Who are your top 5 favorites to win Euro 2016, and why?

Hey All,
So I kind of really thought about who has the best chance of winning Euro 2016, and picked my top 5 favorites. So Also what are yours?

Here are Mine:

1. Germany: Honestly I think most people agree that Germany is one of the favorites to win, and I'd call them the top favorite. They have a complete team and I honestly don't see anything lacking in them. They have tons of talent in the starting XI and on the bench. I also think Germany is arguably the best managed team at this point. Jochiam Low has won the world cup and had a successful campaign in all european tournaments. I must say they did look questionable in a lot of qualification games most notably against Poland and Ireland, but keep in mind Lahm, Mertasacker, and Klose retired after the world cup and spent time rebuilding their team, and also haven't had even a game in qualifying with all key players availible. So anyway Germany hasn't been clear on which players we will see starting in the tournament. They have used quite a few different starting squads throughout the qualifying campaign. One thing for sure is Low will likely continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation as it seems to suite this team best. Anyway lets look at the talented players they have. Germany has three excellent goalkeepers that are all starters for world class teams: Neuer, Trapp, and Ter Stegen. Also their defense is quite good with Hummels and Boateng most likely to be partnering up together as center backs. Both players are having a great season and although Boateng is working on recovering from an injury at the moment he should be back well before the Euros and before the injury he has been having one of the best seasons of his career. Also on the bench they will have Howedes, Mustafi, and Badstuber if he makes it in time. Then the full backs might be a little weak point for Germany but not too much though, as Ginter seems to be having a great season with Dortmund. Hector on the left has been played throughout the qualifying campaign and seems to be the favorite to start in Left Back. Now their midfield is stronger than ever. Gundogan in my opinion is one of the most promising playmakers this season and will likely be very key in midfield. His vision and passing is exceptional. He also has great shooting. Now Khedira, Schweinsteiger, and Kroos are probably gonna be fighting for a starting spot in the midfield. Khedira seems to be having the best season out of the three as he is key for Juventus and works really hard. Also every time he plays for Germany he is a really good player so I expect Khedira to get the nod over the other two, especially since Schweinsteiger seems to be declining a little and has been struggling with injury lately. Kroos has a good chance but he can be lazy sometimes and doesn't work nearly as hard as Khedira. In attack the question is who will be the number 9 striker. I am telling you Muller, Gotze, and Reus can all play there, but it remains a good question who Low will put there. Ozil will likely be starting in attacking midfield as he is in the form of his life for Arsenal and has been outstanding. Schurrle as well will likely be key in attack. Both Muller and Reus have amazing skills and will be very key going forward. Max Kruse has been kicked out recently and if he makes it he will likely not be a starting player. Draxler as well is having a good season but he will likely be a super sub on the bench. So overall this team is complete with great talent in the starting squad as well as on the bench, and with the experience they have and also being arguably the best managed team in this tournament, they are the top favorites to win Euro 2016.

2. Spain: I have seen many people on these forums on other forums go back and fourth about Spain. Some expect them to win the tournament while others expect them to be a let down and have an early exit. Its true the world cup was an embarrassment, but I think that was a mixture of aging players and new players not linking up well and Del Bosque getting his tactics wrong which is a common thing sometimes. Anyway this team has to be taken very seriously as a contender. The amount of talent they have is unbelievable. There are good players such as Callejon, Albiol, Marcus Alonso, Mata, and maybe Herrera that I can be 90% sure won't even make the squad. When you have players like these left out that means something big. Just to clarify Xavi, Xabi Alonso, David Villa, and Torres have retired. Anyway for goalkeepers I am not sure if they will start Casillas or De Gea. I suppose De Gea will likely be the better option due to Casillas being in decline a bit, and De Gea was man of the match in their last qualifying game vs Ukraine. For a third goalkeeper there are tons of options such as: Rico, Diego Lopez, Moya, etc. Formations for this team have been changed quite a bit, so there isn't any clear or predicted formation this team will use when the Euros start. Ramos and Pique look set to partner up in defense as usual. Then for full backs Alba will probably be on the left, while the right could be either Carvajal, Juanfran, or Azpilicueta. If I was the coach I think Azpilicueta has the edge, but Del Bosque knows a lot of things we don't so its up to him. Then in midfield there is tons of talent with the likes of Busquets, Iniesta, Fabregas, Isco, Thiago Alcantara, Koke, and the list could go on forever. Anyway Busquets and Iniesta are likely guaranteed starters due to playing for Barcelona that won the treble last year and very well is a favorite to win another treble this year. Fabregas started the season horribly but since Hiddink took over Chelsea he has been a key player and his long passes have looked good. Isco despite struggling to get playing time at Real Madrid is a good player with potential so he will likely be key. Thiago Alcantara is not a guaranteed starter but I think he should be, and might be as time goes on. Thiago is having a really good season with Bayern and seems to be at the beginning of his prime. David Silva will also likely play a key part maybe as a winger or a trequartista behind the attack likely supporting it. Pedro might or might not play a key part, but he will very likely be in the squad. Now the big question is who Spain will play as a striker. They have Diego Costa, Morata, and Alcacer. Diego Costa was the EPL top scorer last season and seemed to rediscover his form again under Hiddink this season but hasn't been linking up well when playing in the national team. Morata has seemed to play well though and is having an inconsistent season with Juventus. Alcacer although maybe not as good on paper, seems to be linking up the best with play and tactics. Overall Spain has enormous talent and I think they have almost found rythemn, so I expect them to be second favorites right behind Germany.

