UEFA Euro 2016 all-time statistics & predictions

When France kick off their UEFA Euro 2016 campaign on 10th June, 2016 in Stade de France near the Paris suburbs, it would not only mark the inception of the fifth European Championship, but also provide testimony to the resilience of a country hit by terrorism during a previous international friendly.

With one of the most technically skilled midfields in European football right now, France boasts of one of the most versatile squads among all European nations. Most likely to line up in Deschamps’ preferred 4-3-3 formation, France definitely have the ability to go all the way into the finals. Drawn in a comparatively relaxing Group A, the hosts have an exciting footballing squad which will be backed fervently by the home support.

'When you have to build a squad for a final tournament, you don’t pick the best players, you just try to build the best squad.'

- Didier Deschamps, France.

France have a safe pair of hands in Tottenham Hotspur’s Hugo Lloris who will take his place below the bars on the back of a good season of club football. Benoit Costil and Steve Mandana might not be equally popular as their compatriot playing in English football, but are solid back-up options in case of an injury or suspension to Lloris.

Although France’s defensive set-up gives the impression of being not as astute as their attack and midfield, the presence of the likes of Lucas Digne, Patrice Évra, Laurent Koscielny, Jérémy Mathieu, Bacary Sagna and Raphaël Varane ensures there is quality as well as experience in the backline.

The Les Bleus, arguably, have the best midfield among all the participating nations. Led by the prodigious Paul Pogba and the hard-working Blaise Matuidi, France not only have the Premier League champion N’Golo Kante, the versatile Yohan Cabaye and the experienced Lassana Diarra in their ranks, but also the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Adrian Rabiot in their stand-by list.

If Didier Deschamps has to be absolutely confident of any one of his team’s on-field attributes, it will be the offense. While Antoine Griezmann is France’s key man, the Atlético Madrid forward scoring 22 league goals this past season, the presence of Olivier Giroud with whom Griezmann shares an excellent understanding will allow Deschamps to rest easy. There is also Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman who has proved his mettle on every single opportunity which has been handed out to him.

The French manager also possesses the options of choosing Anthony Martial or Dimitri Payet on the left wing, both of whom performed exceptionally for their respective clubs this season. With Alexandre Lacazette and Hatem Ben Arfa being the back-ups in the stand-by list, an able offense could very well help France to their third European Championship.

As the Les Bleus take on Romania in the tournament opener, horrific memories from seven months ago will still plague the Frenchmen but expectations from their national side, who are firm favorites in this year’s championship, will spur them on.

Didier Deschamps’ has inherited and molded one of the most talented squads in the history of French football with the current squad being entirely capable of repeating the ‘Class of 1984? who won this very competition on home soil.

It will be a competitive debut at the UEFA Euro 2016 finals for the small country in South-eastern Europe who turned a lot of heads when they qualified for Europe’s premiere international competition. Albania, who were one of the small horses when the qualifying campaign started a little less than two years back, could prove to be one of the dark horses of this year’s competition.

Albania finished runners-up to Portugal in Group I, but they began their qualification in a spectacular process when a second half goal from Bekim Balaj stunned the Portuguese fans as Cristiano Ronaldo’s side slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the first qualifier. In spite of the stutter towards the end of the qualifiers (one draw and two losses in the last three matches), a good string of results during the early phase helped Albania to 14 points, two points ahead of Denmark to directly send them through to the tournament.

For all the stories of the underdog’s triumph it generated, Albania’s historic qualification was far from being controversy-free. A crowd situation during their match against Serbia as a drone carrying Albanian flag flew over the Partizan Stadium in Belgrade forced the two nations to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport where the Eagles’ appeal was granted and Albania received crucial three points.

'We’re playing the host nation, who are one of the favourites to win the whole competition. There is also Switzerland and Romania – two very strong teams.

Our advantage is that there’s no pressure on us, so everything we do will be an achievement. This is a very important experience for us, and we’ll try to show that because the players are proud to be taking part in this edition of the European Championship.'

- Gianni De Biasi, Albania.

Albania, drawn into Group A, will begin their Euro 2016 campaign against Switzerland in an intriguing play of origins – with a number of Swiss-born players in their ranks taking on opponents who have a number of Albanian speakers in their squad. The Albanian first-team regulars are important aspects of Swiss clubs like FC Basel and FC Zurich.

