stewart Downing will provide the

width -- James Milner. Danny Welbeck is poised to start up front.

Expectations may be low but could this be the group of unlikely lads

to bring former glories back to the English game? Arce French people

are always afraid of the English team -- Arce French people. But

England doesn't always do so well. His England a great football nation

or not? How far do you want to go back in time? 1966. I can go back

further than that, we started professional football in the 1860s.

During the centuries, I don't think we could ever be accused of not

being a very serious, even a top football nation. The fact that you

are referring to, that it is 1966, since we won a major tournament, we

are very much aware of that. You didn't need to remind me. That has

crossed my mind on one or two occasions. But how could we are as

a nation, how good we will be as a nation will always be decided on

the field of play. -- how good we are as a nation. You can watch

extended highlights tomorrow. Then we have life highlights -- then we

have live coverage of the other game in Group D.

You are a man with contacts, so 19 hours ahead of time, you are going

to run us through the England starting 11. This is what we think

starting 11. This is what we think the team well be. It is pretty much

set in stone, certainly the goalkeeper. Wow! I don't think

anybody is going to get in front of him. I think Lescott will play on

the left. I think up front, the choice between Andy Carroll, or

Danny Welbeck, I think he will go for Welbeck, a bit of extra pace.

Young Dustin behind. I think that is the team. No Oxlade-Chamberlain?

We haven't got time to put my team up! I think Welbeck gets the nod

over Carroll because I think you can get at the centre backs with a

bit of pace. Young has got pace and I think that is where we will be

able to get at the French. We want I am always optimistic about the

English. I am hopeful that they will kick-off well. The pressure is

off from the home side, they were truly thinking about England doing

this great tournament. What is great for them? Getting through in

a convincing way with the I think We have had a look at the French

training camp. No players storm off, no coaches throwing down their

passes, it looks like a picture of harmony. You have to look at the

likes of Rami and M'Vila, it is a very strong strop -- scored. --

strong squad. Very much so but I think England are coming in under

the radar. I think the French will be expected to win this game, they

will be favourites, but I think England can get at the back four. I

think Welbeck and Young have enough about them to cause problems.

this is purely a production idea, nobody complained to me. But I want

to show you England's opening games in European Championship history.

It doesn't make for great reading. We have never won one, is that what

you're saying? Then there is always tomorrow. I agree with Steve. I

think we have to impose ourselves. We won't go bombing forward. We

will sit and be tight and try to hit on the break. You can

definitely get at the back four of France. It is whether we win the

ball high enough up the pitch, and keep the ball out of that midfield

area. Because when they get it in there, Benzema up front, he is

frightening. They have got to be tight in the mid- field. A bit like

the Irish today but without the mistakes, they cannot make the

mistakes that the Irish made today or they will get punished. I think

we need to score first. If we can get the first goal, we have a

chance of getting a great result. What a pleasure to be in your

company. Thank you for tuning in. Full highlights of England-France

and Ukraine-Sweden, and both games Before we go, a quick look at the

euros story is today on and off the pitch. -- euros stories today.

Di Natale did the business as the Azzurri blew hot. But it was

fabulous for Fabregas as spay managed a point. St Leger raced

into risky the Republic -- Spain managed a point. Croatia had the

luck of the Irish. -- St Leger I'm not sure what is going on here,

Roy knows how to tell a joke, I think.

Three groups started, one more to go and tomorrow it is time for

England to enter Euro 2012. Expectations are low but I reckon

England have done a lot of things right in the build-up to this one.

Like not going on TV and singing whilst on the set of a makeshift

# If we do it right. # We are going to get there.

# If we do it right. # We can face any stormy weather.