Featured Articles / David Croft / 30 May 2008 / 2 Comments

The BBC's David Croft isn't impressed by England's absence from Euro 2008 but takes time out to reflect about the benefits that brings, including a decrease in stress levels and a claerer head when it comes to betting on it...

I noticed this week that Nationwide had started a search to find 11 men with the same names as the England team that they could take out to Switzerland to play a friendly against another fans' team. The idea was that if England couldn't qualify for Euro 2008 then the good people at this particular building society would ensure that in name at least, England would be represented. Nice idea and I'm sure they got some good publicity but is it really necessary?

Likewise the current BBC ad campaign for the tournament that asks the profound question 'Who will you be supporting?' Just because the home nations didn't qualify we don't need to pledge our allegiance elsewhere just as much as we don't need to send out a troop of sound-alikes to make sure England take part. You see, the morning after England bombed out against Croatia I woke up with a startling realisation that for the first time since USA 94 I could watch a major football event free from all pressures and stress.

For four glorious weeks in the summer of 2008 I could settle down and watch some of the world's best dazzle me and nothing from my point of view, will be riding on it. I couldn't care two hoots who wins, who fails, who shines, and who has a stinker because my team aren't there. Which is a wonderful position to be in, as a fan and punter alike. No vested interest means we can enjoy the beautiful game for the beauty on show and no vested interest means we can have a punt without our heart ruling our head.

So let's sit back and marvel at the majesty of Fernando Torres ([10] with Betfair to finish as top goalscorer). Let's Gasp as Cristiano Ronaldo skins another full-back before hitting the deck as a gust of wind disrupts his equilibrium. Portugal by the way are [5.0] with Betfair to reach the final, [2.64] to reach the semis. Would somebody please tell me why from the weaker half of the draw - and yes I do know Germany are in the top half as well - that is not a top bet?

Then there's the perfection of Pirlo's passing, Italy need him on top form with France, Holland and Romania up against them in Group C. This man can put the ball on a penny from 50 yards away, he can strike a decent set piece too and with Luca Toni - 44 goals for club and country this season - waiting for the killer ball, here's a partnership to make you salivate over your half time snacks!

France have an embarrassment of riches, Ribery is the perfect replacement for Zidane and then there's Diari and Nasri all mixed in with the likes of Gallas, Vieira, Makelele and Henry - big players who've cut it on the big stage and are ready for one more shot at glory. If they weren't in Group C I'd say [10.0] is a fantastic price, but they are... so I'm going to leave them alone.

I do intend though to jump around hysterically should co-hosts Switzerland and Austria score a goal, let alone win a match. Let's face it, they need as much help as they can get. Austria may grab a solitary point from a goalless draw against Poland - Betfair have [3.35] as the best price for a draw, Switzerland won't be the whipping boys of Group A - their defence doesn't mirror their cheese when it comes to holes; however they don't score many either and even with home advantage the [1.5] on offer for them to crash out at the group stage seems about right.

The more I look into this tournament the more there is to enjoy, even if they have renamed the Wankdorf Stadium the Stade de Suisse - what do I giggle at now? - English football may regret not qualifying but I don't think I will. Warm nights, cold beers, top players and fabulous footy, does life get any better?

Tags: David Croft, Euro 2008 bets, Euro bets, Franck Ribery