Veratti and marchisio will be big misses for Italy, I'm gonna go for the dark horse of the tournament Poland. They've looked good in qualifying wheras Germany were very poor they ruined my beloved Scotland's chances of qualification with their abysmal performances against Ireland.
Forwards: Eren Derdiyok (Kasimpasa), Breel Embolo (FC Basel), Admir Mehmedi (Bayer Leverkusen), Haris Seferovic (Eintracht Frankfurt), Shani Tarashaj (Grasshoppers)
Group B
England
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)
Defenders: Ryan Betrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester)
Russia
Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Guilherme (Lokomotiv Moscow), Yuri Lodygin (Zenit St. Petersburg)
Defenders: Alexei Berezutsky (CSKA Moscow), Vasily Berezutsky (CSKA Moscow), Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Dmitry Kombarov (Spartak Moscow), Roman Neustadter (Schalke), Georgy Shchennikov (CSKA Moscow), Roman Shishkin (Lokomotiv Moscow), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St Petersburg)
Midfielders: Igor Denisov (Dynamo Moscow), Denis Glushakov (Spartak Moscow), Alexander Golovin (CSKA Moscow), Oleg Ivanov (Terek Grozny), Pavel Mamaev (Krasnodar), Alexander Samedov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Oleg Shatov (Zenit St Petersburg), Roman Shirokov (CSKA Moscow), Dmitri Torbinski (Krasnodar)
Forwards: Artyom Dzyuba (Zenit St Petersburg), Alexander Kokorin (Zenit St Petersburg), Fyodor Smolov (Krasnodar)
Slovakia
Goalkeepers: Matúš Kozáčik (Viktoria Plzeň), Ján Mucha (Slovan Bratislava), Ján Novota (Rapid Wien).
Defenders: Peter Pekarík (Hertha Berlin), Milan Škriniar (Sampdoria), Martin Škrtel (Liverpool), Norbert Gyömbér (Roma), Ján Ďurica (Lokomotiv Moskva), Kornel Saláta (Slovan Bratislava), Tomáš Hubočan (Dinamo Moskva), Dušan Švento (Köln).
Midfielders: Marek Hamšík (Napoli), Juraj Kucka (AC Milan), Miroslav Stoch (Bursaspor), Vladimír Weiss (Al-Gharafa), Róbert Mak (PAOK), Patrik Hrošovský (Viktoria Plzeň), Ján Greguš (Jablonec), Viktor Pečovský (Žilina), Stanislav Šesták (Ferencváros), Ondrej Duda (Legia Warszawa).
Forwards: Michal Ďuriš (Viktoria Plzeň), Adam Nemec (Willem II).
Wales
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Danny Ward (Liverpool), Owain Fon Williams (Inverness).
Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham), Neil Taylor (Swansea), Chris Gunter (Reading), Ashley Williams (Swansea), James Chester (West Brom), Ashley Richards (Fulham), James Collins (West Ham).
Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Joe Ledley (Crystal Palace), David Vaughan (Nottingham Forest), Joe Allen (Liverpool), David Cotterill (Birmingham), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace), George Williams (Fulham), Andy King (Leicester), Dave Edwards (Wolves).
Forwards: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Hal Robson-Kanu (Reading), Sam Vokes (Burnley), Simon Church (Nottingham Forest).
Group C
Germany
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Antonio Ruediger (Roma)
Midfielders: Julian Draxler (VfL Wolfsburg), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Andre Schuerrle (VfL Wolfsburg), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Schalke 04)
Northern Ireland
Goalkeepers: Roy Carroll (Notts County), Michael McGovern (Hamilton), Alan McManus (St Johnstone)
Defenders: Craig Cathcart (Watford), Jonny Evans (West Brom), Gareth McAuley (West Brom), Luke McCullough (Doncaster), Conor McLaughlin (Fleetwood), Aaron Hughes (Melbourne City), Lee Hodson (MK Dons), Chris Baird (Derby County), Paddy McNair (Manchester United.
Midfielders: Steven Davis (Southampton), Oliver Norwood (Reading), Corry Evans (Blackburn), Jamie Ward (Nottingham Forest), Stuart Dallas (Leeds), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Shane Ferguson (Millwall)
Forwards: Will Grigg (Wigan), Kyle Lafferty (Birmingham), Conor Washington (QPR), Josh Magennis (Kilmarnock)
Poland
Goalkeepers: Łukasz Fabiański (Swansea), Wojciech Szczęsny (Roma), Artur Boruc (Bournemouth).
Defenders: Thiago Cionek (Palermo), Kamil Glik (Torino), Artur Jędrzejczyk (Legia), Michał Pazdan (Legia), Łukasz Piszczek (Dortmund), Bartosz Salamon (Cagliari), Jakub Wawrzyniak (Lechia Gdańsk).
Midfielders: Jakub Błaszczykowski (Fiorentina), Kamil Grosicki (Rennes), Tomasz Jodłowiec (Legia), Bartosz Kapustka (Cracovia), Grzegorz Krychowiak (Sevilla), Karol Linetty (Lech Poznań), Krzysztof Mączyński (Wisła), Sławomir Peszko (Lechia Gdańsk), Filip Starzyński (Zagłębie Lubin), Piotr Zieliński (Empoli).
Forwards: Arkadiusz Milik (Ajax), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern), Mariusz Stępiński (Ruch Chorzów)
Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev), Sime Vrsaljko (Sassuolo), Gordon Schildenfeld (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivan Strinic (Napoli), Tin Jedvaj (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic (both Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona), Marcelo Brozovic, Ivan Perisic (both Inter Milan), Milan Badelj (Fiorentina), Marko Rog, Ante Coric (both Dinamo Zagreb)
Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Juventus), Nikola Kalinic (Fiorentina), Marko Pjaca, Duje Cop (both Dinamo Zagreb), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim)
Czech Republic
Goalkeepers: Petr Cech (Arsenal), Tomas Koubek (Slovan Liberec) and Tomas Vaclik (Basel)
Defenders: Theodor Gebre Selassie (Werder Bremen), Roman Hubnik (Viktoria Plzen), Pavel Kaderabek (Hoffenheim), Michal Kadlec (Fenerbahce), David Limbersky (Viktoria Plzen), Daniel Pudil (Sheffield Wednesday), Tomas Sivok (Bursaspor), Marek Suchy (Basel)
Midfielders: Vladimir Darida (Hertha Berlin), Borek Dockal (Sparta Prague), Daniel Kolar (Viktoria Plzen), Ladislav Krejci (Sparta Prague), David Pavelka (Kasimpasa), Jaroslav Plasil (Girondins Bordeaux), Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal), Jiri Skalak (Brighton and Hove Albion), Josef Sural (Sparta Prague)
Forwards: David Lafata (Sparta Prague), Tomas Necid (Bursaspor), Milan Skoda (Slavia Prague)
Spain
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla)
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), David Silva (Man City), Pedro (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Defenders: Gökhan Gönül (Fenerbahçe), Şener Özbayraklı (Fenerbahçe), Ahmet Çalık (Gençlerbirliği), Hakan Balta (Galatasaray), Mehmet Topal (Fenerbahçe), Semih Kaya (Galatasaray), Caner Erkin (Fenerbahçe), İsmail Köybaşı (Beşiktaş).
