Kerr does his homework in Portugal

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr intends to do a bit of homework during England’s Euro 2004 group phase.

Both France and Switzerland are in Ireland’s qualifying pool for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Those matches start in September and while Kerr concedes events in Portugal may have little bearing on what happens later in the year, he will nevertheless be hoping to take something from this summer’s tournament.

“I will only be looking at it from our point of view. I won’t be interested in England’s performances,” said Kerr.

“We will be selfish about it and interested in the form of Switzerland and France, whether that will be of great relevance to September and October when we play them in the qualifiers, I am not so sure.”

The fact that Kerr and his squad will be mere interested spectators during the European Championships was down in part to the Swiss, who beat Ireland both home and away as they won qualifying Group 10.

And while the Republic manager believes England have the talent to progress to the last eight of Euro 2004, he insists the likes of Croatia and Jakob Kuhn’s men should not be underestimated.

“It is going to be a tough group for England,” reflected Kerr, whose side upset Holland’s Euro 2004 send-off with a 1-0 win in Amsterdam last Saturday.

“Croatia are a good side and Switzerland did very well to come out of our group. They beat us home and away, they know what they are about.

“They have a tremendous spirit, a very strong work ethic and passionate play which took them right through qualification and they are not to be underestimated.

“I saw France against Brazil recently and it was amazing football. They have a very strong squad of players.”

Kerr added: “It will be a tough group for England to get out of, but they are well capable of it with the players they have.”