Euro 2012: Group D Preview, Analysis and Predictions for Historic Tournament

Group D in Euro 2012 features an interesting mix of teams. It has two traditional powers in England and France, a dangerous mid-level squad in Sweden and a homestanding underdog in Ukraine, which will attempt to feed off the crowd support.

It's also a group that doesn't have a clear favorite. France would probably get the nod based on recent form, but at least three teams have a realistic opportunity to finish on top, and Ukraine has an outside chance to advance if everything falls its way.

Let's take a closer look at what's ahead for each team, analyze their biggest strengths and weaknesses and a make a final prediction for how Group D will play out.

Previous Group Previews:

Group A

Group B

Group C

England

Biggest Strength: Midfield playmakers

Euro 2012 is going to feature a lot of strong play in the midfield. It's amazing how much depth the position has throughout Europe, and England is another example. The Three Lions are led by captain Steven Gerrard and have plenty of depth behind him.

Ashley Young figures to play a prominent role in the attack, especially with Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two matches. He had six goals and seven assists in league play and raised his level of play in the season's second half.

Biggest Weakness: Injuries

No team has been hit by the injury bug harder than England. They have already suffered a handful of issues, including some involving players that were suppose to play a key role. So it will be up to other players to fill those voids without missing a beat.

The most notable losses have been Gary Cahill, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry. The aforementioned midfield depth should allow the team to replace Lampard and Barry, but finding somebody to replace Cahill, who was terrific after moving to Chelsea, won't be easy.

Key Player: Danny Welbeck

With Rooney out for the first two games and Jermain Defoe's return unknown as he returns home to attend to the death of his father, Welbeck will be asked to take on a much bigger role up front. The 21-year-old rising star scored against Belgium in the team's last friendly.

The key for Welbeck will be making sure the moment doesn't become too much for him. Playing in so many big matches for the Red Devils should help, but this will be an entirely different atmosphere. How he responds will have a huge impact on England's chances.

Make or Break Match: Sweden (June 15)

After playing France in the opener, England next faces off with Sweden. It's going to be an important match regardless of the team's first result, but even more so if the Three Lions aren't able to secure all three points.

The Swedes are very dangerous on the attack thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. England will need to make sure he doesn't take control of the game early, or it will spend the entire game playing defense, and that's not a strength.

France

Biggest Strength: Recent form

After a meltdown of epic proportions at the 2010 World Cup, France has quietly worked its way back into the contender conversation for Euro 2012 following an impressive run. Les Bleus have gone unbeaten for 18 straight matches dating back to last year.

Manager Laurent Blanc has put a renewed emphasis on ball control, and it's led to a more efficient French offense that was on full display in recent friendlies against Serbia and Estonia. Momentum is definitely on their side.

Biggest Weakness: Attacking depth

Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema will lead an attack that only has one other player with at least 10 international goals. Reliable veterans like Franck Ribery and Florent Malouda should provide a little support, but France will need more.

That means it's time for young stars Samir Nasri and Yann M'Vila to take a bigger role and start taking more responsibility from those veterans. If they aren't able to step up, France will have trouble finding the net against good defensive sides.

Key Player: Karim Benzema

Benzema became a lot more aggressive for Real Madrid this season, and it paid off in a big way. He scored 21 goals in 34 league games while helping the team end rival Barcelona's run atop La Liga. He must carry over that assertiveness to the tournament.

He has great strength, which allows him to gain an advantage over smaller defenders, especially in the box. As long as France gets him a lot of touches early in games so he can get involved, he's in line to have a fantastic showing.

Make or Break Match: England (June 11)

Both teams will be entering the group opener with hopes of claiming all three points, thus making the next two games more manageable. When the two sides faced off last November, France picked up a 2-1 victory.

Les Bleus would seemingly have the advantage again as England works its way through injuries and adapts to a new manager, but it will be another close game. A draw with each team playing it safe wouldn't be a surprise to anybody.

Sweden

Biggest Strength: Quick-strike ability

Zlatan Ibrahimovic gets all the headlines for Sweden, but the team's entire group of strikers and midfielders are capable of producing instant offense. And they are also a veteran bunch, which means they shouldn't get rattled by the big stage.

