Group A
France
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Captain: Hugo Lloris
Key Players: Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial
Tournament hosts France are favourites to go a long way in
this year’s Euros and with the talent they have, there should be no problems
qualifying from the top of Group A. It’s been 16 long years since the likes of
Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry last lifted a major trophy for France, and
this will be their best shot in a while. This side’s strength is definitely its
depth, with those on the bench being just as talented as those on the pitch.
They also have a nice mix of youth and experience, as well as a strong
defensive presence and quick counter-attacking forwards. If there is one
weakness it is in the striker position. Usual number 9 Karim Benzema has
already confirmed to be missing the tournament after being involved in a sex
scandal last year with teammate Mathieu Valbuena. If France were to go all the
way, players such as Olivier Giroud and Andre-Pierre Gignac will have to fill
the hole left by Benzema’s omission. However, this is a well-balanced side and
the best the French have had to offer in over a decade. If they can fire on all
cylinders, they have no reason not to walk away with the silverware.
Prediction: Semi
Finals
Switzerland
Coach: Vladimir Petkovic
Captain: Stephan Lichtsteiner
Key Players: Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Ricardo
Rodriguez.
After being trounced 5-1 by France in the World Cup two
years ago, the Swiss probably grimaced when they saw that they had to face their
European neighbours once again. However, after a strong qualifying campaign,
this team will have the belief that they can make an impact in this tournament.
Like the French, the Swiss have some very exciting youthful talent that they
will be looking to showcase on the big stage. For the viewer, keep an eye on Stoke
City winger Xherdan Shaqiri, who scored a magnificent hat trick against
Honduras in the World Cup two years ago. But if this side does make a run in
the tournament, it could be due to FIFA 16 wonderkid Breel Embolo. The
19-year-old Basel forward has been catching the eye of several top European
clubs and a strong showing here could see a big money move eventuate not long
afterwards. A talented and youthful side, Switzerland should make it out of the
group but could face challenges in the knockout stages.
Prediction: Quarter
Finals
Romania
Coach: Anghel Iordanescu
Captain: Razvan Rat
Although this Romanian side probably won’t win the
tournament, they could win the prize for playing the most boring football.
After scoring only 11 goals in qualifying and conceding only twice, they are
the masters of the nil-all draw, a feat they achieved in three consecutive
qualifying games. Despite their staunch defensive play, Romania could provide
an upset or two if they can get the ball in the net themselves. Leading this
charge will be striker Bogdan Stancu, supported by winger Gabriel Torje and playmaker
Alexandru Maxim. Don’t hold your breath mind you. Strong chance of having an
All Whites-esque tournament and get knocked out in the group stages without
losing a game.
Prediction: Group
Stage
Albania
Coach: Gianni De Biasi
Captain: Lorik Cana
Key Players: Mergim Mavraj, Odise Roshi, Taulant Xhaka
After beating out both Denmark and Serbia in qualifying,
Albania will be making history as they compete in their first ever major
tournament. While the squad doesn’t contain any recognisable names, they have
pulled off some big upsets in recent times, including one against France last
year. An interesting storyline in this group will be seeing brothers Granit and
Taulant Xhaka play against one another. Born in Switzerland to Albanian
parents, the Xhakas have gone on to become key members of both national sides. Qualification
from the group stage seems unlikely for Albania, but stranger things have
happened in this tournament before (see Greece at the 2004 edition).
Prediction: Group
Stage
Group B
England
Coach: Roy Hodgson
Captain: Wayne Rooney
Key Players: Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Jamie Vardy
Is this England’s year? Could they finally end their 50 year
trophy drought? While some would like you to believe such things were possible
after their friendly victory over a depleted Germany side earlier this year, it
is highly unlikely. They need to get out of the group to start with, something
they failed to do at the World Cup two years ago. However, since that
disappointment there has been a change of guard, with an influx of quality
young talent being thrust into the lineup. The form of Tottenham trio Kane,
Alli, and Eric Dier, as well as Leicester star Jamie Vardy, will be absolutely
crucial to England’s chances of going deep into the tournament. This group
shouldn’t provide too many challenges one would think, and a quarter-final
berth would be the minimum expectation for this side. Could they go further?
Sure, but they’re not winning it, I’ll tell you that right now.
