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.

“But if we get something on Sunday night — a win or a draw — then we are set up and if it comes down to the last match and we have to beat Italy, I’d be fairly confident so long as we have our best 11. Lose to Croatia and it’s a big task but I’m optimistic, it’s the same for them and our temperament may be sounder.

“Trapattoni may have spoken about needing to get a win and if he goes for it, great, that’ll be a first. But I think we’ll be cautious, playing our way into the tournament and avoiding a defeat so I don’t think there’ll be any gung-ho stuff from any nation early on, particularly Ireland and Italy.”

Asked about the concerns he has going into the tournament, Dunphy mentioned that over-training, just as England did in build-up to the 2010 World Cup, was a concern as was the injury to Shay Given.

“Aiden McGeady said the players were tired by half-time against Hungary but in the circumstances, the pitch was heavy and they’d a match the previous Saturday as well. But that aside, I do have a little worry about over-training but to my eye they looked sharp. At the moment though, I’d be more worried about Shay Given.

“Even though he was great Monday night, the substitution was unexpected and he hoped to play the game.

“But at least Keiren Westwood is a very good replacement. Everything about him has been impressive when I’ve seen him. Efficient, good ball handler, no problems. But overall, aside from injuries and training issues, Ireland have an advantage in that they bond as a group of lads.

“They always overachieve and hopefully that’ll happen again.”

And finally a word on our near and dear neighbours and his overall prediction for the tournament?

“England, I don’t think they’ll get anywhere. A poor team, a disappointing manager, I think France will beat them in the opening match and I’m not even sure they’ll get through to the second round. As for the rest, I expect Spain in the final and I’d put my money on Holland to beat them there.”