Whats Happening to British Clubs in Europe?

After years of domination in Europe, 2011-12 has seen the English clubs stutter somewhat in both Champions and Europa Leagues.

Incredibly going into the last round robin fixtures of the Champions League, only Arsenal are through to the next round - the same Arsenal who have been struggling in the league this season.

Incredibly, the league leaders, Manchester City are on the brink of relegation to the Europa League and could be followed by Manchester United and Chelsea if results don't go their way.

In the Europa League, Tottenham could be heading out early after losses to Rubin Kazan and PAOK have dented their hopes of progression. And Fulham & Birmingham could be following Spurs out too along with Scottish giants, Celtic.

Incredibly, only lowly Stoke are safely through the next round of the Europa League.

So what has happened to British clubs in Europe this season? After confidently striding through to the semis of both competitions, they are struggling to make it out of the first round.

True, it may be early days with most big sides firing usually in the New Year. But the strange thing is even when they weren't firing early in the competition, at least they got qualification for the 2nd round done and dusted by Matchday 6.

Perhaps they have become victims of their own success. With the Premier League now the world's most followed league, Premier League sides are now prized scalps by other European sides.

Playing at hallowed grounds like Old Trafford and Parkhead must surely inspire minnow sides to lift their game and this probably doesn't help the home side who have more to lose in front of their home fans in a game they're usually expected to win.

Then there's the fact of priorities.

Harry Redknapp has reiterated many times with his words and selection that a return to the Champions League in 2012 is a priority.

Or in plain English, the Europa League is a waste of time, I'll just blood the youngsters.

The race for the title and top 4 in the Premier League meaning the likes of United, City, Arsenal, Chelsea & Spurs have to give more focus and energy to stay ahead - perhaps affecting their performances in Europe.

And it also has to be said, Stoke, Fulham & Birmingham are probably the lowest ranked sides to represent England in Europe. That they're in the running for the next round shows how much they've overachieved.

Finally, like all sporting competitions, British clubs' Euro performances come in cycles and they've had a very good run since Liverpool began a 5-year period of at least one English club in the Champions League final. Consider also Celtic and Rangers' appearances in the old UEFA Cup final in the last decade along with Middlesbrough and Fulham and it's not been a bad run.

And who's to say that the Brits won't bounce back next season if a British club isn't in the Final of the Champions or Europa League this season?

Meanwhile enjoy the fact Europe is open this season & enjoy the football Bayern, Real and Barca are playing this season.