The Euro 2012 'Flop XI'

All of these players went into Euro 2012 with such high hopes, but it would be impossible to call their tournaments a success. We've resisted the temptation to stick the entire Dutch team in here too.

Here's our Euro 2012 'Flop XI', lining up in a possibly disastrous 3-2-3-2 formation...

Wojciech Szczesny (Poland)

As goalkeeper of host nation Poland, the super-confident Szczesny found the eyes of Europe focused on him for the tournament's opening game. He had a nightmare, directing a cross he should have mopped up into the path of Greek winger Dmitris Salpingidis to concede Poland's equaliser. it was to get worse, moments later he was sent off for bringing down the same man in the penalty area. His replacement Przemyslaw Tyton saved the penalty and the Arsenal star did not play again for the hosts, who were heading to an important victory before his double mistake. 

Jorgis Mathijsen (Holland)

Malaga defender Vlaar was missed Holland's opener against Denmark through injury, and came in for Ron Vlaar the next game. The 32-year-old's introduction to the team actually saw the Dutch defence get worse, as it was taken apart by both Germany and Holland. He was given a torrid time by Cristiano Ronaldo in the country's final game, and would be advised to leave La Liga this summer so he doesn't have to face him twice next season.

Phillipe Mexes (France)

Mexes was identified as the weak link for France going into the tournament, and the cumbersome centre-back was exposed against Sweden. The 30-year-old was booked in two of France's fhree group games as he fought against the tide to keep pace with opposition attackers. His bookings meant he missed France's crucial knockout game against Spain, but for his reputation, it might have been just as well.

Stephen Ward (Ireland)

Wolves defender Stephen Ward experienced a nightmare season at club level, and it continued for his country at Euro 2012. Ireland were one of two teams along with the Dutch to lose every game, conceding nine goals in three games. It was his 'clearance' in Ireland's opener against Croatia which went straight to Nikica Jelavic who crucially put Croatia ahead for the second time. The 26-year-old won't look back on his first international tournament fondly. 

Mark van Bommel (Holland)

There were a number of players at the heart of controversy for the Dutch, and the full story is yet to emerge. One man whose inclusion in the first team is said to have irritated a number of players is Mark van Bommel, son-in-law of coach Bert van Marwijk. After losing two games he was dropped for Holland's final clash with Portugal after fan pressure. Van Bommel had clearly had enough and after the country's elimination announced his international retirement. 

James Milner (England)

With a Premier League winners medal in the bag, you'd have expected James Milner to be full of confidence. It was the opposite as he went missing for England game after game. It could have been so different had he shown a modicum of composure after rounding Hugo Lloris in England's opener only to shoot wildly into the side netting. Subbed off in each of England's games, by their quarter-final clash with Italy he played like he expected it. 

Franck Ribery (France)

France were a colossal disappointment in the tournament and no attacking player summed up their malaise like Franck Ribery. The Bayern Munich winger is 29 and really should have stepped up to the plate at Euro 2012, but played poorly, particularly when he was most needed against Spain. A hangover from Bayern's Champions League final loss? Perhaps, but his German clubmates have not let it affect them and neither should he. 

Ashley Young (England)

Ashley Young went into the tournament billed as England's biggest dangerman, sparkling for England in the latter qualifiers and in friendlies. In his four games he never looked like reproducing that form despite playing every minute and having club teammates to link up with. His penalty miss in the shootout capped a dismal Euro 2012. 

Ibrahim Afellay (Holland)

Afellay looked in red-hot form for Holland before the tournament began, scoring twice in a friendly against Northern Ireland. The step up in opposition did not give him the time and space he would have liked to link up with Robin van Persie, who also disappointed. He started twice, and was subbed at half-time against Germany. He was also dropped for the next game against Portugal, and this goes down as an opportunity missed for him.

Karim Benzema (France)

17 shots no goals, that sums it up for a striker who was fancied by many to end Euro 2012 as top goalscorer. To his credit, he provided two assists in France's 2-0 win over Ukraine, but the 32 goals Real Madrid man will be hugely frustrated to have gone home without a goal, and it was not for lack of trying. No player had more attempts on goal without scoring. 

Aleksandr Kerzhakov (Russia)

While Russia stormed to a 4-1 win over Czech Republic, Aleksandr Kerzhakov was hitting his head against a brick wall. The striker set a European Championship record, and not a good one, hitting seven shots, all of target in an incredibly wasteful display. The Zenit St Petersburg didn't score in Russia's remaining games either, and was subbed off at half-time in the nation's 1-0 loss to Greece as the coach's patience finally ran out.

Who would make your Euro 2012 'Flop XI'?

image: © az1172