3. France: Now the big question for France National Team is will Benzema make the squad. This could well have a big affect on France's chances in Euro 2016. One thing though is they are the hosts and France always seem to do well as hosts. But last time they hosted an international tournament was the 1990's and despite them having great talent now, these are not the days of Zidane, Platini, Vieira, etc. Anyway France will be using likely a lot of young and inexperienced players in midfield and attack. I must mention Paul Pogba as he will be very key in this tournament and is arguably the best player for France sort of on par with Benzema (well if he even makes it). This team looks set for a 4-3-3 formation, as its what seemed to work best in the world cup and friendlies. Lloris will most certainly start in goal as he has conceded the least goals in EPL so far and is likely the best option at the moment. Mandanda is also a good goalkeeper but lets not forget he plays in a rubbish league thats pretty much all PSG. In defense Varane will probably be the key, and the other center back is debatable though. Sakho, Koscielny, and Mathieu will likely have to fight for a place, and in my opinion they are ok, but not world class defenders, so a lot of the defensive work will rely heavily on Varane. However there are a lot of options for full backs with the likes of Evra, Digne, and Sagna all having a great season so far. Now in midfield Pogba will really be key and will likely boss the midfield around, but Matuidi as well can't be forgotten. Matuidi is a really good player and works really hard so he will also be key to the midfield along with Pogba. One question is though who will start in defensive midfield between Pogba and Matuidi. Cabaye has been the starter in the world cup, but Kondogbia and Schneiderlin look set to keep Cabaye on the bench. Although none of their seasons have been outstanding, I expect Schneiderlin to have the edge in the beginning at least. Now in attack one player that will be very key is Griezmann, especially if Benzema doesn't make it. Griezmann is having a great season and will have to be at his best if he wants to with the Euros. Now on the other wing Valbuena was the starter in the world cup, but he is having a dreadful season and seems to have lost his starting place being that he hasn't even been called up to the national team in recent friendlies. However Coman is having a great season with Bayern and is probably the favorite to start there, although Martial has been great for Man Utd as well. Now as striker if Benzema doesn't make it Giroud or Lacazette will likely be the two candidates to start as main striker. Overall I wouldn't be surprised if France win the Euros and they definitely have the players to do it plus home advantage, but I see some lacking parts of the team in certain places especially when it comes to defense seeing there might be too much pressure on Varane, as well as Evra aging, and the other full backs inexperienced. The world class players in this team will have to do a good job in being leaders and playing at their best.

