The 2016 Uefa European Championships kicks off on June 10 with hosts France taking on Romania in Saint-Denis at the Stade de France. This 15th edition of the tournament is already abuzz with excitement, as almost all the big teams are taking part.
For the first time in its history, the tournament will involve 24 teams in the group stages – an increase from the 16-team format followed since Euro 1996. As a result there are more players involved as well.
With the increase in teams, there is an increase in the number of groups too: there will be six groups with four teams each. The top two teams from each group head to the Round of 16 directly. The four best third-placed teams in the groups will also play in the pre-quarterfinals. This should increase the possibilities of upsets.
The Groups
Group A: Albania, France, Romania, Switzerland
As hosts, France did not have to qualify for the tournament. They did, however, play numerous friendly matches to get as competitively prepared as possible. They are clearly the best team in the group and are expected to qualify for the knockouts as winners. Switzerland should get the second spot ahead of Romania. Albania are tournament newcomers, so, just playing is a big achievement for them.
Group B: England, Russia, Slovakia, Wales
Any group with England in it promises to be fiery. This one team alone is enough for any opposition to raise their game and show the world what they can achieve.
While Slovakia can be categorised as one of these "any" teams, the other two cannot. There is deep history behind the England-Wales rivalry, going beyond sports. Almost all of the players on both sides ply their trade in the English Premier League.
And then there is Russia – the country that effectively took the hosting rights of the 2018 FIFA World Cup away from England. On paper, England and Wales should finish as the top two, but there could be surprises.
Group C: Germany, Northern Ireland, Poland, Ukraine
A group with the defending world champions in it is bound to be interesting. Germany don't look as good as the team that won the World Cup two years ago, but they are still one of the favourites and almost always book at least a semi-final spot. Poland and Ukraine should battle it out for the second and third spots, but Northern Ireland can cause an upset despite this being their Euro debut.
Group D: Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey
Spain will be looking to make it three Euro victories in a row after 2008 and 2012, but their form of late hasn't been convincing and there is still a doubt over their starting eleven. Croatia, Czech Republic and Turkey are well capable of upsetting Spain and one another. This is an unpredictable group and progress could very well depend on minor details.
Group E: Belgium, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Sweden
This is potentially the Group of Death. Belgium are the highest-ranked team entering Euro 2016 and the main dark horses of the tournament. Italy were finalists in Euro 2012, but this year's squad doesn't seem very strong. The Republic of Ireland are a team that can rally themselves and cause an upset or two. Sweden's chances depend greatly on one player – Zlatan Ibrahimovic. His form could make the difference.
Group F: Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Portugal
For many neutrals, this would have been the least interesting group if it did not include Portugal. And Portugal's chances also revolve around Cristiano Ronaldo. Austria are a well-drilled unit with many of their players playing in some of the biggest teams in Europe. Hungary and Iceland may end up battling it out for third and fourth place.
Players to watch
Individual players are, of course, the key attraction for many. Let's look at 10 players to watch out for in Euro 2016. Beyond the usual suspects like Christiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Andres Iniesta, Thomas Muller and other big names, here are those who could provide a thrill or two:
N'Golo Kanté, France
The engine of Leicester City's incredible Premier League title win, the Frenchman is one of the most hard-working midfielders in the game. He only made his international debut on March 25 this year, but such is his impact that he is already a certain starter in the French eleven.
Harry Kane, England
The Tottenham striker will carry most of the goal-scoring burden for England in the Euros. Kane was the leading goal-scorer in the 2015-16 Premier League season, with 25 goals. He already has five goals in 12 matches for England and has established himself as the main striker for club and country in just over two seasons.
Aaron Ramsey, Wales
The midfielder has been overshadowed by "Galactico" Gareth Bale over the last few years for Wales, but that shouldn't deter him. He is a very important cog in Wales's midfield, as he can both score goals and put in the miles. He hasn't had the best of seasons at Arsenal, but a good showing with his national team could justify the excitement he had generated when younger.
Mario Gotze, Germany
Germany's golden boy will always be remembered for scoring the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, but his career has not kicked on from that point onward. Injuries and the fact that he was constantly overlooked at Bayern Munich by Pep Guardiola have restricted Gotze's progress, but he has received praise and been given support by national coach Joachim Loew throughout. Gotze will be eager to repay Loew's trust with his performances.
