Eamo: We can reach last eight

Eamon Dunphy was yesterday predicting contrasting fortunes for Ireland and England at the European Championships.

And after all the criticism of Giovanni Trapattoni’s playing style throughout the qualifying campaign, the RTÉ panellist’s thoughts were a little surprising as he tipped Ireland to escape Group C but England to struggle so badly they would not make it as far as the quarter-finals.

“I do think we will get out of the group, I think we’ve a very good chance, certainly, of progressing. It’s difficult but not as bad as it looks on paper. I don’t think Italy are really a strong side. I think Croatia may be temperamentally a bit suspect. Spain are obviously champions but are missing a couple of players — David Villa and Carlos Puyol — so if we get over Sunday then I think morale will be high and bring Spain on. They’ve lost group games before and they aren’t as awesome as everyone would suggest.