Euro 2012: Match Previews and Predictions for Friday's Group D Action

Ukraine stunned Sweden with two quick goals from superstar striker Andriy Shevchenko to take the Group D lead through one set of games. France and England battled to a draw, a result both teams were glad to accept, as evidenced by their safe approach.

Action in the group will resume today with the pressure level increasing even more. One bad result now will likely lead to a premature exit from Euro 2012, something no team wants after working so hard to earn a berth in the marquee event.

Here's a preview and prediction for both games on the Friday slate.

Ukraine vs. France

Ukraine got the dream start it was hoping for heading into Euro 2012. One of the tournament's biggest underdogs before play started, the Zbirna were able to defeat Sweden and watched as a draw in the other game put them in the driver's seat.

As one of the co-hosts, the home-field advantage clearly worked as a motivational tool. The matches are going to get a lot tougher, however, so it will be interesting to see how much of that boost will carry over against France.

Les Bleus were far more dangerous than England in their first game but were only able to get one shot past an in-form Joe Hart. Even though it didn't get all three points, France has to feel good about the current state of its game.

Karim Benzema will be the biggest key to the team's success against Ukraine. The Real Madrid striker should be able to use his strength and finishing ability to cause a myriad of problems for the Zbirna defenders. He can't afford to squander those chances.

Based on Ukraine's performance in the opener, this game won't be as easy as it looks on paper for France. Les Bleus should still be able to earn a narrow victory, though.

Prediction: France 2, Ukraine 1

Sweden vs. England

After Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave Sweden a lead in the 52nd minute against Ukraine, the team went through a 10-minute lapse in concentration, and it cost the Blagult the game. Now they find themselves in the group basement in desperate need of a win.

Having a star like Ibrahimovic gives Sweden a chance to steal any game, but the A.C. Milan forward needs more help from his teammates if they are going to have any success against an England side that appears focused on defense.

Wayne Rooney remains suspended for one more match, so the Three Lions will have to get offense from other sources once again. Joleon Lescott notched the only tally in the first game. Ashley Young, Steven Gerrard and the other big names will need to do more this time around.

New manager Roy Hodgson knows his team can't afford to play an open style without his biggest scoring threat available, so give him credit for a wise defensive-minded approach against France. It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done.

Although Sweden isn't as deep as France, Hodgson will likely keep things mostly the same with hopes of squeaking out a win and successfully navigating Rooney's absence.

Prediction: England 1, Sweden 0