Netherlands’ offensive moxie could make these European Championships a Dutch treat

England soccer legend Ray Wilkins will be contributing to Yahoo! Canada Sports coverage of the 2012 UEFA European Championships. Ray will share his personal thoughts on matches during the tournament in Poland and the Ukraine.

LONDON, England – It's finally here, the eagerly awaited 2012 UEFA European Championships. Sixteen of Europe’s top footballing nations preparing to descend upon Poland and the Ukraine. And it's going to be a tough slog over the tournament’s 24 days.

The Euros has been – and always will be – a huge competition. But make no mistake, the World Cup will always be the Holy Grail of the beautiful game. Arguably the Euros is a much tougher tournament to win as the group stages are far more difficult. To steal a golfing term, there are no mulligans here. During the Euros every game is full on.

Historically the home nations haven't fared at all well. Only Spain in 1964, Italy in 1968 and France in 1984 have been successful on home soil. It's fair to say that both Poland and the Ukraine won't be so lucky in 2012.

[Related: Martin Rogers: Germany is the team to beat at Euro 2012]

But who are the favourites? In many people's eyes Spain or Germany will triumph and with good reason. Spain are defending their 2008 championship win, and Germany are always a threat. But in my humble opinion the loss of two key Spanish players, Barcelona's David Villa and Carlos Puyol, could spell the end of Spain's Euro reign. Obviously Villa's talent will be missed on the field, but more importantly, the loss of Barcelona's star centre-back could affect the team immensely.

The Germans have always been a force in tournament football whether it's in a World Cup or an UEFA European Championships and I have every reason to believe that trend will continue. They will arrive strong, ready for physical play, and are extremely well organized. But most importantly, the Germans will start the tournament with great confidence and self belief.

Every tournament will throw up an underdog but I have a strong feeling there could be more than one this year. The Russians are having a first-class build-up culminating in a fantastic 3-1 away victory over the Italians in a Euro tune-up match on June 1. And playing so close to home, the Russians may just fancy their chances.

But don't discount the Italians. Although they are embroiled (once again) in allegations of scandal around fixing matches, the Italian team is comprised of a group of young men that when it comes to a tournament always seem to find a different level. They are well known for their defensive qualities, but in attack Italy have an abundance of riches.

Then there's my home country of England. The Three Lions come into the Euros decimated by injuries and are really down to the bare bones. I do believe that under the guidance and coaching abilities of Roy Hodgson, the lads will put up a good show. The loss of a top goal-scoring midfielder in Frank Lampard will be a huge loss – especially after finishing the season in such fine form Chelsea. Also the fact that Manchester United's Wayne Rooney will be missing for their first two group games due to suspension is a huge blow to the team. But as he showed in his short cameo in a pre-tournament game against Belgium, Rooney gives England a real sense of serenity on the field of play.

[Goal.com: Why England won't win the Euros 2012]

Hodgson has had to work quickly to lay down his system in England's pre-Euro friendlies. He has always preferred the 4-4-2 formation and it worked perfectly against Norway and Belgium, two matches in which the team kept two clean sheets and looked very tough to beat. I was impressed at how extremely well organized the team was, but it's in attack, without the likes of Lampard and Rooney, that I worry. Does England have enough firepower? One lesson that opponents should have learned by now: never write off an England team that's hurting.

So you may ask, "Ray, who's your pick to win then?". Well, I have a sneaking feeling that the Dutch could walk away as champions. And the main reason is because they have what it will take to win: GOALS. The Netherlands’ firepower up front is second to none. They scored 37 goals in 10 qualifying games with Arsenal's Robin Van Persie and Schalke 04's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scoring 18 between them. And watch out for two midfielders currently playing at their prime: Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben and Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder.

Defensively the Oranje have a few problems but with their attacking options up front, they could out score most nations. So it's the Dutch for me.

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