4. Italy: Now for Italy, we can never be 100% sure how they will turn up at Euro 2016. They did have an early exit in 2014 World Cup like Spain, but I think most of that was really down to the coach. Prandelli really didn't know what he was doing and seemed to be tinkering around and even put up with a little rivalry in the team. Since Conte has taken over, I think the team has improved a bit, but Conte seems to also be struggling with finding the best formation and tactics for the team. What definitely has greatly improved though is the team spirit. Anyway I am pretty sure Italy will go far in the Euros and has a good chance of winning the tournament. They have amazing talent and a lot of future world class players, and the main problem I see is Conte doesn't really know how to use it and build a team. The formation and players have been different throughout qualifying campaign so we don't have a clear idea on how Italy will lineup at the Euros. Anyway Buffon is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world and has just broke the Serie A record a few days ago. Perin and Sirigu are favorites to be the backup goalkeepers and both of them are pretty decent despite Sirigu getting benched most of the season. The defense will be very key as Italy have the best defense in the world. Chiellini/Bonucci/Barzagli link up very well at Juventus and I expect to see the same thing with the Azzurri as they have been outstanding and really have formed the world's best defense in this generation. Now Florenzi is having an amazing season as a fullback and the way he was able to manage Ronaldo and Neymar in the UCL has been beyond impressive. Darmian as well probably has the other fullback spot all but locked up. Now in midfield Marchisio and Verratti will be very key. Marchisio works really hard and is very versatile. He has arguably been Juventus' best midfielder last season in reaching the UCL final, and is probably at his prime now. Verratti is a young playmaker with tons of potential and is PSG's best midfielder. His vision and passing is outstanding and is predicted to be the next Pirlo. Now speaking of Pirlo he has a slight chance of going to Euro 2016 but Conte has repeatedly talked about snubbing him as he is aging and he will 99% not be a starting player even if he makes the squad. De Rossi as well has been rumored to be snubbed but DDR still has a lot to offer especially defensively. In attack Insigne has been having the best season of his life and will likely be supporting the attack, with either Candreva or Bernardeschi on the other side. Candreva hasn't had a good season, but has been consistent for the Azzurri, so he might make it, while Bernardeschi is on the verge of making his debut within the next few days, and has been in outstanding form for Fiorentina. Insigne and Bernardeschi will likely be key to supporting the attack, but the real problem is the Azzurri don't have a number 9 striker that is world class and is consistent enough. Pelle will likely be starting there and at least he seems to be back to scoring form. Zaza, Gabbiadini, and Giovinco are other possible options but both Gabbs and Zaza are bench players, and Giovinco plays in MLS although he would be useful. Overall like France, I see this team able to win the Euros, but I wouldn't bet on it just yet. France has a little advantage over Italy due to playing at home.

5. Belgium: Now there have been mixed thoughts about Belgium's chances in Euro 2016. On paper they do have a good team with the likes of: Courtois, Kompany, Nainggolan, De Bruyne, and Hazard. One problem though is Hazard is having a dreadful season, and this will not help the team in any way. Anyway most of their players are talented, but another thing is on the bench they have tons of talent in attack but lacking in defense. Belgium will likely use a 4-2-3-1 formation, as they have used it since the world cup and all the way through qualifying. Now Courtois is guaranteed to start in goal as he as been really good this season since Hiddink took over, with Mignolet likely being second choice. Now in defense there are debates on whether Kompany can stay healthy and will be able to make it, and even if he does make it there are questions on whether he will be at his best form or not due to him being very injury prone this season. The other thing is Kompany doesn't really have someone to partner up with. Alderweireld is a good player but he will likely be used as a full back due to lack of that as well. Lombaerts is an average player but not world class. Now for full backs I just mentioned Alderweireld who will likely play there and Vertonghen if he makes it in time will play on the other side. In midfield Nainggolan has been outstanding for Roma especially since Spaletti has taken over, so he is guaranteed a starting place. Witsel and Fellaini will be fighting for the other place in CM, but I suppose Witsel has the edge due to more playing time, although both are really just above average and not world class. In attack De Bruyne is gonna have to be at his best as he has been having a good season since his injury, although he should be back within a month. De Bruyne is probably Belgium's best player at the moment and will be a huge key player. Pace on the wing will really depend on Hazard whether he finds his form in time. If he does he will be a huge threat but if he doesn't Belgium are in trouble. On the other wing Mertens and Carrasco will likely be fighting for a place and both of them have been let downs this season. Mertens has been really inconsistent while Carrasco occasionally starts for Atletico Madrid. Up front Lukaku will likely be leading the line as he is having an amazing season, so his form will have a big effect on the team as well. Overall Belgium have a chance, but most of their players being very injury prone this season might have destroyed their hopes. Hazard out of form doesn't help either. I think this will be down to De Bruyne, Nainggolan, and Lukaku, while the rest will depend on the form of Kompany and Hazard.

So these are my five favorites to win the competition. What do you all think? What about yours?

 

Spain has probably the toughest group, bud. Croatia is a great team with a deadly midfield while Modric plays for Real Madrid and has one a UCL before. Rakitic and Mandzukic have both won trebles and those three players are really difficult to handle at their best. Then you have Perisic who has been having a great season and can really do tons of damage when it comes to shooting on goal and dribbling skill. Croatia are lacking in some places but with 3 UCL winning players as well as a few others having a great season, they are a very difficult team to beat. Honestly I rate Croatia above England and Portugal. Then Czech Republic had a great qualifying campaign and topped basically the group of death, while Turkey as well I'd say did the impossible with after having a horrible start, they became much better and qualified as best third placed team. Group D is the Group of Death.

