Euro 2012: Why France vs. England Is the Most Important Group Match of Them All

There are plenty of fascinating matchups set to take place at Euro 2012, but none are more important than the France-England clash set to take place on Monday.

France vs. England is without doubt the most important group match of the entire tournament—not just because of the history and the rivalry—but rather because of the implications that it has.

The match will define Group D.

That statement doesn't mean that the other matches against Ukraine and Sweden aren't at all important. Anything can happen when one team is supposed to win, but without any disrespect to either team, they won't offer the same resistance and skill that will be on display in the France-England encounter.

Both teams are expected to quality from the group; meaning that their position and upcoming fixtures are all determined by this one match. Who they'll play next, what side of the draw they'll be on, what their chances at success are all come down to this match.

The winner of Group D—be that England or France—will play the runner-up of Group C with the runner-up of Group D therefore playing the winner of Group C. And considering that Group C have the hot favorites for the tournament in Spain, winning the group is of paramount importance for both the French and English.

Whoever finishes first in Group D will play the runner-up of Group C, which would likely be Italy or Croatia. Should they win that matchup, they'll then most likely play the winner from Group B—the Group of Death—for a place in the Euro 2012 final.

That route is definitely an easier option than taking on the defending champions and best national team in Europe—just for a place in the semifinals.

France vs. England has the ability to shape the entire tournament for either team.

When they square off tomorrow, we'll see two teams that are not only playing for ascendancy in the match, but also a lead in the group and a better chance at achieving European success.

Regardless of whether you support the French or the British, or simply don't care, there's no underestimating the potential ramifications that could result from this one match.

The speculation and the questions and the pressure and the tension are really not just about this one match—they're about the entire tournament. 

Are France good enough to win the tournament?

Has England been struck down by injury just one too many times? 

Which team will fail to deliver on their pre-tournament promises and who will live up to the expectations of an entire nation?

The answers will be known soon enough.

Who you got: France or England?

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