Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves has said that he feels that England have the necessary ammunition to succeed at the Euro 2012. England went into the tournament definitely not as one of the favourites, but they have done well to emerge as the winners of their group after victories over Sweden and Ukraine in the final two group games.
As a result, they have avoided Spain in the quarter-finals of the tournament, but will still have to face the 2006 world champions in the form of Italy. Many have said that the quarter-finals have been the nemesis for England, but Owen Hargreaves believes that this England team has what it takes to succeed at this tournament.
England have never done well in a major tournament since winning the 1966 World Cup that was held at home. England have been eliminated from a major competition like the Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup on penalties at this stage. Due to the fact that they will be facing an inform Italy side that has Andrea Pirlo totally dictating play against the opposition, many have suggested that this will be the end of the road for England at the euro 2012. The former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves differs from this opinion.
“The 2004 and 2006 teams were stronger individually but if these guys can play as a group and maximise, then there is potential. It is about playing well as a team and working together. They look like they are doing that right now. Getting to the quarter-final is not an achievement but people look at it as just reaching a quarter-final. You need to look at the fashion in which you went out. In 2002 we lost 2-1 to a Brazil side, that went on to win it, in 35C heat,” said Hargreaves.