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Jean-Francois Gillet (Mechelen).
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham, Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Jason Denayer (Galatasaray), Jordan Lukaku (Oostende), Thomas Meunier (Club Brugges), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Christian Kabasele (Genk).
Midfielders: Moussa Dembele (Tottenham), Radja Nainggolan (Roma), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Dries Mertens (Napoli), Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid).
Defenders: Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Angelo Ogbonna (West Ham United), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)
Midfielders: Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Alessandro Florenzi (Roma), Tiago Motta (PSG), Stefano Sturaro (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Federico Bernadeschi (Fiorentina), Stephan El Shaarwy (Roma), Emanuele Giaccherini (Bologna)
Forwards: Simone Zaza (Juventus), Graziano Pelle (Southampton), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Eder (Internazionale), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
Republic of Ireland
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Stoke), Darren Randolph (West Ham), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Derby), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Richard Keogh (Derby), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Shane Duffy (Blackburn), Stephen Ward (Burnley)
Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Everton), James McClean (West Brom), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Derby), David Meyler (Hull), Stephen Quinn (Reading), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich), Robbie Brady (Norwich), Jonathan Walters (Stoke)
Forwards: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Ipswich)
Sweden
Goalkeepers: Andreas Isaksson (Kasimpasa), Robin Olsen (Copenhagen), Patrik Carlgren (AIK).
Defenders: Ludwig Augustinsson (Copenhagen), Erik Johansson (Copenhagen), Pontus Jansson (Torino), Victor Lindelof (Benfica) Andreas Granqvist (Krasnodar), Mikael Lustig (Celtic), Martin Olsson (Norwich).
Midfielders: Jimmy Durmaz (Olympiakos), Albin Ekdal (Hamburg), Oscar Hiljemark (Palermo), Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland), Pontus Wernbloom (CSKA Moscow), Erkan Zengin (Trabzonspor), Oscar Lewicki (Malmo), Emil Forsberg (Leipzig), Kim Kallstrom (Grasshoppers).
Forwards: Marcus Berg (Panathinaikos), John Guidetti (Celta Vigo), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris), Emir Kujovic (Norrkoping).
Group F
Austria
Goalkeepers: Robert Almer (Austria Vienna), Heinz Lindner (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ramazan Ozcan (Ingolstadt).
Defenders: Aleksandar Dragovic (Dinamo Kiev), Christian Fuchs (Leicester City), Gyorgy Garics (Darmstadt), Martin Hinteregger (Borussia Monchengladbach), Florian Klein (Stuttgart), Sebastian Prodl (Watford), Markus Suttner (Ingolstadt), Kevin Wimmer (Tottenham Hotspur).
Midfielders: David Alaba (Bayern Munich), Marko Arnautovic (Stoke City), Julian Baumgartlinger (Mainz), Martin Harnik (Stuttgart), Stefan Ilsanker (Leipzig), Jakob Jantscher (Luzern), Zlatko Junuzovic (Werder Bremen), Marcel Sabitzer (Leipzig), Alessandro Schopf (Schalke)
Forwards: Lukas Hinterseer (Ingolstadt), Rubin Okotie (1860 Munich), Marc Janko (Basel).
Hungary
Goalkeepers: Gabor Kiraly (Haladas), Denes Dibusz (Ferencvaros), Peter Gulacsi (Leipzig).
Defenders: Attila Fiola (Puskas Akademia), Barnabas Bese (MTK), Richard Guzmics (Wisla Krakow), Roland Juhasz (Videoton), Adam Lang (Videoton), Tamas Kadar (Lech Poznan), Mihaly Korhut (Debrecen).
Midfielders: Akos Elek (Diosgyori), Adam Pinter (Ferencvaros), Zoltan Gera (Ferencvaros), Adam Nagy (Ferencvaros), Laszlo Kleinheisler (Werder Bremen), Gergo Lovrencsics (Lech Poznan), Zoltan Stieber (Nurnberg).
The finals themselves take place in France from Friday June 10 to Sunday July 10. With the tournament having been expanded to 24 teams, it will now last as long as a World Cup, stretching over a four-week period, as opposed to three as has been the case with the previous 16-team events.
Matches will kick-off at either 1400, 1700 or 2000 BST, as you can see in the full fixture list below (all times BST), while BBC and ITV have now announced which games they will show.
Group A France v Romania (2000, June 10, St-Denis, ITV) Albania v Switzerland (1400, June 11, Lens, BBC) Romania v Switzerland (1700, June 15, Paris, ITV) France v Albania (2000, June 15, Marseille, ITV) Romania v Albania (2000, June 19, Lyon, BBC) Switzerland v France (2000, June 19, Lille, BBC)
Group B Wales v Slovakia (1700, June 11, Bordeaux, BBC) England v Russia (2000, June 11, Marseille, ITV) Russia v Slovakia (1400, June 15, Lille, BBC) England v Wales (1400, June 16, Lens, BBC) Russia v Wales (2000, June 20, Toulouse, ITV) Slovakia v England (2000, June 20, St-Etienne, ITV)
Group C Poland v Northern Ireland (1700, June 12, Nice, BBC) Germany v Ukraine (2000, June 12, Lille, BBC) Ukraine v Northern Ireland(1700, June 16, Lyon, ITV) Germany v Poland (2000, June 16, St-Denis, ITV) Ukraine v Poland (1700, June 21, Marseille, BBC) Northern Ireland v Germany (1700, June 21, Paris, BBC)
Group D Turkey v Croatia (1400, June 12, Paris, ITV) Spain v Czech Republic(1400, June 13, Toulouse, ITV) Czech Republicv Croatia (1700, June 17, St-Etienne, BBC) Spain v Turkey (2000, June 17, Nice, ITV) Czech Republic v Turkey (2000, June 21, Lens, ITV) Croatia v Spain (2000, June 21, Bordeaux, ITV)
Group E Republic of Ireland v Sweden (1700, June 13, St-Denis, BBC) Belgium v Italy (2000, June 13, Lyon, BBC) Italy v Sweden (1400, June 17, Toulouse, ITV) Belgium v Republic of Ireland (1400, June 18, Bordeaux, ITV) Italy v Republic of Ireland (2000, June 22, Lille, ITV) Sweden v Belgium (2000, June 22, Nice, ITV)
Group F Austria v Hungary (1700, June 14, Bordeaux, ITV) Portugal v Iceland (2000, June 14, St-Etienne, BBC) Iceland v Hungary (1700, June 18, Marseille, BBC) Portugal v Austria (2000, June 18, Paris, BBC) Iceland v Austria (1700, June 22, St-Denis, BBC) Hungary v Portugal (1700, June 22, Lyon, BBC)
Last 16 Match 1: Runner-up Group A v Runner-up C (1400, June 25, St-Etienne) Match 2: Winner D v Third-place B/E/F (2000, June 25, Lens) Match 3: Winner B v Third-place A/C/D (1700, June 25, Paris) Match 4: Winner F v Runner-up E (2000, June 26, Toulouse) Match 5: Winner C v Third-place A/B/F (1700, June 26, Lille) Match 6: Winner E v Runner-up D (1700, June 27, St-Denis) Match 7: Winner A v Third-place C/D/E (1400, June 27, Lyon) Match 8: Runner-up B v Runner-up F (2000, June 27, Nice)
Quarter-finals 1: Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2 (2000, June 30, Marseille) 2: Winner Match 3 v Winner Match 4 (2000, July 1, Lille) 3: Winner Match 5 v Winner Match 6 (2000, July 2, Bordeaux) 4: Winner Match 7 v Winner Match 8 (2000, July 3, St-Denis)
Semi-finals 1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF2 (2000, July 6, Lyon) 2: Winner QF3 v Winner QF4 (2000, July 7, Marseille)
Final Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (2000, July 10, St-Denis)
So, a prediction game is on!
