The Arsenal Blog

It may be sacrilegious to make such a comment, but I’ll make it all the same. As a Gooner I really find it hard to be too excited about the European Championship, the World Cup or any international competition.

Sure I enjoy watching football, because that’s what those of us who love the beautiful game do far too frequently. I am a proud Englishman and want my national team to do well, but I find it difficult to cheer on an England team containing the likes of Terry, Cole and Parker; players I despise.  ...........Read more

The Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has just played his first competitive game since injuring himself in February, and it ended in a 5-3 defeat for Germany at the hands of European minnows Switzerland, but the big centre-back thinks that the team will be back on Song by the time the tournament proper comes along.

“Yesterday was very disappointing for us but we’re looking forward to the tournament,” he told Sky Sports News.

“It’s in two weeks and we’ll be in good shape I think.”

Germany have been drawn into the “Group of Death” at Euro 2012 against Portugal, Denmark and the Netherlands, but Mertesacker is not unduly worried.  ...........Read more