• Euro 2012

Gerrard: Defeat is no disaster

ESPN staff
June 11, 2012
Steven Gerrard will skipper England against France © Getty Images
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England captain Steven Gerrard insists there is no need to panic if England get off to a losing Euro 2012 start against France on Monday.

France begin the match as favourites, having compiled a lengthy unbeaten record under manager Laurent Blanc ahead of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

England, in contrast, have been beset by injuries in recent weeks - and boss Roy Hodgson has had only a brief period to press his ideas on the squad before the Euros.

Public expectation in England is understandably low for both the overall tournament and the France match, but Gerrard feels there is plenty of room for recovery if England taste defeat in their opener.

"It's the first game," said Gerrard. "It's not the end of the world whichever way it goes.

"It is important we don't get carried away thinking we are going to win the tournament if we win and don't commit suicide if we lose because there will still be two games to recover."

England will also face matches against Sweden and Ukraine before the completion of the group stage.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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