Euro 2008 - who to support?

With England out of the equation, everyone needs a team to support this summer. Here's my 2 picks..

Sweden:

Dont ask me why, but I feel a certain affilation to the Swedes. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a true enigma up front, a real maverick. You just dont know which one will turn up - the inspired genius, or the lazy frontman. Then you have Henrik Larsson, the epitome of what a modern day footballer should be like. A true professional, who is held in high regard wherever he's played, and rightly so. You have the crazy in-fighting between Freddie Ljungberg and Olof Mellberg (maybe we'll see another training ground bust up!?) - and of course, the fit blondes that will turn up supporting the Swedes in their droves certainly helps matters.

Whats more, the Swedes gave us Ikea. And Ulrika Jonsson. What's not to love?

Lets not kid ourselves though, Sweden dont really stand out as potential winners, do they? Solid, but unspectacular. Putting money on the Swedes is throwing your money away. So while my heart will be following the Swedes, my wallet will be following..

Spain:

Yes, Spain. The perennial underachievers. The country who have bottled more tournaments than I've had hot dinners. The country who constantly, year after year, allow themselves to believe that this could be their tournament at long, long last. Ring any bells?

But honestly, I think it's *finally* going to be their year.

Looking at the squad, there's no shortage of talent. Iker Casillas is as good as they come between the sticks, and in front of him has the ever impressive Carlos Puyol holding things together in defence. Sergio Ramos will look to support the attack whenever possible down the right hand side, and with a lack of width within the team, his role will be vital.

Then the midfield.

Looking at the Spanish midfield, I'm hardpressed to name a better midfield in Europe. Cesc Fabregas, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso..to name but a few. The fact that Mikel Arteta cant even get close to the squad speaks volumes. At times it can be impossible to get the ball from this midfield, such is their ability to pass the ball and keep possession.

The strikeforce. We all know what Fernando Torres can do, after a phenomenal debut season for Liverpool, scoring 33 goals. David Villa is also a huge talent and will need to be watched closely, along with the impressive Dani Guiza, who notched 27 goals for Mallorca.

There are, of course, some concerns. Torres and Fabregas have seemingly been unable to produce their club form for their country, perhaps due to the change in style and pace from the Premiership. It's only natural with the players at their disposal that Spain deploy a tight, passing, possession based game with a 4-1-4-1 formation, which perhaps doesnt make best use of their talents, especially Torres, who some would argue isnt best suited to playing the long striker role, and has thrived on being able to run in behind defences with his blistering pace. Furthermore, Spain have been accused by some of 'overplaying' - pretty on the eye yes, but not always effective. Hopefully all of this can be addressed, and Luis Aragones can get the best out of his players. For the sake of my wallet if nothing else.

Maybe this really is the time Spain lift the trophy. Maybe they'll bottle it again? Maybe Sweden will suprise us all? One thing's for sure, it's going to be a hell of a tournament!