Prediction: Quarter
Finals
Wales
Coach: Chris Coleman
Captain: Ashley Williams
Key Players: Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Andy King
As with Albania, Wales will be participating in their first
ever European Championship. Yet unlike their eastern European counterparts,
Wales won’t be satisfied playing only the group games. Led by Real Madrid
superstar Gareth Bale, they have a legitimate chance of topping the group,
especially if they can force a result against England. However, a real lack of
squad depth could prove costly, especially if injuries take a toll. But after
qualification victories over the likes of Belgium they will believe that they
can get at least into the second round. In a similar vain to Romania, Wales are
strong defensively but showed in qualifying that they can struggle to break
opposition sides down. If Bale plays at his very best then expect Wales to
qualify, if not, they could be going home early.
Prediction: Round of
16
Russia
Coach: Leonid Slutsky
Captain: Roman Shirokov
Key Players: Alan Dzagoev, Aleksandr Kokorin, Artyom Dzyuba
Neither a good team nor a bad one, Russia will be hoping to
bring some consistency to this tournament. After a poor World Cup in Brazil,
Russia had a solid qualifying campaign that saw them finish behind just Austria
in their group. Contrary to popular belief, Russia are actually an exciting
team to watch. They score plenty of goals (21 in 10 qualifying games) no matter
the opposition, although their defence is known to crumble a bit against
quality teams. Zenit St Petersburg strikers Kokorin and Dzyuba will provide a
constant threat to opposition while the midfield playmaking of Dzagoev and
crossing from Yuri Zhirkov will be equally important. With the quality
available they should be able to secure one of the top three spots available,
though would prefer the second spot.
Prediction: Round of
16
Slovakia
Coach: Jan Kozak
Captain: Martin Skrtel
Key Players: Marek Hamsik, Vladimir Weiss, Stanislav Sestak
This Slovakia side is like a cricket bat in the 1980s – all
middle and nothing else. Without the quality midfield presence of Hamsik,
Weiss, and Sestak, they probably wouldn’t be participating at the Euros this
year. Nevertheless, here they are and although they are heavy outsiders to get
out of the group, there’s still the chance of an upset or two. They are no
pushovers, and even managed to beat a revived Spain in qualifying. But
weaknesses at the front and back of this team will probably end up haunting
them at the tournament, despite the class in midfield. It would be a pretty
safe bet to see them eliminated at the group stage.
Prediction: Group
Stage
Group C
Germany
Coach: Joachim Low
Captain: Bastian Schweinsteiger
Key Players: Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil
The World Cup winners from two years ago have continued to
be one of, if not the best side in international football. Certainly, in terms
of depth they are rivalled by none. With the likes of Mario Gotze, Marco Reus,
and Julian Draxler warming the bench, they are ridiculously spoilt for choice
in midfield. Most of the squad from two years ago remain, although the
retirement of Phillip Lahm is a big loss in defence. However, there is still plenty
of quality in defence and of course there is the sturdy presence of the world’s
best goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. All in all they should have no trouble
dismantling their three group opponents, and with a favourable knockout draw on
the cards, could win the entire tournament. If there’s an obvious favourite for
the tournament, it’s Germany.
Prediction: Winners
Ukraine
Coach: Mykhaylo Fomenko
Captain: Anatoliy Tymoshchuk
Key Players: Yevhen Konoplyanka, Andriy Yarmolenko, Yaroslav
Rakitskyi
Playing in their first tournament since legend Andriy
Shevchenko retired in 2012, Ukraine have a few splatters of talent in their
squad. Like most teams, their midfield looks their strongest, and particular
their wing players, but it seems like a lack of scoring prowess up front could
see them suffer. Yet the draw has been reasonably favourable, and they should
be able to secure either second or third position in the group. It would be a
huge disappointment if they fail to do so.
Prediction: Round of
16
Poland
Coach: Adam Nawalka
Captain: Robert Lewandowski
Key Players: Jakub Blaszczykowski, Grzegorz Krychowiak,
Arkadiusz Milik
You’ve got to feel sorry for the commentators having to try
and pronounce some of these names, but they should get used to it as this side
will more than likely be advancing from the group stage. Interestingly, Poland
were also in the same qualifying group as Germany, and performed admirably
against their western neighbours, beating them 2-0 in one game. The key to
their tournament chances will lie with the form of captain and striker Robert
Lewandowski, whose 13 goals were the most by any player in the qualifying
stages. They will most likely battle it out with Ukraine for the second spot in
the group, and should gather enough points to qualify as a third place if that
doesn’t happen.
Prediction: Round of
16
Northern Ireland
Coach: Michael O’Neill
Captain: Steven Davis
Key Players: Kyle Lafferty, Jonny Evans, Chris Brunt
Another nation making their first appearance at the European
Championships, Northern Ireland will be hoping to make an early impact. While
they got the luck of the Irish in qualifying by being handed an easy group,
they will have a tougher time in the actual tournament. With no real starpower,
they will have to rely on the sheer will and passion of the players if they are
going to have any chance of advancing from the group stage. Really difficult to
see Northern Ireland being victorious, never mind progressing, and with the
quality of forwards in all three opposition sides, their defence has to be on
song every game to even have a chance.