Before the very first kick-off everyone can give the prognosis regarding the champion and the vice-champion. A one-off prediction.
Guessing the champion (before the tournament starts): 20 points Guessing the vice-champion = 15 points Bonus for the right prediction regarding the 1 and 2 places = 10 points.
Also, anyone interested can post their prediction regarding the nearest games and I will put it into an Excel table. Then, after the games will be over, we can count poits for successfull predictions.
Guessing the right outcome = 1 point Guessing the right score = 2 points (so that 51 match potentially can give 102 points)
I think it's better to move from day to day so that people could make predictions basing them on the most relevant information about team news.
As soon as I said Germany to win they started loosing all their friendlies. Now they've kicked out Reus. I really don't know at the moment hehe. I know England won't be champions I have so much faith in our team don't I? (sarcasm)
@mattman Welcome to the forum and thanks for your prediction. Meanwhile, I deleted the second part of your post because unsolicited advertising is against the site rules here. Thanks for your understanding.
@mattman Welcome to the forum and thanks for your prediction. Meanwhile, I deleted the second part of your post because unsolicited advertising is against the site rules here. Thanks for your understanding.
So far, I think France, England, Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal will win their groups, with Switzerland, Wales, Poland, Turkey, Belgium and Austria finishing second. It's very hard to predict who will qualify from 3rd places, but let me go with Russia, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland and Sweden.
In semi-finals I think we'll see Spain vs Belgium and Germany vs France, with Spain (yes, as long as David De Gea is their goalkeeper, they'll be fine) and France winners this time (yes, France, to avenge for the WC 2014).
I predict France winning at home, just like in 1998, with Spain finishing as runners-up.
I am for Beligum, here. Only I think they are like Finnish Hockey National Team - being favoured makes that relatively inexperienced team to do less well!
And I am sorry if this seems like a strong stance: I welcome the social action, perso. There is no objective need for a sporting event, but we all wish to work with a certain surety and motivation.
Thank you for the summon. I have eyed this thread many a time... Bit I just can't call it... Even with time running out!
Okay... First problem... I will predict England to win it... Second problem... This is a poor prediction, and I know it. Will predict the group stages next post...
While doing any prediction regarding teams to qualify from the groups, we now have to remember that not only winners and runners-up from the groups qualify.
As well as the top two finishers - who qualify for the knockout rounds automatically - the four best third-placed teams from the six groups will also qualify in order to fill up the 16 spots in the extra round between the group stage and the quarter-finals.
The four best third-placed teams are determined according to the following criteria:
Higher number of points obtained; Superior goal difference; Higher number of goals scored; Fair play conduct; Position in the UEFA national team coefficient ranking system.
It's the first time when at a major competition since the 1994 World Cup a third-place ranking system will be used to determine the progression of some teams from the group stage.
The third-placed teams will play the winners of Groups A, B, C and D.
Rule 17.03 of the Euro 2016 regulations sets out this process, as shown in the table below. For instance, WA refers to Winner of Group A.
Not at all easy, aye?
It's worth mentioning that in 1994 Italy squeezed through as the fourth best third-placed team but made it all the way to the final. And if not that penalty miss they could become champions then...
Ok, let's introduce points for guessing teams to qualify (either from 1,2 places, or from 4 best third places). If guessing the champion gives 20 points, maybe guessing the right team to qualify from the group should give 4 points (per team)? Will it suffice?
to make it easier if ths is to be follow-up afterwards, I've cleaned up my reply:
Winner: Germany Runner-up: France (I haven't done a thourough control but I think Germany and France can reach the finals without facing eachother on the way. I may be wrong though)
(I haven't done a thourough control but I think Germany and France can reach the finals without facing eachother on the way. I may be wrong though)
Group A -------- 1 France
Group C -------- 1 Germany
@Skatan If both France and Germany win their groups, they can't meet in the final. They will go into Match 7 and Match 5 of the Round 16 and then (if they win in the Round 16) into Quaterfinals 4 and 3, after which (again, if they win in the Quaterfinals), Winner QF3 plays Winner QF4.
If both France and Germany finish 2nd in their groups, they will face each other in the Round 16.
If only one of them finish second in the group, then yes (provided they win all the subsequent matches) they can meet in the final.
There're some options with either of them finishing 3rd in the group and getting to the Round 16.
@Skatan If both France and Germany win their groups, they can't meet in the final. They will go into Match 7 and Match 5 of the Round 16 and then (if they win in the Round 16) into Quaterfinals 4 and 3, after which (again, if they win in the Quaterfinals), Winner QF3 plays Winner QF4.
If both France and Germany finish 2nd in their groups, they will face each other in the Round 16.
If only one of them finish second in the group, then yes (provided they win all the subsequent matches) they can meet in the final.
There're some options with either of them finishing 3rd in the group and getting to the Round 16.
Dang, then who the hell is my runner up? :P I have to find some excel file or whatever to see who meets who in the 8, quarter and semi finals etc then.
Taking a chance here with England, but for the first time it feels like they have a solid team. Spain and Germany have lost a bit of their charm and power, while France might have the home advantage.