Although Albania’s record against their Group A opponents has been less than favorable in recent past, Gianni De Biasi hopes his side will bring on the spark of technical brilliance which set them apart during the qualifiers. Temperament and nerves are bound to play a crucial role, but Albania has enough talent to write a story like Algeria did in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The Albanian squad is a right mix of youth and experience. The defense led by skipper Lorik Cana is the backbone of the side with the 32-year-old boasting of valuable experience of the stadiums in France courtesy his current stint with FC Nantes. The experienced campaigner, known for his excellent reading of the play and no-nonsense, tough-tackling approach will be the key to Albania’s chances this summer.

The inexperienced forward line is definitely the point of weakness with there being only six international goals between Armando Sadiku, Sokol Cikalleshi and Bekim Balaj. However, the recent call-up of Rey Manaj, the talented youngster who has drawn comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a beacon of hope for the Albanian supporters.

Albania may find it difficult to replicate the success of their qualifying campaign during the Euro 2016 finals, but they do have the capability to pull off isolated wins during the group stage.

Two years after a disappointing FIFA World Cup outing in Brazil, Roy Hodgson’s England are all set to challenge for European supremacy when they begin their UEFA Euro 2016 campaign against Russia on 11th June at Stade Velodrome, Marseille.

England qualified with ease from Group E during the UEFA Euro qualifiers winning all their ten matches, scoring at a consistent rate and conceding only three goals. Not only did the Three Lions put up tactically astute performances, they finished games with a ruthlessness they are seldom known for.

While Roy Hodgson announced the preliminary England squad earlier this week, all eyes will be on England’s two preparatory matches against Turkey and Australia later this month, with the final squad to be decided after these warm-up matches. To dissuade the concerns of England facing only minnows in the lead-up to the Euros, Roy Hodgson’s side will also take on Portugal on 2nd June at the New Wembley Stadium.

The inclusion of the still uncapped Marcus Rashford has come as a surprise, but the young Manchester United forward has showcased his talent one every opportunity provided to him by Louis van Gaal in spite of his club’s difficult domestic season. The injury to Daniel Welbeck also made it easier for the 18-year-old to get the call-up. Although he won’t be playing against Turkey owing to his club’s FA Cup final the day before, Rashford is expected to make his England debut against Australia.

Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge are the rest of the forwards allowing Hodgson the liberty to choose his goalscorers among in-form players. England also boast of an all-round midfield with the likes of Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater and Jack Wilshere – young players well-versed in the art of slow build-up as well as quick counters, who have the temperament to perform at the highest level.

England’s defence might be a legitimate cause of concern due to their relative inexperience at the international level but a back four of Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea) and Ryan Bertrand (Southampton) is as solid as it gets. With four defenders who are equally comfortable in high as well as low blocks, the success of English defence rests on the tactics employed.

Having been drawn in a complex group with Russia, Wales and Slovakia, Roy Hodgson’s side will need to be at their absolute best to win the group stage. However, the Three Lions have already shown they have what it takes to emerge victorious against the best squads with their win over Germany earlier this year. A right balance of technique and composure could take England all the way to a major international trophy for the first time since 1966.

Chris Coleman has been a breath of fresh air ever since he took over the managerial reigns of Wales National Football Team from the late Gary Speed in 2012, winning games and building a young, talented squad – carving a niche for himself.

Such has been Coleman’s influence that the Football Association of Wales has offered him a long-term contract after he leads Wales into their first ever European Championship campaign, irrespective of the result in this summer’s tournament.

Qualifying automatically from Group B after they finished behind Belgium by only two points in the qualifiers, the squad has raised the expectations among the Welsh people. Wales won six out of ten matches during the qualifiers, which took Chris Coleman’s winning record to twelve out of twenty nine games the country played since the former Wales defender took charge.

Coleman is not only enthralled by the prospect of leading Wales into their debut Euro finals, but also touched on his new contract in his latest press conference.

'I want to build on the success that we’ve had. What we’ve done is in the past now – it’s what we do in the future that’s important. This is the time that we push on, break boundaries, and we’re capable of that.

We need to keep improving things and pushing each other. The [Football Association of Wales] showed that they really want me, and that was important, and I wanted to stay. I’m very happy to be sitting here knowing that I have another campaign to look forward to.'

- Chris Coleman, Wales.

