The hopes of a nation have been allowed to rise ever-so-slightly after England qualified top of Group D.

Now Italy stand between them and a semi-final showdown with Germany. STV’s England blogger for Euro 2012, David Preece, joins us to talk penalty shoot-outs, goal-line technology and the psychology of the underdog.

You can follow David on Twitter.

More About Euro 2012

• Where do Sweden go after their poor performance at Euro 2012
• STV Sports Daily at the Euros: Our look back at the Euro 2012 final
• Italy manager urges Mario Balotelli to learn and grow from Euro final loss
• Vicente Del Bosque basks in 'extraordinary' Spain achievement
• Spain 4-0 Italy: Spain's dominance confirmed with rout of Italy
• Cesc Fabregas starts in strikerless Spain formation for Euro 2012 final
• Abate returns to Italy team for Euro 2012 final against Spain

Related articles

• Roy Hodgson calmly leads the way as England prepare to face Italy
• The result is all that matters for England in showdown with Ukraine
• David Preece discusses Roy Hodgson, Sweden and England's goalkeepers
• Euro 2012 on STV: Your guide to our experts network at the Championships

People who read this story also read

• In full: Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker statements on leaving Rangers
• SPL clubs react to news that Rangers will be liquidated
• Ally McCoist hits out at players for turning down move to newco Rangers
• Motherwell board says loss of Rangers could put Well into administration
• SFA, SPL and SFL confirm talks have taken place over league restructure