England among favourites for Euro 2012 title – Giovanni Trapattoni

Giovanni Trapattoni believes England are one of the favourites to win next summer’s European championships – but the Republic of Ireland manager remains confident his team can cause an upset.

Stuart Pearce took temporary charge before England’s 3-2 friendly defeat by the Netherlands a week ago, but the Football Association are yet to appoint Fabio Capello’s permanent successor.

Trapattoni revealed that he has not spoken to his compatriot Capello since his resignation – but the Ireland boss considers England to be one of the top four contenders for the Euro 2012 crown despite their current turmoil.

“I haven’t spoken to Fabio Capello about England,” Trapattoni said. “I don’t know what the situation [is].

“Spain are the clear favourites. But there is also England, Germany and the Netherlands. These are the big four.”

Trapattoni’s Ireland side were drawn alongside reigning European and world champions Spain, Italy and Croatia in Group C, and they start their campaign in Poland and Ukraine against Slaven Bilic’s side.

The 72-year-old remains upbeat about Ireland’s chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals, pointing to his side’s draw with Croatia in a friendly last August.

“We have a difficult group with the defending champions Spain, Italy and Croatia. They are all higher than us in the rankings.

“We had a friendly game against Croatia and the result was a good one for us. That will be very important for the first game.

“It will not be easy to play against Spain’s great players, and they’re a great team. I have studied what it is possible to do against them.

“But in my career I have learned that in 90 minutes anything is possible. It’s not impossible to dream.”