Drawn into Group B alongside England, Slovakia and Russia, Coleman’s side has a difficult task at hand should they want to qualify for the knock-outs. While England are the absolute favorites, the presence of Russia and Slovakia totally complicates Wales’ prospects. Wales open their campaign against Slovakia on 11th June at Bordeaux with former Wales midfielder Craig Bellamy already proclaiming how it might be difficult to break down Slovakia but easier to earn a positive result against the Three Lions.

The provisional squad was announced earlier this month. While Crystal Palace’s first choice Wayne Hennessey is likely to be the first choice goalkeeper, Liverpool’s Danny Ward is an able back-up option.

The eventual performance will rest on how the Welsh defence holds up in face of constant pressure which comes with a competition of this stature. Although Blackburn’s young Adam Henley was picked in the preliminary squad, defenders plying their trade in the top level of English football such as Ben Davies, Neil Taylor and Ashley Williams are the most likely to make the cut for the final squad.

The Welsh midfield comprises of a set of technically gifted players in Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, Liverpool’s Joe Allen, Crystal Palace’s Joe Ledley, current Premier League champion Andy King. In spite of the fact that there are no notable names among the Welsh forwards, the presence of Gareth Bale, who will join the squad after the UEFA Champions League final uplifts the offensive strength of Chris Coleman’s side.

Wales will begin the European Championship this summer as complete underdogs, but they could very well turn out to be the dark horse, making a deep run into the competition.

Germany, the reigning World champions, will look to emulate Spain and win the coveted UEFA European championship when Joachim Low’s side take the field against Ukraine on 12th June at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille in their tournament opener.

One of the front-runners for the Euros, anything less than a semi-final berth would be a disappointing performance for the German side. While they qualified with absolute ease for this summer’s competition, Germany’s 3-2 loss to England in March and 3-1 defeat to Slovakia earlier this week proved Joachim Low has his work cut out during the Euros.

Joachim Low recognizes the level of difficulty the German squad will face in the upcoming Euros, considering their current status as the World champions. Although their recent form has been far from optimal, the German manager is hopeful his young squad will find it in themselves to make up for the absence of the now retired Per Mertesacker, Miroslav Klose and Philipp Lahm. Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has struggled with injuries for the majority of this year, is unlikely to play a role either.

'When other teams are up against the world champions, it’s their match of the year or even decade. They fight for every ball and they try to do something sensational. The World Cup took its toll on us too, with players suffering more injuries. We had to fight to make it through qualifying. What we lacked in qualifying was efficiency. Even in games we lost, we created a lot of chances but our finishing was poor.'

Midfielders Julian Brandt, Leroy Sané, Joshua Kimmich and Julian Weigl surprised many after the quartet were named in the provisional squad following exceptional performances for their respective clubs in the past season. The quartet were fielded together during Germany’s losing cause against Slovakia and at least two of them are likely to make the cut for the final squad.

The central defensive pairing of Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels proved to be a success in Brazil and will prove to be crucial in Low’s tactical setup. The Germans tend to play without a central striker but the likes of Thomas Muller, Andre Schurrle and Lukas Podolski could very well rise to occasion, if needed.

Drawn into a group with Ukraine, Northern Ireland and Poland, the Germans are the firm favorites to finish as group winners.

'Yes, [Germany are one of the top contenders] but not the only one. In a tournament it’s important to have form and to keep it, avoiding injuries. You have to be in top condition, which is difficult. Every tournament is difficult, but it is fun. We’re looking forward to it.'

- Joachim Low.

The European Championships are a fine amalgamation of successful footballing nations as well as countries which are still trying to formulate their hold in the footballing scene.

As the host nation, Ukraine had automatically qualified for Euro 2012. This time around, Ukraine qualified for UEFA Euro 2016 via the play-off route, the first time qualifying for a UEFA European Championship via the qualifying process, as it finished in third place in its qualifying group.

This also marked the first time in Ukraine’s five play-off appearances that it managed to win such a tie, previously unsuccessful in the play-off ties for the UEFA Euro 2000, 2002 FIFA World Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Since Ukraine broke away from Soviet Russia in 1992, the national football team’s biggest achievement was to reach the quarter-finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The current Ukrainian set-up could very well emulate the Class of ’06 and even go further into the tournament.

The provisional squad for this summer’s competition was announced this past Sunday. Shakhtar Donetsk’s Andriy Pyatov is the first-choice goalkeeper with Denys Boyko (Besiktas), Mykyta Shevchenko (Zorya Lugansk) backing him up.

