Group A
Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic
Open group which all the contenders must feel that they have a chance of escaping.
Group B
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
Portugal
Tough group. Two of the favourites really in Germany (because they always perform at competitions) & Holland who were World Cup runner ups. Denmark are no pushovers either & while Portugal only just scrapped through any side with Ronaldo & Nani in it can win a 1 off game.
Group C
Spain
Italy
Republic of Ireland
Croatia
Tough, tough group for Ireland to progress from. Spain, rightly, will be favourites to win the competition. Italy are always hard to beat & Croatia are not to be taken lightly. The fates could have been a lot kinder to The Republic.
Group D
Ukraine
Sweden
France
England.
England should stroll out of this group, but probably won't. Ukraine are hosts which gives them an edge in home ground advantage, but the disadvantage that it has been ages since they had a competitive game. Sweden will be fit & tactically sound, but are a bit predictable. France are masses better than at the World Cup, but no longer have the stars that would frighten any side..If the fates were cruel to Ireland then they are more than generous to England.
Will probably make it all the more disappointing when they fall flat on their faces....
