It’s finally here.
There’s nothing quite like that eve of tournament feeling. The prospect of parking yourself on a couch and/or public house to watch three games a day is enough to gladden even of the most weary of souls.
It’s been a long wait for Euro 2016 but it is now sharply in focus. The tournament kicks off on Friday when hosts France take on perennial dark horses Romania at the Stade de France.
So ahead of the big kick off on Friday we’ve had a look at all the Group A sides, their key players and crucial fixtures. And, most importantly, if they were a club side who would they be?
Group A
France
Star player: Paul Pogba. The midfielder is incredibly gifted, highly rated and has the potential to dominate games. He’s only 23 but this tournament could be the making of him.
One to watch: Kingsley Coman. The 19-year-old winger is destined to become an elite player. Don’t bet against N’Golo Kante playing a key role either, or Dimitri Payet weaving his magic.
Weak link: Adil Rami. The Sevilla centre-half is only in the team due to Raphael Varane’s injury, and Eliaquim Mangala’s total loss of form since joining Manchester City.
What they hope will happen: Winners.
What will happen: They’re probably going to win it, the road to semi-finals seems clear. By that time they’ll have ironed out any issues with the team, and have the backing of the French public.
If they were a club side: Arsenal. They’re great going forward, the fans aren’t happy with their central striker, preferring Karim Benzema, but are soft at the back and there’s a chance they might crumble under the pressure.
Romania
Star player: Vlad Chiriches. Yeah, the guy who couldn’t get a game for Spurs.
One to watch: Nicolae Stanciu. A mercurial attacking midfielder, the 23-year-old Steaua Bucharest midfielder could become a target for some of Europe’s bigger sides if he has a good tournament.
Weak link: Their goalscorers, or lack thereof. Romania only scored 11 times in qualifying, and drew half of their games.
What they hope will happen: They can get out of the group for the first time since 2000.
What will happen: They’ll lose to France and Switzerland, and won’t have enough to break down Albania. Four of the six third-placed teams advance from the group stages, it looks like this could be one of the groups to miss out.
If they were a club side: Norwich City, both wear yellow, were good in the ’90s but won’t be in the big league for long.
Albania
Star player: Lorik Cana. The defender had a spell at Sunderland and will lead out Albania in their first appearance at a major tournament.
One to watch: Elseid Hysaj. The 22-year-old full-back has impressed in his first season with Napoli, helping the Serie A side finish second and qualify for the Champions League.
Weak link: They only scored seven times in qualifying, with no player scoring more than once.
What they hope will happen: They continue to dream and progress from the group.
What will happen: A spirited group stage exit.
If they were a club side: MK Dons, they haven’t been as good since the split.
Switzerland
Star player: Xherdan Shaqiri. The Stoke City forward has shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League, without fully convincing. He has the potential to unlock a defence though, scoring four goals in qualifying and setting up another five.
One to watch: Granit Xhaka. The new Arsenal midfielder is a tough tackling, technical midfielder and will be central to any chances the Swiss have of progressing in the tournament.
Weak link: Haris Seferovic. With just three goals in qualifying, two of them against San Marino, the Eintracht Frankfurt won’t strike fear into the Group A defences. Philippe Senderos is no longer part of the squad.
What they hope will happen: They finish runner’s up to France and play second place in Group C before making the quarter-finals.
What will happen: They’ll lose to Poland in the last 16.
If they were a club side: Stoke City. They used to be limited and boring, but have added some flair in recent years.