@FinneousPJ Definitely true and they've never performed really well in the ECs, but somehow I have the idea that this time it's different. And who knows. If Spain couldn't make to the knock-out round in the WC 2014, maybe England could make it a bit further than the group phase. I never said my guess for England was a rational pick, funded by comprehensive and thorough football knowledge
The opening game of the tournament is France vs Romania. I think it would be very much like the first game of the WC 2014 (Brazil vs Croatia). France will be very energized, while Romania will try to do their utmost best to spoil the fun for the home nation. But attack of France is too much. 3-1. Antoine Griezmann will probably score the first goal.
The second game (the next day) will be Albania - Switzerland. Switzerland will try to catch France, they are known for good defence. 0-2.
Later the same day we'll see Wales against Slovakia. I see not many people believe in Wales, but I actually do. They were second in Group B behind Belgium while qualifying. They have Gareth Bale who is in a good form. Slovakia averaged just 43.5 per cent possession in qualifying, the lowest of any team to reach the finals. 2-1.
At last, England vs Russia. In Russia people don't believe in this team. It may look surprising, but international views on Russia team are better than those of russians. This team is very slow, has bad physics and always disappoints at tournaments. For England, though, it's probably the best bet (in terms of going furthest in the tournament), so they have to start massively. I vote 2-1. Maybe Rashford to score.
Sunday will see Turkey vs Croatia. This match again. Turkey is always dangerous on tournaments they participate in, very energized and passionate. But for Croatia it's a matter of honour. 1-1.
Poland vs Northen Ireland. Poland are all about attack through open play, while Northen Ireland like to score through set-pieces. 1-0, with Poland just edging it.
Germany vs Ukraine. Well, I don't think Ukraine is a tough team. Remember how Germany started the WC 2014? These guys are just machine. Even with some players missing. I expect a big win. 3-0.
Monday will see Spain vs Czech Republic. Spain is a solid team, and they remember in details their WC "adventure". I hope they have David de Gea in goal and play seriously. 2-0.
Republic of Ireland against Sweden. I know many think badly about Sweden. But while Ibra plays I will always support them. He's just a magical footballer. He can win it himself. Ireland is a tough team to beat, though. 1-1.
Belgium vs Italy. Now this is a great match. Probably the most interesting among the first games of this tournament. Both teams are very, very strong, with Belgium eager to show themselves. Italy is always solid on big tournaments in Europe, so even their casualties don't matter much. 2-2.
On Tuesday, we'll see Austria vs Hungary. It's difficult for me to predict as I don't know much about both teams but think Austria is stronger. They won Group G in qualifying after an unbeaten campaign, while Hungary beat Norway 3-1 on aggregate in play-off. 2:1.
Portugal vs Iceland. Another mystery. Will Ronaldo play good? Or is he still injured? For Iceland Euro 2016 will be the first major tournament in their history. They will give their all. 1:1.
Comments
Group A
Albania
Goalkeepers: Etrit Berisha (Lazio), Alban Hoxha (Partizani), Orges Shehi (Skenderbeu).
Defenders: Elseid Hysaj (Napoli), Lorik Cana (Nantes), Arlind Ajeti (Frosinone), Mergim Mavraj (Koeln), Naser Aliji (Basel), Ansi Agolli (Karabag), Frederik Veseli (Lugano).
Midfielders: Ermir Lenjani (Nantes), Andi Lila (Giannina), Migjen Basha (Como), Ledian Memushaj (Pescara), Burim Kukeli (Zurich), Taulant Xhaka (Basel), Ergys Kace (Paok), Amir Abrashi (Freiburg), Odise Roshi (Rijeka).
Forwards: Bekim Balaj (Rijeka), Sokol Cikalleshi (Medipol Basaksehir), Armando Sadiku (Vaduz), Shkelzen Gashi (Colorado Rapids).
France
Goalkeepers: Benoit Costil (Rennes), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille).
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Roma), Patrice Evra (Juventus), Christophe Jallet (Lyon), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City), Adil Rami (Sevilla), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City), Samuel Umtiti (Lyon).
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace), Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United), N'Golo Kante (Leicester), Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle).
Forwards: Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Tigres), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Dimitri Payet (West Ham).
Romania
Goalkeepers: Ciprian Tatarusanu (Fiorentina), Costel Pantilimon (Watford), Silviu Lung (Astra)
Defenders: Cristian Sapunaru (Pandurii Targu-Jiu), Alexandru Matel (Dinamo Zagreb), Vlad Chiriches (Napoli), Valerica Gaman (Astra), Dragos Grigore (Al Sailiya), Cosmin Moti (Ludogorets), Razvan Rat (Rayo Vallecano), Steliano Filip (Dinamo Bucharest)
Midfielders: Mihai Pintilii (Steaua Bucharest), Ovidiu Hoban (Hapoel Be'er Sheva), Andrei Prepelita (Ludogorets), Adrian Popa (Steaua Bucharest), Gabriel Torje (Osmanlispor), Alexandru Chipciu (Steaua Bucharest), Nicolae Stanciu (Steaua Bucharest), Lucian Sanmartean (Al Ittihad)
Forwards: Claudiu Keseru (Ludogorets), Bogdan Stancu (Genclerbirligi), Florin Andone (Cordoba), Denis Alibec (Astra)
Switzerland
Goalkeepers: Roman Buerki (Borussia Dortmund), Marwin Hitz (Augsburg), Yann Sommer (Borussia Moenchengladbach).
Defenders: Johan Djourou (Hamburg SV), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Michael Lang (FC Basel), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus), Francois Moubandje (Toulouse), Ricardo Rodriguez (VfL Wolfsburg), Fabian Schaer (Hoffenheim), Steve Von Bergen (Young Boys)
Midfielders: Valon Behrami (Watford), Blerim Dzemaili (Genoa), Gelson Fernandes (Rennes), Fabian Frei (Mainz 05), Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City), Granit Xhaka (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Denis Zakaria (Young Boys)
Forwards: Eren Derdiyok (Kasimpasa), Breel Embolo (FC Basel), Admir Mehmedi (Bayer Leverkusen), Haris Seferovic (Eintracht Frankfurt), Shani Tarashaj (Grasshoppers)
Group B
England
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley)
Defenders: Ryan Betrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester)
Russia
Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Guilherme (Lokomotiv Moscow), Yuri Lodygin (Zenit St. Petersburg)
Defenders: Alexei Berezutsky (CSKA Moscow), Vasily Berezutsky (CSKA Moscow), Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Dmitry Kombarov (Spartak Moscow), Roman Neustadter (Schalke), Georgy Shchennikov (CSKA Moscow), Roman Shishkin (Lokomotiv Moscow), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St Petersburg)
Midfielders: Igor Denisov (Dynamo Moscow), Denis Glushakov (Spartak Moscow), Alexander Golovin (CSKA Moscow), Oleg Ivanov (Terek Grozny), Pavel Mamaev (Krasnodar), Alexander Samedov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Oleg Shatov (Zenit St Petersburg), Roman Shirokov (CSKA Moscow), Dmitri Torbinski (Krasnodar)
Forwards: Artyom Dzyuba (Zenit St Petersburg), Alexander Kokorin (Zenit St Petersburg), Fyodor Smolov (Krasnodar)
Slovakia
Goalkeepers: Matúš Kozáčik (Viktoria Plzeň), Ján Mucha (Slovan Bratislava), Ján Novota (Rapid Wien).
