Euro 2012 Predictions: Group D Players Sure to Have Major Impact

In Group D, we find three teams that have a legitimate shot to advance to the quarterfinals and a fourth in Ukraine that will have the inspiration from the home crowd as a host nation to fall back on.

France is certainly the group's favorite, with Sweden probably liking its chances with all of the injuries sustained by England.

Thus, perhaps more so than anywhere else in this tournament, one player could make a huge difference in how this group plays out. Let's take a look at a player or players from each team sure to have a major impact in the group stage.

England: Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll

Without Wayne Rooney for the first two matches, England will need strong play from whichever striker they turn to in the first two games.

Welbeck's pace and athleticism should greatly aid England's counter-attack, while Carroll's size and strength make him a dangerous weapon in the box, namely on set pieces.

My guess would be that Welbeck would have a greater impact, especially against France, who will likely dominate possession. His ability to move the counter-attack forward quickly could allow England to take advantage of the few advantages in attack they are likely to see.

If England is to win either of its first two matches, it will most certainly be because one of these two players stepped up.

France: Franck Ribery, Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema

This attacking trio will make France very difficult to beat, and should the ball find the back of the net, it will likely be due to the efforts of one of them.

Ribery is a hassle on the wing and was in fine form for Bayern Munich this season. Benzema netted 33 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid this season, while the crafty Nasri scored six goals and assisted on nine more for Manchester United.

With this trio, France has as deadly an attacking force as you'll find in this tournament. If France dominates possession as expected and these three find cracks in the opposing defense, the French team should cruise into the quarterfinals.

Sweden: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

In all competitions between AC Milan and Sweden in 2011-12, the fiery striker scored 39 goals in 52 total appearances. He's also found the back of the net in Sweden's last three matches.

He's one of the deadliest strikers in the world, and he has the ability to change a match with a timely strike or acrobatic header. If he keeps his head in the game and capitalizes on his opportunities, it's hard to imagine he won't have his foot print all over Group D.

But if he doesn't show up, the chances of Sweden advancing lessen significantly. Luckily for the Swedish side, I think he'll be at his best, helping his country to sneak out of this group.

Ukraine: Andriy Yarmolenko

With questions as to how effective star striker Andriy Shevchenko will be given his back issues, the attention will turn to young and exciting winger Andriy Yarmolenko to provide a spark for the attack.

The Dynamo Kiev standout scored 13 goals this season and is effective on the wing given his pace and ball control. He is very dangerous cutting to the center of the field and will look to score when the opportunity presents itself.

Shevchenko is the name people know, but Yarmolenko will be the name they learn when all is said and done.

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