One name to keep an eye out for is Sebastian Larsson. He's coming off a nice season for Sunderland and was often Sweden's most dangerous player during the qualifying stages. If he can remain in top form, the Blagult will be tough to slow down.

Biggest Weakness: Questionable defense

Aside from veteran center back Olof Mellberg, Sweden will be turning to a lot of inexperienced national team players to fill out the back line. In a group where it seems like every goal is going to have major consequences, it's a serious concern.

One player that should fill at least one of those voids is Martin Olsson. He was a rare bright spot in an otherwise bleak season for Blackburn in the Premier League. After that, manager Erik Hamren will be rolling the dice and hoping he picks the right combination.

Key Player: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

When he's at the top of his game, there are few strikers in the world as dangerous as Ibrahimovic. He does tend to struggle with his consistency, however, and if he goes through a rough patch during the group stage, Sweden will be in trouble.

The 30-year-old AC Milan star had 28 goals and six assists during the Serie A campaign. That passing ability will be crucial as teams become overzealous trying to stop him. At that point, he needs to become a distributor instead of trying to force plays.

Make or Break Match: Ukraine (June 11)

Sweden goes up against Ukraine in the opener. In order to feel comfortable about their chances of reaching the knockout stages, the Blagult desperately need to find a way to earn all three points. Even a draw would put them in a difficult spot.

Playing against one of the host nations in the first game always poses a unique set of circumstances because the team will be pumped up with hopes of pleasing the home crowd. Sweden must play a smart game to take the crowd out of it so they can pick up the win.

Ukraine

Biggest Strength: Familiarity

Of the 23 players on Ukraine's roster, nine of them play for Dynamo Kyiv, and all but two of them play in the country's own Premier League. So these players know each other really well, and that helps when it comes to getting a team ready for tournament play.

The Zbirna also have the advantage of co-hosting the tournament. That should provide some extra motivation, especially since they are heavy underdogs and not many people are expecting them to accomplish much against elite competition.

Biggest Weakness: Talent level

Simply put, Ukraine doesn't have as many top-tier players on its roster as the other teams in the group. Aside from Andriy Shevchenko and a few other veteran leaders, the team won't be able to match up favorably against its Group D rivals.

Little things like playing at home and experience might be enough to steal a few points along the way, but earning enough to advance will be a struggle. It would take an extraordinary effort, and the talent just isn't there to make it happen.

Key Player: Andriy Shevchenko

Ukraine's best chance of pulling off a miracle advancement would be a performance for the ages from Shevchenko. The long-time national team member has scored 46 goals in 108 appearances and remains the team's top offensive threat.

But at 35, carrying the Zbirna on his back won't be as easy as if he was still in his prime. Even though he's going to leave everything he's got in the tank on the field knowing his time is winding down, he needs a lot of help.

Make or Break Match: Sweden (June 11)

Ukraine could turn all of those negatives around in a heartbeat with a victory over Sweden in its first game. Not only would it put them in a promising table position, but the team's confidence would go through the roof.

The best thing the Zbirna can do is be as offensive-minded as possible. If they go down in exciting fashion, nobody will be able to second guess them. A more conservative approach would leave the door open for criticism. They have nothing to lose.

Game to Watch: France vs. England

In one of the group stage's marquee matches, France and England will both be looking to avoid an early hole. They both know the road gets easier after the first game, so look for a well-organized match with minimal risks taken, even if it means a lack of offense.

It's the type of game that usually favors veterans who are more experienced playing a passive style. Due to that, look for tallies from Steven Gerrard and Franck Ribery en route to a draw that will keep both sides on pace to advance.

Prediction: France 1, England 1

Player to Watch: Joe Hart

The biggest advantage England has in Group D comes between the pipes. By helping lead Manchester City to the EPL title, Hart has established himself as one of the world's elite goalkeepers and must further prove that point in the European Championships.

He pairs lightning-quick reflexes with terrific instincts, which means he rarely gets caught out of position, and even when he does, he has the athletic ability to adjust. Even though he's just 25, it's hard to find many flaws in his game.

There's a good chance England's offense won't be as effective in the first couple matches until Rooney returns. So there will be extra pressure on Hart to keep things organized at the back. Assuming he handles that, the Three Lions should be in great shape.

Final Prediction

1. England

2. France

3. Sweden

4. Ukraine