Defenders: Peter Pekarík (Hertha Berlin), Milan Škriniar (Sampdoria), Martin Škrtel (Liverpool), Norbert Gyömbér (Roma), Ján Ďurica (Lokomotiv Moskva), Kornel Saláta (Slovan Bratislava), Tomáš Hubočan (Dinamo Moskva), Dušan Švento (Köln).
Midfielders: Marek Hamšík (Napoli), Juraj Kucka (AC Milan), Miroslav Stoch (Bursaspor), Vladimír Weiss (Al-Gharafa), Róbert Mak (PAOK), Patrik Hrošovský (Viktoria Plzeň), Ján Greguš (Jablonec), Viktor Pečovský (Žilina), Stanislav Šesták (Ferencváros), Ondrej Duda (Legia Warszawa).
Forwards: Michal Ďuriš (Viktoria Plzeň), Adam Nemec (Willem II).
Wales
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Danny Ward (Liverpool), Owain Fon Williams (Inverness).
Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham), Neil Taylor (Swansea), Chris Gunter (Reading), Ashley Williams (Swansea), James Chester (West Brom), Ashley Richards (Fulham), James Collins (West Ham).
Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Joe Ledley (Crystal Palace), David Vaughan (Nottingham Forest), Joe Allen (Liverpool), David Cotterill (Birmingham), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace), George Williams (Fulham), Andy King (Leicester), Dave Edwards (Wolves).
Forwards: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Hal Robson-Kanu (Reading), Sam Vokes (Burnley), Simon Church (Nottingham Forest).
Group C
Germany
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Antonio Ruediger (Roma)
Midfielders: Julian Draxler (VfL Wolfsburg), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Andre Schuerrle (VfL Wolfsburg), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Schalke 04)
Northern Ireland
Goalkeepers: Roy Carroll (Notts County), Michael McGovern (Hamilton), Alan McManus (St Johnstone)
Defenders: Craig Cathcart (Watford), Jonny Evans (West Brom), Gareth McAuley (West Brom), Luke McCullough (Doncaster), Conor McLaughlin (Fleetwood), Aaron Hughes (Melbourne City), Lee Hodson (MK Dons), Chris Baird (Derby County), Paddy McNair (Manchester United.
Midfielders: Steven Davis (Southampton), Oliver Norwood (Reading), Corry Evans (Blackburn), Jamie Ward (Nottingham Forest), Stuart Dallas (Leeds), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Shane Ferguson (Millwall)
Forwards: Will Grigg (Wigan), Kyle Lafferty (Birmingham), Conor Washington (QPR), Josh Magennis (Kilmarnock)
Poland
Goalkeepers: Łukasz Fabiański (Swansea), Wojciech Szczęsny (Roma), Artur Boruc (Bournemouth).
Defenders: Thiago Cionek (Palermo), Kamil Glik (Torino), Artur Jędrzejczyk (Legia), Michał Pazdan (Legia), Łukasz Piszczek (Dortmund), Bartosz Salamon (Cagliari), Jakub Wawrzyniak (Lechia Gdańsk).
Midfielders: Jakub Błaszczykowski (Fiorentina), Kamil Grosicki (Rennes), Tomasz Jodłowiec (Legia), Bartosz Kapustka (Cracovia), Grzegorz Krychowiak (Sevilla), Karol Linetty (Lech Poznań), Krzysztof Mączyński (Wisła), Sławomir Peszko (Lechia Gdańsk), Filip Starzyński (Zagłębie Lubin), Piotr Zieliński (Empoli).
Forwards: Arkadiusz Milik (Ajax), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern), Mariusz Stępiński (Ruch Chorzów)
Ukraine
Goalkeepers: Andriy Pyatov (Shakhtar Donetsk), Denys Boyko (Besiktas), Mykyta Shevchenko (Zorya)
Defenders: Artem Fedetskiy (Dnipro), Mykyta Kamenyuka (Zorya), Vyacheslav Shevchuk (Shakhtar Donetsk), Oleksandr Kucher (Shakhtar Donetsk), Yaroslav Rakytskyi (Shakhtar Donetsk), Yevhen Khacheridi (Dynamo Kiev)
Midfielders: Anatoliy Tymoschuk (Kairat Almaty), Oleksandr Karavaev (Zorya), Andriy Yarmolenko (Dynamo Kiev), Denys Garmash (Dynamo Kiev), Serhiy Sydorchuk (Dyamo Kiev), Serhiy Rybalka (Dynamo Kiev), Taras Stepanenko (Shakhtar Donetsk), Viktor Kovalenko (Shakhtar Donetsk), Ruslan Rotan (Dnipro), Yevhen Konoplyanka (Sevilla).
Forwards: Pylyp Budkovskyi (Zorya), Roman Zozulya (Dnipro), Yevhen Seleznyov (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Group D
Croatia
Goalkeepers: Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Lovre Kalinic (Hajduk Split), Ivan Vargic (Rijeka)
Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev), Sime Vrsaljko (Sassuolo), Gordon Schildenfeld (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivan Strinic (Napoli), Tin Jedvaj (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic (both Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona), Marcelo Brozovic, Ivan Perisic (both Inter Milan), Milan Badelj (Fiorentina), Marko Rog, Ante Coric (both Dinamo Zagreb)
Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Juventus), Nikola Kalinic (Fiorentina), Marko Pjaca, Duje Cop (both Dinamo Zagreb), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim)
Czech Republic
Goalkeepers: Petr Cech (Arsenal), Tomas Koubek (Slovan Liberec) and Tomas Vaclik (Basel)
Defenders: Theodor Gebre Selassie (Werder Bremen), Roman Hubnik (Viktoria Plzen), Pavel Kaderabek (Hoffenheim), Michal Kadlec (Fenerbahce), David Limbersky (Viktoria Plzen), Daniel Pudil (Sheffield Wednesday), Tomas Sivok (Bursaspor), Marek Suchy (Basel)
Midfielders: Vladimir Darida (Hertha Berlin), Borek Dockal (Sparta Prague), Daniel Kolar (Viktoria Plzen), Ladislav Krejci (Sparta Prague), David Pavelka (Kasimpasa), Jaroslav Plasil (Girondins Bordeaux), Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal), Jiri Skalak (Brighton and Hove Albion), Josef Sural (Sparta Prague)
Forwards: David Lafata (Sparta Prague), Tomas Necid (Bursaspor), Milan Skoda (Slavia Prague)
Spain
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla)
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), David Silva (Man City), Pedro (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Forwards: Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Lucas Vasquez (Real Madrid)
Turkey
Goalkeepers: Harun Tekin (Bursaspor), Onur Kıvrak (Trabzonspor), Volkan Babacan (İstanbul Başakşehir).
