Mata ignores England as the favourite for Euro 2012

Chelsea and Spain playmaker Juan Mata has backed England to spring a surprise at Euro 2012, claiming that although not one of the favorites, it is in with a chance of making a big impression. England goes into the tournament with a new manager, after Fabio Capello sensationally resigned after seeing John Terry stripped of the captaincy back in February. Mata, though, believes it's how the players adapt to the new manager rather than the other way around which is the most important thing. "I don't know whether the change of manager for England will affect the team," Mata told reporters. "People say Hodgson's system is different to Capello. But the key is how the players will adapt." After emerging triumphant in both the Champions League and FA Cup finals in his first season in England, Mata believes the qualities that he has seen from England's players will stand them in good stead during the tournament, admitting that they have a chance of winning the tournament. "For me, England will always be on the list of candidates for the title," he continued. "They have a great history and also the players are at a great level. "England's strengths are the quality of players and the physical strengths in the team. They always fight for the ball. The desire is sensational. One potential stumbling block that England will have to negotiate is the fact that star striker Wayne Rooney will miss the first two games through suspension, an issue Mata believes the side will do well to overcome. He explained: "The absence of Rooney is very important for England's plans. That is bad for England but the coach has had time to look at solutions and look at ways to make it better the team. "Everyone says Spain, Germany and Holland are favorites for the title. But I wouldn't discount England or France, especially if they do well in the first phase."

Source: Goal