Liverpool FC: Power Ranking the Reds Competing in Euro 2012

In a few days, the European Championships kick off, pitting Europe's best teams against each other. 

This year, Liverpool fans will be able to watch eight of their own (and one recently departed) take the pitch as they begin the quest for the title. 

The following rankings will be based on the projected impact, in my own humble opinion, each player will make for his respective teams, and how big a role he will play on the team. 

If you disagree, or by some egregious error have forgotten a Red, let me know in the comments section, and I would be happy to discuss it with you.

Let's do it. 

8. Pepe Reina, Spain

I hate putting Pepe last, but Liverpool's first-choice keeper is Spain's No. 3 behind Iker Casillas and Víctor Valdés, both the starting keepers for the two best club teams in the world. 

It's tough to compete with that.

I think the only time we will see Pepe is on the sidelines, cracking jokes as Spain bosses their way to another European Championship (I'm calling it—Spain repeats). 

7. Martin Kelly, England

Young Martin Kelly has been called up to the England squad after Gary Cahill suffered a double fracture of his jaw (ouch). Cahill is the latest addition to England's injury list, which also includes Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry.

Kelly can play as both a centre- and right-back, but he is unlikely to feature since he's probably last in the pecking order in both those positions. Martin is mostly likely just a call-up to fill out the 23-man squad. 

Barring another catastrophic injury to the back line, don't expect the youngster to appear for the Three Lions. 

6. Jordan Henderson, England

Another Liverpool youngster, Jordan Henderson was brought in as a replacement for the injured Frank Lampard. 

With Scott Parker also struggling to get over an Achilles injury, England suddenly faces a shortage in central midfielders.

Henderson stands a better chance of coming in as a substitute than Kelly does, and he could even start the game against the Ukraine should England beat both France and Sweden.

At any rate, Hendo could find himself on the pitch against some of the world's best talent. Let's hope he will grab that chance with gusto. 

5. Stewart Downing, England

Frankly, I'm a little bit surprised Stewart Downing got a call-up for the Euros. He is coming off a very un-productive first season at Merseyside.

I'm not sure what Roy Hodgson is planning to do with the wide corps for England. He possesses a pair of quick, speedy wingers in Theo Walcott and Ashley Young, both of whom can do the job needed but can be inconsistent. 

I'm guessing Downing will be brought in should either Young or Walcott fade from the game. He still possesses some speed and crossing ability that England can use. 

4. Glen Johnson, England

Glen Johnson has been the first-choice right-back for England for the past couple years now, and don't expect it to change now.

England is going to need his discipline on the right side to contain the likes of Franck Ribery, Samir Nasri and Olexandr Aliyev.

Johnson also supplies an extra attacking edge up the right side, as he frequently penetrates the opposing back line from the defending third. 

3. Andy Carroll, England

With Wayne Rooney missing the first two games through suspension, look for Roy Hodgson to employ Andy Carroll either as the lone striker or in a two-striker formation with Danny Welbeck or Jermain Defoe. 

Either way, Carroll will be expected to pick up the scoring slack that will accompany the absence of Rooney. 

Even when Rooney returns, Carroll will probably start alongside the Manchester United man. 

2. Daniel Agger, Denmark

Captaining your side is an honorable yet extremely tough position to be in.

Captaining a side which no one thinks has a chance is an even harder one. 

Daniel Agger will be captaining Denmark's foray into this Euro tournament's "Group of Death," competing against Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands for a spot in the knockout stages. 

No one is really giving Denmark a chance to progress, but if anyone on that team could lead them to a quarterfinal spot, it's Daniel Agger.

His tough, tenacious partnership with Martin Skrtel this year for Liverpool was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign—look for Agger to continue that run of form. 

1. Steven Gerrard, England

Duh.

After John Terry's disgraceful loss of the captaincy, the captain's armband fell nicely into Steven Gerrard's lap. 

Stevie G always deserved it, though.

Gerrard epitomizes the grit, determination and leadership required of an England captain. A midfield run by Steven Gerrard is not allowed to give up, and that's just what England needs to make it out of Group D and progress.

England will fight tooth and nail to avoid another international disappointment, and Steven Gerrard will lead that charge. 

YNWA.