Ukraine will co-host Euro 2012 next summer together with Poland and coach Oleg Blokhin says his side are looking to win the tournament.

The experienced coach plans to test his players against some of Europe’s top sides in the coming months.

“We have two upcoming friendlies against Uzbekistan and France, although we won’t be able to play those with our strongest squad due to four or five of our players competing in the UEFA U-21 European Championship,” Blokhin told FIFA.com.

“So the next time you will see the full-strength Ukraine squad is for the friendly match on 10 August against Sweden. We will also have a very intensive programme in Autumn – we have already agreed away matches with Czech Republic and Bulgaria, and it’s planned that we will play Germany on 11 November in the reconstructed Olympic stadium in Kyiv.

“Negotiations are also ongoing regarding a match with the world and European champions, Spain. So, even without the qualifying games, we will definitely have the opportunity to play against strong opponents.”

Blokhin is adamant that his side’s main task is to win the Euro 2012.

“The main task before this team is to win EURO 2012. But our first target must be to qualify from the group. Of course, we will strive to achieve the maximum, but without completing the first task, the main one is impossible. So we will move step-by-step.

“I think there are seven or eight favourites because all best football teams are from Europe with the exception of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. France, England, Italy, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands are all traditionally contenders, and Portugal could also become involved in this fight.”

Ukraine are hardly odds-on favourites to win the coveted title, so no wonder Paddy Power pays 41.00 (40/1) on Ukraine to win Euro 2012.