The Football History Boys

Group C - Spain, Italy , Croatia , Republic of Ireland SPAIN - The European and World champions will arrive at the 2012 tournament as the favourites to once again lift the trophy. An unmatchable squad for depth, skill and talent will provide a team unbeatable if they perform to their potential. However, a long season for many of the squad could provide tired legs and Real Madrid and Barcelona's domestic successes could come back to haunt the team in red. Fifa Ranking - 1 Players to Watch - Fernando Llorente, Jesus Navas, Jordi Alba VERDICT - Runners-up ITALY - After their abysmal world cup showing the former world champions will be looking to seek salvation from their passionate fans. This years tournament offers an Italy squad that mixes experience, youth and potentially an upset. The inaugural champions could be the tournaments dark horse alongside France. Fifa Ranking - 12 Players to Watch - Antonio Nocerino, Domenico Criscito, Sebastian Giovinco VERDICT -

Group B - Germany, Holland , Portugal , Denmark GERMANY - The Germans frequently perform at major finals. In 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2010 they have come close to glory, yet they are still without a major trophy since Euro '96. However, this years European Championships is where their luck will surely change. The latest breed of talent, boasts vast experience, youthful energy and a team of winners. It seems Joachim Loew has all the ingredients for Germany to once again rule the football world. Fifa Ranking - 2 Players To Watch - Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil, Holger Badstuber VERDICT - Winners HOLLAND - The Dutch national team will be looking to rid the demons of the 2010 World Cup Final as they threw 40 years of Dutch football tradition down the drain to turn the Soccer City stadium into a battlefield. Nevertheless, their talent is unrivalled in many areas of the game. Like Germany they have an experienced squad with an unbelievable attack likely to expose the Portuguese and

Group A - Poland , Russia , Greece , Czech Republic POLAND - This years joint host will be coming to the tournament on the back of some fine form, only losing one of their last eight friendly matches. That was against a strong Italy side as well. A strong midfield and attack will provide Group A with an attacking flair to spice up what could potentially be the closest group. Fifa Ranking - 65 Players To Watch - Wojciech Szczesny, Jakub Błaszczykowski, Robert Lewandowski VERDICT - Quarter Finals RUSSIA - The largest country in the world, steeped in history, but yet to win a major tournament since 1960. This tournament Russia will have their work cut out if they are to hit the heights of 2008. Back then, an Andrei Arshavin inspired squad reached the semi-finals, but a weak current squad means a repeat seems unlikely. Fifa Ranking - 11 Players To Watch - Igor Akinfeev, Alan Dzagoev, Pavel Pogrebnyak VERDICT - Quarter Finals GREECE - The Euro 2004 champions qualif