The defensive unit comprises of players plying their trade in the Ukrainian Premier League - Vyacheslav Shevchuk, Yaroslav Rakitskyi, Oleksandr Kucher (all Shakhtar Donetsk), Yevgen Khacheridi (Dynamo Kiev), Artem Fedetskyi (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Mykyta Kamenyuka (Zorya Lugansk), Bogdan Butko (Amkar Perm).

Ukraine has one of the most talented midfield squads with the likes of Taras Stepanenko, Maksym Malishev Ruslan Rotan, Yevhen Konoplyanka, Sergiy Sydorchuk, Andriy Yarmolenko making into the provisional squad among others.

Dnipro’s Roman Zozulya, VfB Stuttgart’s Artem Kravets and Zorya Lugank’s Pylyp Budkivskyi round up the forward line. Although the Ukrainian side does not boast of a star-studded forward line-up, Fomenko’s side is well capable of scoring the all-important goals.

There is no doubt whatsoever as far as Ukraine’s prowess in front of the goal is considered, with the Ukrainians netting the ball on four different occasions to bring an end to Romania’s fifteen match unbeaten run in an international friendly on Sunday. The defense remains a concern with the squad needing to avoid defensive mistakes and lapses in concentration, should they wish to progress deep into the Euros.

Drawn into Group C with the World Champions Germany, Ukraine will find it difficult to finish as the group winners. However, Mykhaylo Fomenko’s men have a realistic chance to make it to the knock-out stages with both Poland and Northern Ireland being in the same boat as they are.

One of the dark horses of UEFA Euro 2016, Ukraine are likely to surprise many a football fan this summer.

Croatia, one of the constant features of the European championships since Yugoslavia disintegrated, with the exception of 2000, would look to improve on their disappointing performance in 2012 when they failed to qualify for the knock-outs.

A quarter-final finish in the years 1996 and 2008 were the biggest achievements of the Blazers in this competition. With a young, talented, flourishing squad in place, a quarter-final finish is expected this time around.

Croatia qualified from Group H placed just behind Italy with six wins and only one loss. An expected achievement, considering the strength of the qualifying group. Croatia still surprised many when they won six of their ten matches, conceding only five goals, in spite of their rough qualifying campaign due to off-the-pitch happenstances which included sacking of the former manager Niko Kovac.

Ante Cacic, the current manager, is still unbeaten since taking over in September 2015 but some of his decisions have raised doubts among the Croatian fans, most recently the exclusion of promising young midfielder Alen Halilovic from the final 23-man squad for the Euro 2016.

The offensive aspect of the game is the Croatian side’s primary strength with the squad boasting of versatile attacking midfielders like Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic, two of the best modern central midfielders in the whole of Europe in Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic and a clinical finisher in Mario Mandzukic.

The defense is yet to be tried and tested under pressure, but with the experience of veteran Darjo Srna and the likes of Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kyiv), Ivan Strini? (Napoli), Tin Jedvaj (Bayer Leverkusen) in the ranks, Croatia have the ability to hold their own against the giants of European football.

Gordon Schildenfeld and Šime Vrsaljko are the other defenders who made the cut for the Euros while Mateo Kova?i? (Real Madrid), Milan Badelj (Fiorentina), Marko Rog (Dinamo Zagreb), Ante ?ori? (Dinamo Zagreb) round up the midfielders.

Cacic has chosen his five forwards for the Euro finals in Mario Mandžuki? (Juventus), Nikola Kalini? (Fiorentina), Andrej Kramari? (Hoffenheim), Marko Pjaca (Dinamo Zagreb) and Duje ?op (Málaga).

The formation chosen by the manager is likely to play a key role in Croatia’s performance. While Mandzukic is likely to be the lone striker up front, Cacic is expected to start with Perisic, Brozovic and Kovacic as his attacking midfielder with Modric and Rakitic forming the base of the midfield.

Drawn into Group D along side current champions Spain, Czech Republic and Turkey, Croatia have to navigate through a few difficult games in the group stage. Rectifying their mistakes from the previous European championship and is all that will be in the minds of the Croatian players when they begin the campaign against Turkey on 12th June at Parc des Princes.