Defenders: Gökhan Gönül (Fenerbahçe), Şener Özbayraklı (Fenerbahçe), Ahmet Çalık (Gençlerbirliği), Hakan Balta (Galatasaray), Mehmet Topal (Fenerbahçe), Semih Kaya (Galatasaray), Caner Erkin (Fenerbahçe), İsmail Köybaşı (Beşiktaş).
Midfielders: Emre Mor (Nordsjælland), Volkan Şen (Fenerbahçe), Hakan Çalhanoğu (Bayer Leverkusen), Nuri Şahin (Borussia Dortmund), Oğuzhan Özyakup (Beşiktaş), Ozan Tufan (Fenerbahçe), Selçuk İnan (Galatasaray), Arda Turan (Barcelona), Olcay Şahan (Beşiktaş).
Forwards: Burak Yılmaz (Beijing Guoan), Cenk Tosun (Beşiktaş), Yunus Mallı (Mainz).
Group E
Belgium
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Jean-Francois Gillet (Mechelen).
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham, Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Jason Denayer (Galatasaray), Jordan Lukaku (Oostende), Thomas Meunier (Club Brugges), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Christian Kabasele (Genk).
Midfielders: Moussa Dembele (Tottenham), Radja Nainggolan (Roma), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Dries Mertens (Napoli), Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Mitchy Batshuayi (Marseille), Romelu Lukaku (Everton), Christian Benteke (Liverpool), Divock Origi (Liverpool).
Italy
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Federico Marchetti (Lazio), Salvatore Sirigu (PSG)
Defenders: Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Angelo Ogbonna (West Ham United), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)
Midfielders: Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Alessandro Florenzi (Roma), Tiago Motta (PSG), Stefano Sturaro (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Federico Bernadeschi (Fiorentina), Stephan El Shaarwy (Roma), Emanuele Giaccherini (Bologna)
Forwards: Simone Zaza (Juventus), Graziano Pelle (Southampton), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Eder (Internazionale), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
Republic of Ireland
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Stoke), Darren Randolph (West Ham), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Cyrus Christie (Derby), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Richard Keogh (Derby), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Shane Duffy (Blackburn), Stephen Ward (Burnley)
Midfielders: Aiden McGeady (Everton), James McClean (West Brom), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Derby), David Meyler (Hull), Stephen Quinn (Reading), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich), Robbie Brady (Norwich), Jonathan Walters (Stoke)
Forwards: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Ipswich)
Sweden
Goalkeepers: Andreas Isaksson (Kasimpasa), Robin Olsen (Copenhagen), Patrik Carlgren (AIK).
Defenders: Ludwig Augustinsson (Copenhagen), Erik Johansson (Copenhagen), Pontus Jansson (Torino), Victor Lindelof (Benfica) Andreas Granqvist (Krasnodar), Mikael Lustig (Celtic), Martin Olsson (Norwich).
Midfielders: Jimmy Durmaz (Olympiakos), Albin Ekdal (Hamburg), Oscar Hiljemark (Palermo), Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland), Pontus Wernbloom (CSKA Moscow), Erkan Zengin (Trabzonspor), Oscar Lewicki (Malmo), Emil Forsberg (Leipzig), Kim Kallstrom (Grasshoppers).
Forwards: Marcus Berg (Panathinaikos), John Guidetti (Celta Vigo), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris), Emir Kujovic (Norrkoping).
Group F
Austria
Goalkeepers: Robert Almer (Austria Vienna), Heinz Lindner (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ramazan Ozcan (Ingolstadt).
Defenders: Aleksandar Dragovic (Dinamo Kiev), Christian Fuchs (Leicester City), Gyorgy Garics (Darmstadt), Martin Hinteregger (Borussia Monchengladbach), Florian Klein (Stuttgart), Sebastian Prodl (Watford), Markus Suttner (Ingolstadt), Kevin Wimmer (Tottenham Hotspur).
Midfielders: David Alaba (Bayern Munich), Marko Arnautovic (Stoke City), Julian Baumgartlinger (Mainz), Martin Harnik (Stuttgart), Stefan Ilsanker (Leipzig), Jakob Jantscher (Luzern), Zlatko Junuzovic (Werder Bremen), Marcel Sabitzer (Leipzig), Alessandro Schopf (Schalke)
Forwards: Lukas Hinterseer (Ingolstadt), Rubin Okotie (1860 Munich), Marc Janko (Basel).
Hungary
Goalkeepers: Gabor Kiraly (Haladas), Denes Dibusz (Ferencvaros), Peter Gulacsi (Leipzig).
Defenders: Attila Fiola (Puskas Akademia), Barnabas Bese (MTK), Richard Guzmics (Wisla Krakow), Roland Juhasz (Videoton), Adam Lang (Videoton), Tamas Kadar (Lech Poznan), Mihaly Korhut (Debrecen).
Midfielders: Akos Elek (Diosgyori), Adam Pinter (Ferencvaros), Zoltan Gera (Ferencvaros), Adam Nagy (Ferencvaros), Laszlo Kleinheisler (Werder Bremen), Gergo Lovrencsics (Lech Poznan), Zoltan Stieber (Nurnberg).
Forwards: Balazs Dzsudzsak (Bursaspor), Adám Szalai (Hannover), Krisztian Nemeth (al-Gharafa), Nemanja Nikolic (Legia Warsaw), Tamas Priskin (Slovan Bratislava), Daniel Bode (Ferencvaros).
Iceland
Goalkeepers: Hannes Halldorsson (Bodo/Glimt), Ogmundur Kristinsson (Hammarby), Ingvar Jonsson (Sandefjord).
Defenders: Ari Skulason (OB), Hordur Magnusson (Cesena), Hjortur Hermannsson (PSV Eindhoven), Ragnar Sigurdsson (Krasnodar), Kari Arnason (Malmo), Sverrir Ingi Ingason (Lokeren), Birkir Sævarsson (Hammarby), Haukur Heidar Hauksson (AIK).
Midfielders: Emil Hallfredsson (Udinese), Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea), Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff), Theodor Elmar Bjarnason (AGF), Arnor Ingvi Traustason (Norrkoping), Birkir Bjarnason (Basel), Johann Gudmundsson (Charlton), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Molde), Runar Mar Sigurjonsson (Sundsvall).
