Dutch Star Tips England for Euro Glory

Arsenal forward Robin van Persie has tipped England to be among the front-runners for this summer's European Championships, in the wake of Wednesday's 3-2 defeat to Holland.

Van Persie featured in the first half of Holland's win over caretaker England manager Stuart Pearce's side before he was replaced by goal scorer Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

And the Arsenal captain believes England could surprise Europe's top sides in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

"England are a very good team," van Persie told the official Arsenal Website. "They were a bit younger but they played well and they are a very good side. They have a massive chance of playing well in the Euros.

"Both teams played well. To be fair they scored in the 90th minute, we had one last attack which was a bit lucky in the end and pulled it back. It was a nice win, five goals, a good game of football and everybody is happy.

"It was a very useful [warm-up game]. Everybody showed that, everybody was committed and there were a few good tackles in the game."

Van Persie played at Wembley despite fears of a groin problem but the 28-year-old came through the first half unscathed and is expected to feature for Arsenal in Saturday's clash against Liverpool.

The Arsenal forward, who has scored 33 goals so far this season, has been linked with a move abroad in the summer but club team-mate Mikel Arteta has backed the frontman to remain at the Emirates.

"I do not see Van Persie leaving Arsenal," Arteta was quoted on Sky Sports.

"He is completely unaffected by interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona and not thinking about his contract renewal either.

"Now he is very calm and is not nervous about anything.

"I know he has said that in the summer he will consider things, talk it over and take the decision that he will take," he stated.