Watching the Euros out of Africa

Although I´m away in Africa I´ll be doing everything I can to keep in touch with the European Championships.

It shouldn´t be too difficult as the countries we are travelling in are mad keen on football, so it´s bound to be on the TVs in the hotels and bars.

It´s a massive shame England aren´t involved. That has taken a bit of a shine off the occasion. It´s going to be tough to watch without England there.

But it will be really interesting to see who comes out on top. There are a few favourites, but I don´t think it´s clear cut at all. Italy will be in the running, along with Germany and France.

But I hope Holland play to their potential. Spain could be in with a shout too. There could be a few dark horses as well, like Croatia. They played really well to beat England and they have a great young coach.

I suppose when England aren´t there you just want some really good games and for it to be a showpiece of football. It´s always interesting to see what good young players make an impression and I´ll be keeping and eye on the goalies.

I love the big tournaments. They can really help boost the game. After a good competition everyone´s on a high; the fans want to watch good games and the players want to play good football.

It will give all the home nations a chance to see what the standard is out there and what we should all be aiming to achieve.