Forwards: Kolbeinn Sigthorsson (Nantes), Alfred Finnbogason (Augsburg), Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (Kaiserslautern).
Portugal
Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício (Sporting CP), Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Eduardo (Dínamo Zagreb).
Defenders: Vieirinha (Wolfsburg), Cédric (Southampton), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Carvalho (Monaco), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahçe), José Fonte (Southampton), Eliseu (Benfica), Raphael Guerreiro (Lorient).
Midfielders: William Carvalho (Sporting CP), Danilo Pereira (Porto), João Moutinho (Monaco), Renato Sanches (Benfica), Adrien Silva (Sporting CP), André Gomes (Valencia), João Mário (Sporting CP).
Forwards: Rafa Silva (Braga), Ricardo Quaresma (Beşiktaş), Nani (Fenerbahçe), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Éder (Lille).
The finals themselves take place in France from Friday June 10 to Sunday July 10. With the tournament having been expanded to 24 teams, it will now last as long as a World Cup, stretching over a four-week period, as opposed to three as has been the case with the previous 16-team events.
Matches will kick-off at either 1400, 1700 or 2000 BST, as you can see in the full fixture list below (all times BST), while BBC and ITV have now announced which games they will show.
Group A
France v Romania (2000, June 10, St-Denis, ITV)
Albania v Switzerland (1400, June 11, Lens, BBC)
Romania v Switzerland (1700, June 15, Paris, ITV)
France v Albania (2000, June 15, Marseille, ITV)
Romania v Albania (2000, June 19, Lyon, BBC)
Switzerland v France (2000, June 19, Lille, BBC)
Group B
Wales v Slovakia (1700, June 11, Bordeaux, BBC)
England v Russia (2000, June 11, Marseille, ITV)
Russia v Slovakia (1400, June 15, Lille, BBC)
England v Wales (1400, June 16, Lens, BBC)
Russia v Wales (2000, June 20, Toulouse, ITV)
Slovakia v England (2000, June 20, St-Etienne, ITV)
Group C
Poland v Northern Ireland (1700, June 12, Nice, BBC)
Germany v Ukraine (2000, June 12, Lille, BBC)
Ukraine v Northern Ireland(1700, June 16, Lyon, ITV)
Germany v Poland (2000, June 16, St-Denis, ITV)
Ukraine v Poland (1700, June 21, Marseille, BBC)
Northern Ireland v Germany (1700, June 21, Paris, BBC)
Group D
Turkey v Croatia (1400, June 12, Paris, ITV)
Spain v Czech Republic(1400, June 13, Toulouse, ITV)
Czech Republicv Croatia (1700, June 17, St-Etienne, BBC)
Spain v Turkey (2000, June 17, Nice, ITV)
Czech Republic v Turkey (2000, June 21, Lens, ITV)
Croatia v Spain (2000, June 21, Bordeaux, ITV)
Group E
Republic of Ireland v Sweden (1700, June 13, St-Denis, BBC)
Belgium v Italy (2000, June 13, Lyon, BBC)
Italy v Sweden (1400, June 17, Toulouse, ITV)
Belgium v Republic of Ireland (1400, June 18, Bordeaux, ITV)
Italy v Republic of Ireland (2000, June 22, Lille, ITV)
Sweden v Belgium (2000, June 22, Nice, ITV)
Group F
Austria v Hungary (1700, June 14, Bordeaux, ITV)
Portugal v Iceland (2000, June 14, St-Etienne, BBC)
Iceland v Hungary (1700, June 18, Marseille, BBC)
Portugal v Austria (2000, June 18, Paris, BBC)
Iceland v Austria (1700, June 22, St-Denis, BBC)
Hungary v Portugal (1700, June 22, Lyon, BBC)
Last 16
Match 1: Runner-up Group A v Runner-up C (1400, June 25, St-Etienne)
Match 2: Winner D v Third-place B/E/F (2000, June 25, Lens)
Match 3: Winner B v Third-place A/C/D (1700, June 25, Paris)
Match 4: Winner F v Runner-up E (2000, June 26, Toulouse)
Match 5: Winner C v Third-place A/B/F (1700, June 26, Lille)
Match 6: Winner E v Runner-up D (1700, June 27, St-Denis)
Match 7: Winner A v Third-place C/D/E (1400, June 27, Lyon)
Match 8: Runner-up B v Runner-up F (2000, June 27, Nice)
Details of which third-placed team fits in where into the last-16 line-up can be found in the official tournament regulations - http://www.uefa.org/MultimediaFiles/Download/Regulations/uefaorg/Regulations/02/03/92/81/2039281_DOWNLOAD.pdf.
Quarter-finals
1: Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2 (2000, June 30, Marseille)
2: Winner Match 3 v Winner Match 4 (2000, July 1, Lille)
3: Winner Match 5 v Winner Match 6 (2000, July 2, Bordeaux)
4: Winner Match 7 v Winner Match 8 (2000, July 3, St-Denis)
Semi-finals
1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF2 (2000, July 6, Lyon)
2: Winner QF3 v Winner QF4 (2000, July 7, Marseille)
Final
Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (2000, July 10, St-Denis)
So, a prediction game is on!
Before the very first kick-off everyone can give the prognosis regarding the champion and the vice-champion. A one-off prediction.
Guessing the champion (before the tournament starts): 20 points
Guessing the vice-champion = 15 points
Bonus for the right prediction regarding the 1 and 2 places = 10 points.
Also, anyone interested can post their prediction regarding the nearest games and I will put it into an Excel table. Then, after the games will be over, we can count poits for successfull predictions.
Guessing the right outcome = 1 point
Guessing the right score = 2 points (so that 51 match potentially can give 102 points)
I think it's better to move from day to day so that people could make predictions basing them on the most relevant information about team news.
I know England won't be champions
Champion: Spain
2nd place: Germany
Runner-up: Italy
In semi-finals I think we'll see Spain vs Belgium and Germany vs France, with Spain (yes, as long as David De Gea is their goalkeeper, they'll be fine) and France winners this time (yes, France, to avenge for the WC 2014).
I predict France winning at home, just like in 1998, with Spain finishing as runners-up.
And I am sorry if this seems like a strong stance: I welcome the social action, perso. There is no objective need for a sporting event, but we all wish to work with a certain surety and motivation.
I'm summoning all participants of the World Cup prediction game (that haven't still posted in this thread):
@Pibaro
@booinyoureyes
@Dungeonnoob
@Anduin
@Blackraven
@Mhamza
@Qbert
@Messi
@TheElf
Okay... First problem... I will predict England to win it... Second problem... This is a poor prediction, and I know it. Will predict the group stages next post...
