France vs. England Euro 2012: 3 Talking Points for Roy Hodgson's Team

After a buildup that featured a near-constant air of pessimism, England's Euro 2012 got underway with an intriguing 1-1 draw with France.

Injury problems, a lack of preparation and possible team disharmony have all combined to ensure that no one is getting carried away and proclaiming England as title favourites.

The Group D opener was the first chance for this success-starved team to wash away pre-tournament speculation and showcase exactly what they are capable of.

Without further ado, here are three talking points from England's first match of Euro 2012.

The Back Four Is England's Biggest Strength

When Roy Hodgson took charge of England with little over a month before Euro 2012 kicked off, his first priority had to be making sure his team was strong from the back.

On the evidence taken from England’s opener against France, Hodgson has succeeded in his first task.

Despite some nervous moments, the English defenders were superb, restricting the powerful French frontline of Karim Benzema, Franck RIbery and Samir Nasri to a solitary goal. 

Hodgson’s tactic was for midfielders Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker to sit just in front of the back four, forcing France to pass from side to side, with little forward movement.

Despite the costly loss of concentration in the 39th minute, when Nasri was simply given too much time to line up and then dispatch the equalizer, England’s defenders put in a solid shift.

Glen Johnson, John Terry, Joleon Lescott and Ashley Cole all put in solid performances, giving Roy Hodgson a good base to work from.

The Team Is Only Dangerous on the Counter-Attack

Sadly, this performance was another example of an England side largely starved of attacking inspiration.

When in possession, the midfield of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker and James Milner simply struggled to break down the French defense. Passes often drifted aimlessly, drifting from wing to wing without an incisive pass to break up the play.

The only occasions that England looked really threatening was on the counter-attack, with the ball at the feet of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ashley Young or Danny Welbeck.

These players all possess tremendous pace and trickery and the challenge now is for Hodgson to channel these small flickers of brilliance into a more consistent, cohesive performance.

If the England manager can harness his side’s potential, the possibilities are endless. 

Ashley Young Needs to Have a Huge Tournament

Playing behind Danny Welbeck in an advanced midfield role, Ashley Young was involved in most of England’s best chances.

The only issue with this is that Young did not receive enough ball to truly make his mark on the contest.

The Manchester United midfielder is gifted with a huge array of tricks, coupled with pace to burn and an instinctive eye for goal.

England’s central midfield pairing of Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker fails to produce the touch of flair that is often required to break down well-drilled defenses.

In Ashley Young, England has found the right man to cause havoc with opposition back lines, creating uncertainty and confusion.

If Young can get the ball at his feet more often than he did against France, he may well emerge as England’s most important player.