Prediction: Group
Stage
Group D
Spain
Coach: Vicente del Bosque
Captain: Iker Casillas
Key Players: Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, Cesc Fabregas
Defending champs Spain had an absolute shocker at the World
Cup two years ago but have since returned to being the elite team we know them
to be. After their Brazil meltdown, Spain elected against dismissing
long-standing coach Vicente del Bosque, and captain Iker Casillas. It would be
very surprising if the latter was given the starting job, especially with
Manchester United’s David de Gea waiting in the wings. They will have no time
to work their way into the tournament, as the draw has put them up against
three quality sides. If they are going to have a successful run, then del
Bosque will have to give playing time to the many exciting talents he has
available, including Isco, Saul, Koke, Alvaro Morata, and Thiago. If he
decides to remain loyal to the old guard, there is a possibility that another
capitulation could take place. It really is a perfect example of playing
players based on form rather than reputation. Hopefully he will make the right
decisions that will benefit this team.
Prediction: Semi-Finals
Turkey
Coach: Faith Terim
Captain: Arda Turan
Key Players: Nuri Sahin, Hakan Calhanoglu, Burak Yilmaz
It seems like a long time ago since Turkey played Brazil in
the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup, and it would be fair to say that they
have not reached anywhere near those levels since. But this team has been
improving rapidly in recent times and have not lost a game since November 2014.
This could be attributed to the talented young stars that have forced their way
into the side, including Calhanoglu and Oguzhan Ozyakup. Although they have
been given a rough group in which to navigate, they should be able to place
second or third and ensure a place in the round of 16. Whether they can make an
upset in the knockout stages will remain to be seen.
Prediction: Round of
16
Croatia
Coach: Ante Cacic
Captain: Darijo Srna
Key Players: Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic
Arguably the best team in Eastern Europe, Croatia will be
hoping that their mix of veterans and young hopefuls will bring them some
success this year. After failing to deceive in Brazil two years ago, they will
be hoping to fire on all cylinders this time around. They certainly have the
talent. Alongside key members Modric, Rakitic and Mandzukic, are young
magicians Mateo Kovacic and Alen Halilovic, whose talent has already been
recognised by Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. Add to the mix their
highest scorer in qualifiers Ivan Perisic, and the Croatians have a side to
contend with. Don’t be surprised if they give Spain a run for their money for
the top place in the group.
Prediction: Round of
16
Czech Republic
Captain: Petr Cech
Key Players: Tomas Rosicky, Michal Kadlec, Tomas Necid
Probably the weakest side in Group D, the Czech Republic
will have their work cut out for them if they want to advance to the knockout
stages. However, this team made the quarter-finals four years ago and will use
that as inspiration to believe that they can do the same this time around. This
side has begun to show signs of age in recent times and it would be a big ask
for their veterans to pull another miracle out of the bag. With the quality of
opposition they are set to face, don’t expect them to be around come knockout
time.
Prediction: Group Stage
Group E
Belgium
Coach: Marc Wilmots
Captain: Vincent Kompany
Key Players: Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne
Belgium is in the midst of an amazing golden generation, one
that will last for years to come. With world-class players from all the top
leagues around Europe, covering every position, this side definitely has the
quality to go all the way in this tournament. Aside from the players already
mentioned, watch out for others such as Thibaut Courtois, Axel Witsel, Radja
Nainggolan, Michy Batshuayi, Kevin Mirallas, and Jan Vertonghen, to name just a
few. If there was a weakness it would be the questionable tactical ability of
coach Marc Wilmots. In the World Cup two years ago Wilmots struggled to get the
best out of his attacking talent and it will be interesting to see what changes
he has made since then. Expect them to be a force to be reckoned with. Only a
world-class performance will stop this team.
Prediction: Runners
Up
Italy
Coach: Antonio Conte
Captain: Gianluigi Buffon
Key Players: Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Antonio Candreva
For those that have watched Italy play at major tournaments
they would know that it’s all or nothing for the Azzuri. The masters of
inconsistency were runners up in the last edition of the Euros, but were
eliminated at the group stage in the last two World Cups. The most difficult
team to predict, even Italians don’t know what they’re going to get. On the
positive side they have a great coach in Conte, and have a strong core of
Juventus players, who have become accustomed to victory in the last few years,
and participated in the 2015 Champion’s League Final, losing to Barcelona. While
there is obvious talent in the Italian squad, many point to the lack of
strength going forward, and indeed the inclusion of Southampton’s Graziano
Pelle is a sign that standards have dropped in that position. Yet despite all
the flaws, Italy will probably turn up and win the bloody thing without a care
in the world. They’ve done it before, and they can do it again.