As well as the top two finishers - who qualify for the knockout rounds automatically - the four best third-placed teams from the six groups will also qualify in order to fill up the 16 spots in the extra round between the group stage and the quarter-finals.
The four best third-placed teams are determined according to the following criteria:
Higher number of points obtained;
Superior goal difference;
Higher number of goals scored;
Fair play conduct;
Position in the UEFA national team coefficient ranking system.
It's the first time when at a major competition since the 1994 World Cup a third-place ranking system will be used to determine the progression of some teams from the group stage.
The third-placed teams will play the winners of Groups A, B, C and D.
Rule 17.03 of the Euro 2016 regulations sets out this process, as shown in the table below. For instance, WA refers to Winner of Group A.
Not at all easy, aye?
It's worth mentioning that in 1994 Italy squeezed through as the fourth best third-placed team but made it all the way to the final. And if not that penalty miss they could become champions then...
Group A
--------
France
Switzerland
Group B
--------
England
Russia
Group C
--------
Germany
Ukraine
Group D
--------
Spain
Croatia
Group E
--------
Italy
Sweden
Group F
--------
Portugal
Austria
Final Prediction: England v France
European Champions = England
Runners up = France
@JuliusBorisov Do we get points for guessing the four best runners up?
...
Oh... Yes... I'm aware that I have probably thrown away 20 points... BUT I HAVE FAITH @SPARKLEAV !!!
Group A - France
Group B - Russia
Group C - Germany
Group D - Spain
Group E - Italy
Group F - Portugal
Winner: Germany
Runner-up: France
(I haven't done a thourough control but I think Germany and France can reach the finals without facing eachother on the way. I may be wrong though)
Group A
--------
1 France
2 Switzerland
Group B
--------
1 England
2 Russia
Group C
--------
1 Germany
2 Poland
Group D
--------
1 Spain
2 Czech Republic
Group E
--------
1 Belgium
2 Italy
Group F
--------
1 Austria
2 Iceland
Runner-up: Italy
Group A
--------
1 France
2 Albania
Group B
--------
1 England
2 Slovakia
Group C
--------
1 Germany
2 Poland
Group D
--------
1 Spain
2 Turkey
Group E
--------
1 Italy
2 Belgium
Group F
--------
1 Iceland
2 Portugal
If both France and Germany finish 2nd in their groups, they will face each other in the Round 16.
If only one of them finish second in the group, then yes (provided they win all the subsequent matches) they can meet in the final.
There're some options with either of them finishing 3rd in the group and getting to the Round 16.
Runner up FRA
Group A
--------
1 FRA
2 SUI
Group B
--------
1 ENG
2 SVK
Group C
--------
1 POL
2 GER
Group D
--------
1 ESP
2 CRO
Group E
--------
1 BEL
2 ITA
Group F
--------
1 POR
2 AUT
And the advancing 3rd place teams
Group A
--------
ALB
Group B
--------
RUS
Group D
--------
CZE
Group E
--------
IRL
Runner-up: France
Group A
--------
1 FRA
2 SUI
Group B
--------
1 ENG
2 WAL
Group C
--------
1 GER
2 POL
Group D
--------
1 ESP
2 CZE
Group E
--------
1 ITA
2 BEL
Group F
--------
1 AUT
2 ICE
Taking a chance here with England, but for the first time it feels like they have a solid team. Spain and Germany have lost a bit of their charm and power, while France might have the home advantage.
I never said my guess for England was a rational pick, funded by comprehensive and thorough football knowledge
The opening game of the tournament is France vs Romania. I think it would be very much like the first game of the WC 2014 (Brazil vs Croatia). France will be very energized, while Romania will try to do their utmost best to spoil the fun for the home nation. But attack of France is too much. 3-1. Antoine Griezmann will probably score the first goal.
The second game (the next day) will be Albania - Switzerland. Switzerland will try to catch France, they are known for good defence. 0-2.
Later the same day we'll see Wales against Slovakia. I see not many people believe in Wales, but I actually do. They were second in Group B behind Belgium while qualifying. They have Gareth Bale who is in a good form. Slovakia averaged just 43.5 per cent possession in qualifying, the lowest of any team to reach the finals. 2-1.
At last, England vs Russia. In Russia people don't believe in this team. It may look surprising, but international views on Russia team are better than those of russians. This team is very slow, has bad physics and always disappoints at tournaments. For England, though, it's probably the best bet (in terms of going furthest in the tournament), so they have to start massively. I vote 2-1. Maybe Rashford to score.
Sunday will see Turkey vs Croatia. This match again. Turkey is always dangerous on tournaments they participate in, very energized and passionate. But for Croatia it's a matter of honour. 1-1.
Poland vs Northen Ireland. Poland are all about attack through open play, while Northen Ireland like to score through set-pieces. 1-0, with Poland just edging it.
Germany vs Ukraine. Well, I don't think Ukraine is a tough team. Remember how Germany started the WC 2014? These guys are just machine. Even with some players missing. I expect a big win. 3-0.
Monday will see Spain vs Czech Republic. Spain is a solid team, and they remember in details their WC "adventure". I hope they have David de Gea in goal and play seriously. 2-0.
Republic of Ireland against Sweden. I know many think badly about Sweden. But while Ibra plays I will always support them. He's just a magical footballer. He can win it himself. Ireland is a tough team to beat, though. 1-1.
Belgium vs Italy. Now this is a great match. Probably the most interesting among the first games of this tournament. Both teams are very, very strong, with Belgium eager to show themselves. Italy is always solid on big tournaments in Europe, so even their casualties don't matter much. 2-2.
On Tuesday, we'll see Austria vs Hungary. It's difficult for me to predict as I don't know much about both teams but think Austria is stronger. They won Group G in qualifying after an unbeaten campaign, while Hungary beat Norway 3-1 on aggregate in play-off. 2:1.
Portugal vs Iceland. Another mystery. Will Ronaldo play good? Or is he still injured? For Iceland Euro 2016 will be the first major tournament in their history. They will give their all. 1:1.
Just to be different I predict the first match as FRA 2 - ROU 0
Winner: France
Runner-up: Spain
Group A
France
Romania
Group B
England
Slovakia
Group C
Poland
Germany
Group D
Spain
Turkey
Group E
Belgium
Italy
Group F
Austria
Portugal
Nearest games prediction (1st series):
France - Romania: 3-1
Albania - Switzerland: 1-1
Wales - Slovakia: 1-2
England - Russia: 2-0
Poland - Northern Ireland: 2-1
Germany - Ukraine: 3-2
Turkey - Croatia: 1-0
Spain - Czech Republic: 4-2
Republic of Ireland - Sweden: 1-1
Belgium - Italy: 2-2
Austria - Hungary: 2-0
Portugal - Iceland: 1-1