Lets face it, European football has struggled in the past few years.
There is Greece winning the European Championships, and struggling to make it to the WC. The so called powerhouses in Italy and France have struggled in their group, with the latter not sure of making it there. Germany's dismal effor at Euro, Holland who made it to the Semi's, still didn't look comfortable and Spain once again farking up in both counts.
So where will it come from?
France:
Lack creativity in midfield with the departure of Zidane, Dhorasoo is the key of their midfield, yeah, I know. Struggling to score even against the more average nations, even with the likes of Henry, Cisse and Trezeguet. The defence is rebuilding with the departures of Desailly, Thuram and Lizarazu.
I doubt they'll mount a serious challenge.
Italy:
A consistent Xi is the problem, they don't have one, and when they do, it may be too late. Defence on paper is good, but always manages to conceed. Midfield lacks creativity. Attack is the asset (for once), but it may be their problem, who out of Toni, Gilardino, Vieri, Del Piero, Cassano, Totti, Fiore, Miccoli and Lucarelli will want to sit on the bench?
If they get a team toghether with a balance, they'll be there.
Germany:
Home ground advantage is their key, they'll be spurred on by their fans, but will it be enough?
Young and inexperienced coach, young defence, young attack, too young? Defence is good on paper, but is having big problems with injuries to Rau, Lahm, Metzelder, Worns and co have all been injured or are currently injured.
Attack and defence is too big of a problem to overhandle, IMO.
Portugal:
Two problems, keeper and strike force. Ricardo is a laughing stock, Baia would've perhaps won them Euro if he was there. Strikeforce is another liability, unless they get Almeida or Postiga to improve tremendously, this will be a problem, Pauleta is too old to change or improve. Midfield is one of the most powerful in the world, and more young improving midfielders coming like M.Fernandes and Quaresma.
They'll be there.
England:
Best squad, best players England has had since 66, but the coach is the worst. One wonders why on earth he won't play 3 at the back with Rio, Campbell and Terry with SWP and Cole as wingbacks to accomadate Beckham, Gerrard and Lampard as the three central midfielders.
Thats the problem, he won't have the guts to play 3 at the back.
They'll be there.
Holland:
Haven't seen much of them, but they are doing well with a young team, but will their problem be their youth. Can those players improve or will they turn out like the likes of Sniejder, van der vaart and van der Meyde.
Don't think so.
I think, from Europe, only England and Portugal can challenge with massive impact.
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Italy 
Originally Posted by Adriano@10
Materazzi World Champion
