Croatia forward Nikica Jelavic has delivered a damning assessment of England’s Euro 2012 prospects, claiming that their history of failure in major tournaments is unlikely to be altered.
Speaking exclusively in the June 2012 issue of FourFourTwo, the Everton striker dismissed the view that England could compete in Poland and Ukraine.
"Generally, I don’t have much faith in them… but England always seem to fail at big tournaments," he says.
"I’ve been following them for years and it’s always the same: they aim high, but end up disappointed. I don’t count them among the favourites."
The player did add, however, that the Three Lions squad possesses plenty of capable performers, saying: "They have individual quality in abundance, and can occasionally play really well."
Jelavic has enjoyed a great start to life in England, scoring an impressive nine goals in just 13 appearances since joining the Toffees from Rangers in January.
The front-man will no doubt hope that he can transfer his domestic exploits to the international stage, where his country will be pitted against two World Cup-winning sides in Spain and Italy.
Read the full interview with Nikica Jelavic in the June 2012 issue of FourFourTwo, which includes a 68-page supplement previewing Euro 2012. However, be quick. It's only in shops today before the July issue hits the shelves on Saturday June 2.
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By Ben Rasmin
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Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.
