This week’s major football is through the Euro 2012 qualification rounds. England will have bitter memories of being bundled out of this competition a few years ago, possibly one of the lowest times in English football. Others would argue the early elimination in the World Cup was ever lower. One thing we do know, England will be looking to put all that behind them when they run out on to the paddock to face Wales this week.

England are probably fortunate they are playing away from home this week. One gets the feeling they are trying too hard on the field and trying to wash away those two disappointing tournaments. The problem with trying too hard is that you lose that natural style of play, the style of play that results in goals and victories – they simply look too stiff.

Online bookmakers don’t see this game as a ‘gimme’. They have England at a conservative 1/2 while Wales are out to 7/1. The draw is popular at 7/2 with many feeling that Wales may be able to hold them out at home.

I wouldn’t be writing England off at present. It only takes one goal and suddenly the floodgates open as everyone starts to relax. England have some good players in the midfield and while the Welsh defense can be hard to crack at home, they may not be strong enough. We’re tipping a good England win of 2-0.

One of the best games this week in the Euro 2012 competition will be that between Slovenia (11/4) and Italy (5/4). With Slovenia at home and Italy trying to recover from a poor World Cup, this game could go either way. The bookmakers odds show the respective given Slovenia in this competition – and we agree. At home, Slovenia look to be good value to sneak a win against Italy.

In Euro 2012 betting, Spain lead the way at 4/1 from Germany at 5/1, Holland 7/1, and England on the fourth line at 10/1. The next best is France at 12/1. We’re tipping to Germany to shine – while Spain are in good form, that gloss can’t last forever.