Euro 2012: Latest News and Rumours

The 2012 European Championships are scheduled to begin in just 19 days, with Poland v Greece and Russia v Czech Republic set to kick-off the competition on 8 June in Group A.

Now then, let’s take a look at the latest news and rumours surrounding Euro 2012.

Group A

Russian centre-back Vasili Berezutski has been ruled out of the 2012 European Championships due to a right thigh muscle injury.

The experienced 29-year-old defender has been a part of Russia’s senior side since breaking into CSKA Moscow’s first team in 2003.

There’s no doubt that he’ll be missed, but Euro 2012 commentators will be relieved of confusing Vasili with his twin brother Aleksei, who also happens to be a centre-back for CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team.

Group B

Denmark boss Morten Olsen has included Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard in Denmark’s UEFA EURO 2012 despite injury concerns.

“We have never been in doubt about Anders’ qualities,” said Olsen.

“It has purely been a matter of testing how he was after his long injury break. After three training sessions we are in no doubt that we’ve got an injury-free third keeper in our squad.”

Lindegaard enjoyed a fine season with the Red Devils in 2011-12, keeping six clean sheets in eight English Premier League matches.

Don’t be surprised if Olsen gives Lindegaard the nod over Stoke City keeper Thomas Sørensen, who started just 16 league games for the Potters in 2011-12.

Group C

What are headlines without mentioned Mario Balotelli? The answer is absolutely nothing.

The controversial Manchester City figure has promised to be on his best behaviour for the duration of Italy’s run in this summer’s European Championships.

“Don’t worry, there will be no problems at the Euros,” the striker told Il Corriere Dello Sport. “I will keep myself under control.”

Surely that’s music to Cesare Prandelli’s ears.

All things considered, on and off the pitch, Mario Balotelli is the player to watch at Euro 2012.

The Azzurri are always a threat at the Euros, and even more-so now that they have Super Mario as part of their side.

Look for the world-class talisman to lead Italy into the latter stage of the competition yet again.

Group D

England striker Wayne Rooney will not take part in the Three Lions’ friendly against Norway on 26 May because of a minor toe injury.

The man also known as ‘Wazza’ will miss England’s first two matches in Group D due to a two-match ban for his red card against Montenegro in the European qualifiers.

With that said, Rooney is expected to be in the starting XI when England face co-hosts Ukraine in the final match of Group D on 19 June.