David de Gea, Spain
Manchester United's No 1 has been the best goalkeeper in the Premier League for the last four years, but that hasn't led to his displacing Iker Casillas as Spain's first choice 'keeper. There is still doubt as to which of the two will start, but the logical choice would be De Gea. While Casillas has gone down in history as one of the best ever, De Gea still has a lot to prove in international football. Maybe this is his time!
Ivan Rakitic, Croatia
Barcelona's unsung hero in the midfield will be very important for Croatia in Euro 2016. Along with Luka Modric, Rakitic will set the tempo of the game and can easily keep possession. Any man who has made Xavi Hernandez's absence at the heart of Barcelona's midfield less noticeable deserves praise.
Kevin de Bruyne, Belgium
While all eyes will be on Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne is as important if not more in Belgium's quest for European glory. Hazard is their best player, but he has had a wretched season for Chelsea. On the other hand, De Bruyne has had a brilliant year at Manchester City on an individual level. He creates and scores goals, and is dynamic and direct in his play. If he and Hazard have a good tournament, Belgium could actually go all the way.
Alessandro Florenzi, Italy
Italy are short of stardust in their squad, but there are some young players who will look to become the main men for the Azzurri in the years to come. Florenzi is one of them: the versatile player can play at right back, in right midfield, or in centre midfield. While Italy's defence will be their key strength, as usual, the likes of Florenzi will have to do their bit at the other end for the team to succeed.
Renato Sanches, Portugal
Portugal are heavily reliant on Ronaldo and need Ricardo Quaresma and Nani to perform on a more consistent level. While the attention will be on the aforementioned trio, some will be looking out for Renato Sanches. The young, energetic and powerful midfielder is seen by many as one of the top emerging talents in Europe. When Bayern Munich splash the cash on an 18-year-old to pip Manchester United to his services, you know his potential.
David Alaba, Austria
Alaba is one of the most composed and consistent players in Europe at the moment. A constant starter for Bayern, Austria's star has no fixed position on the pitch. Yet, his progress has not been curbed by it. He can play at left back or centre back, in left midfield or centre midfield, looking all the while as though he was meant to play in that very role. He has a solid left foot and can deliver pinpoint crosses. Alaba is very effective from direct free-kicks as well.
Key matches
There is no denying that all the matches are important in such a tournament. But some matches could determine the final group standings. Here we look at eight key matches in the group stages.
France vs Romania, June 10
This is the match that kicks off Euro 2016. The fervour and atmosphere will be electric at the Stade de France as the hosts will be looking to start with an impressive win. France are spoilt for choice and have left many big-name players out of their 23-man squad. Most teams do not have that kind of luxury. Romania will be looking to be the party poopers.
England vs Russia, June 11
England coach Roy Hodgson has selected a young and energetic team, but there are still question marks over the starting eleven, the biggest being whether to start with captain Wayne Rooney. Then there is Russia, who have caused more than one upset over England in recent years. They denied England a place in Euro 2008 and then won the bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. A lot hinges on this match.
Belgium vs Italy, June 13
This is a classic match-up where the phrase "an irresistible force meets an immovable object" is applicable, Belgium being the former and Italy, the latter. Belgium's attack is the envy of many, and Italy's defence is dour as ever.
England vs Wales, June 16
This is as close to an international derby match as it gets. England and Wales share a great rivalry in rugby, but in football the Three Lions have always been better than their neighbours. While England have the better players on the whole, Wales can boast of Bale. He is by a long stretch the best player in the UK at the moment, and if England can keep him quiet, their chances of winning will improve.
Germany vs Poland, June 16
This match also pits two neighbouring countries against each other. Germany and Poland have history going back to World War I. But this is football and a Polish victory will be considered a shock win. It could decide the final outcome of the group. The world champions did lose to Poland in the qualifying stage.
Portugal vs Austria, June 18
Many players from both countries play in some of the best teams in the big leagues around Europe. If Ronaldo is the best attacking player in the tournament, Alaba is the most versatile player in a defensive role. Despite Portugal's having better-known players, Austria can match them in overall team play.
Croatia vs Spain, June 21
This will be the last match of the group and could decide the final positions. Spain are the best in ball retention. Modric and Rakitic are equally adept at this and can also orchestrate quick counter-attacks. They are as good as any Spaniard barring Iniesta. Do not be surprised if Croatia beat the defending European champions.
Sweden vs Belgium, June 22
This match pits Belgium, with their combined attacking strength, against Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede is capable of doing the extraordinary and his team's attacks will flow through him. This is also the last match in a tough group. Belgium are without their defensive talisman Vincent Kompany, and if they give Ibrahimovic an inch, he will grab the opportunity.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!