Prediction: Quarter
Finals
Republic of Ireland
Coach: Martin O’Neill
Captain: Robbie Keane
Key Players: Glenn Whelan, Aiden McGeady, Shane Long
After being absolutely hammered at the Euros four years ago,
Ireland will be wanting to make amends this time around. Had a strong qualifying
campaign, picking up victories against both Germany and Poland, and have also
had some strong performances in friendly matches against England and
Switzerland. But whether this side has the ability to perform on the big stage
remains to be seen. Their squad isn’t full of talent, much like their Northern
Irish counterparts, and will need to have a similar rugged attitude to make any
impact on their group. Don’t count them out, but to be honest it’s probably
better if you did anyway.
Prediction: Group Stages
Sweden
Coach: Erik Hamren
Captain: Zlatan Ibrahimović
Key Players: Kim Kallstrom, Sebastian Larsson, Andreas
Isaksson
Much like Poland, Sweden rely on their superstar striker,
this time in the form of Zlatan Ibrahimović. The eccentric forward has carried
Sweden to these major tournaments virtually single-handedly his entire career,
and even as he begins to age, he continues to be their go to guy. One would
expect this side to beat the Irish, but it is unlikely they will be able to
overcome the power of either Belgium or Italy. Mind you, they could get lucky
depending on which Italy shows up on the day. Kiwis know all about that after
they almost pulled off an upset win against the then-defending champs at the
World Cup in 2010. If Sweden can beat Ireland and grab a point from one of the
other two games, it should secure a place in the knockout stages.
Prediction: Group
Stages
Group F
Portugal
Coach: Fernando Santos
Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
Key Players: Joao Moutinho, Nani, Pepe
Portugal are in a similar vein to Italy in the sense of
inconsistency at major tournaments. A semi-finalist four years ago, they were
expected to make a serious impact at the World Cup in 2014, but were eliminated
by the USA in the group stage. For a side boasting the talents of one of the
world’s best players, one would expect them to be a force in international
competition. However, a mediocre supporting cast has often left Ronaldo
frustrated with his side, and he often lets his feelings be known. This
tournament will probably be Ronaldo’s last while still at the top of his game,
so it will be interesting to see what his side bring to the table. Should make
it to the knockout stages in either of the top two positions, and depending on
the draw, could easily get to the quarter finals. If they face a quality side
however, they will be certain underdogs.
Prediction: Quarter
Finals
Iceland
Coach: Lars Lagerback & Heimir Hallgrimsson
Captain: Aron Gunnarsson
Key Players: Gylfi Sigurosson, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Kolbeinn
The biggest shock of qualifying was Iceland knocking out the
Netherlands, one of Europe’s biggest powerhouses. They are also making their
debut in a major tournament, and it would be safe to say that they truly are an
unknown force. Were lucky to be given a relatively easy group but will still
find it difficult to advance into the knockouts. Grabbing points from Portugal
and Austria could be vital if they want to take one of the three third-placed
round of 16 spots. It’s hard to predict what kind of football they will play
but given their opposition, they have a great opportunity to make it into the
next round.
Prediction: Round of
16
Austria
Coach: Marcel Koller
Captain: Christian Fuchs
Key Players: David Alaba, Marko Arnautovic, Marc Janko
A dominating display in qualifiers sees Austria come into
the tournament with plenty of confidence and high hopes. Given what the draw
has given them, Austria would be mightily disappointed if they don’t at least
qualify for the next round. In all honesty, they should be pushing Portugal for
top spot and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they achieved that. Player to
watch is definitely David Alaba, the left back for German giants Bayern Munich.
The 23-year-old will probably play in midfield for Austria, but his array of
talents is such that it won’t make a difference. If Austria perform as they
should, Alaba will be a key part of it.
Prediction: Round of
16
Hungary
Coach: Bernd Stork
Captain: Balazs Dzsudzsak
Key Players: Tamas Priskin, Zoltan Gera, Roland Juhasz
Arguably the weakest side in the group, Hungary will be
doing their best to force an upset. Yet with the draw the way it is they will
be pleased to avoid any of the major sides, giving them an opportunity to grab
points from all three of their games. Still, they are a definite outsider to
proceed to the next round considering their squad severely lacks depth and
class. They probably won’t be whipping boys, but they will still go home early
nevertheless.
Prediction: Group
Stage
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