As the UEFA Euro 2016 inches closer and the final squads of each and every nation start to shape up, the consensus on one of the most exciting footballing squads in modern Europe has not altered – Belgium go into this summer’s European championship with their golden generation in the prime age for succeeding on the big stage.

The quarter-finalists of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, who lost to the runners-up Argentina, boast of one of the most diverse squads in Europe – from the solidarity of Axel Witsel and Radja Nainngolan in the deep midfield to the technical brilliance of Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne in the attacking midfield, Marc Wilmot’s side has all the elements for success.

While questions were raised about the Belgian side’s temperament in Brazil, the squad has developed a winning mentality in recent times, if the qualification process was any indication. In a group which had both Wales (who are garnering a reputation of their own under Chris Coleman) and Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belgium topped with 23 points from ten games, losing only on one occasion.

Drawn into Group E alongside Italy, Republic of Ireland and Sweden, qualification for the knock-outs will not be a cakewalk for the Red Devils, but a quarter-final run is at least expected by the fans of the Belgium National Football Team.

'Just because people are crazy it does not mean I am as well. There are teams like Spain, Germany and France that have a lot of quality. We are among the outsiders like Italy and Portugal.'

- Marc Wilmots, Belgium.

Marc Wilmots, however, refuses to speculate on Belgium’s chances in this European championship which many observers believe, is just a stepping stone for a strong performance in the next World Cup in Russia.

Injuries have plagued the Belgian squad since the turn of the year, with Wilmots bereft of his captain and a number of other key defensive players. Nicolas Lombaerts and Dedryck Boyata were ruled out of playing in Euro 2016 through injury this past Monday. Lombaerts who was recuperating from a muscle tear was expected to replace Vincent Kompany, who was ruled out last month. Bjorn Engels withdrew as well with a groin injury.

Although Wilmots expressed optimism that he has 'a defence with Toby Alderweireld, Jason Denayer, Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen' Belgium’s manager would hope his side is not crippled by injuries any more.

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With an abundance of riches in the offensive aspect of the game, Belgium, the unarguable dark horse of the Euro 2016 are expected to make a deep run into the knock-out phases of the tournament.

Portugal, aiming to improve on their 2014 FIFA World Cup performance, are undoubtedly one of the dark horses of the UEFA Euro 2016. With appearances in two semi-finals and one final in the last four European Championships, Portugal have traditionally excelled at this competition, but have seldom shown the killer instinct needed to win the ultimate prize.

With Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, Portugal arguably has the most potent goalscorer in modern European football. However, it is their over-reliance on the Real Madrid man which caused their downfall in the previous competitions of this stature.

Fernando Santos has been a breath of fresh air ever since he took charge in September 2014 after Paulo Bento was sacked following a loss to Albania which came on the heels of Portugal’s group-stage exit in Brazil. Not only has Santos managed to create a diverse squad by roping in talented youngsters from different leagues and divisions of European domestic football, he has managed to create an identity for the Portuguese side.

Qualifying from a five-team Group H was hardly a problem for Portugal with the team winning seven consecutive games to finish top of the group, ahead of debutants Albania. In the Euro finals though, qualifying for the knock-outs might be a bit trickier as Portugal are drawn into Group F alongside Iceland, Austria and Hungary – nations who are not traditionally strong but can still act as surprise packages.

In Sporting’s Rui Patricio and Lyon’s Anthony Lopes, Portugal have two experienced goalies well capable of standing up to the best of the forwards in Europe. Fernando Santos has at his disposal some of the veteran defenders in Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Jose Fonte and Bruno Alves. 22-year-old Lorient youngster Raphael Guerreiro who made the cut for the final squad is likely to lock down a place on the left flank.

Adrian Silva, Joao Mario and William Carvalho are likely to form the three-man midfield when Portugal take the field against Iceland on 14th June. However, Santos has a set of diverse talents like Danilo, Joao Moutinho, Andre Gomes and even the 18-year-old Renato Sanches who has already been linked to a host of top European clubs to back his first-choice midfield.

With Cristiano Ronaldo struggling with injuries in the last few weeks, it is unlikely for the Real Madrid star to play alone up front. Nani, who had an exceptional season with Fenerbahce, is expected to slot in alongside his former Manchester United teammate. Ricardo Quaresma, who found the back of the net in Portugal’s recent win against Norway, could stat as well.

Portugal most definitely have the talent to make a deep run into the competition but only their temperament and ability to handle pressure will determine how far they progress into the Euro 2016.