 

By the way this is who I think will advance from the group stages. Remember 4 third placed teams go through:

Group A:
1. France
2. Switzerland

Group B:
1. England
2. Slovakia
3. Russia

Group C:
1. Germany
2. Ukraine
3. Poland

Group D:
1. Spain
2. Croatia

Group E:
1. Italy
2. Belgium
3. Republic of Ireland

Group F:
1. Portugal
2. Iceland
3. Austria

 

By the way just to clarify Pirlo likely will not make the squad, and most surely he will not start if he does. He is way too old and we have Marchisio and Verratti.

Speaking of that I don't think Belgium are better than Italy on paper.

Buffon and Courtois are comparable but I still think Buffon has the edge a bit even though its past his prime.

Italy has a much better defense. Chiellini/Bonucci/Barzagli is probably the best defense in the world this generation at least with national teams. Kompany is also a great defender but may not be in his best form and even if he is who will partner him? Lombaerts is mediocre at best, and Alderweireld is preferred as a full back under Wilmonts. Vertonghen and Alderweireld are really good players, and maybe comparable with Darmian and Florenzi.

Then in midfield Marchisio and Verratti are miles above Witsel and Nainggolan, although Nainggolan is improving and can be a huge threat, he is not the quality of Marchisio, and most certainly not Verratti. In attack De Bruyne is their best player and he is probably better than any of Italy's attacking players. Lukaku is also having a good season and I think is better than Pelle, Zaza, or Gabbiadini at least at shooting. Mertens is not nearly the quality of Insigne though and he can lose the ball too easily. Hazard used to be good but he is completely out of form and he usually has a record of not playing as good for Belgium as he does for Chelsea so that is also no good sign, and I think Bernardeschi who is having an excellent season can be comparable with him or possibly better.

 

LOL Czech vs Scotland was a friendly. Anyway yeah the way I predicted them were kind of favorites, but there are always upsets so we never know.

Pretty much Group A is the only group streight forward to predict. I would bet on France and Switzerland to advance, but the rest could really go any way.

Croatia are a good team, but I doubt they will make the final against Spain though. They aren't THAT strong.

 

I bet it will be Spain vs either France, Germany, or Italy.

 

Don't forget 4 third places teams also advance. I do think Belgium will lose to Italy, but not Sweden. Sweden is all Ibrahimovic really, and they were shocking in many group stage games, and had a pretty easy group. Especially the loss to Austria 4-1 at home. I actually think Ireland have a better shot than Sweden, because they play well as a team and are pretty organized defensively as well as having a smart manager.

 

Great attack but very shaky and uncomfortable defense at the back.

 

My predictions:

Now I admit, I am bias here because I am italian and of course I want my team to win, but I honestly due think it could come out like this.

 

Here is what I think about them:

Czech Republic and Turkey: They are great teams and very capable of taking points from Spain and Croatia, but the fact is they are in the group of death as all teams can really take points from each other. Spain will go really hard especially after their world cup disappointment. Croatia as well I think have something to prove and have a great team spirit under the new coach. The thing is Czechs and Turkey are equally good, and I expect them to draw either 1-1 or 2-2 which will leave them both at one point, and knock them out of the whole group stage due to only being at 1 point and not making the best four third placed teams. Assuming they don't take points from Spain or Croatia which is very possible, but I do however think Spain and Croatia are both hungry enough to take all the points from the Czechs and Turks.

Iceland: Now this team I expect to make the quarterfinals, but I am not sure about the semis, because if you look at my predictions, I don't see them knocking out France the home team. But yes they are a great team under Largerback and have huge spirit and are organized. They definitely will make the next round. I actually wouldn't be surprised if they even win their group, but I do think Portugal might just edge it. Austria as well are improving and are a great team, but I do think Iceland has a better team spirit with the better manager.

Wales: I don't expect much from them. The only reason why they even got so far in the group because Bosnia were managed badly and completely out of form in the beginning, as well as Belgium were also not managed that good and were out of form for the beginning. The goal they even scored against Belgium was a huge mistake by Nainggolan who headed the ball to Bale to score it. Also Slovakia is another one and they have impressed me much more than Wales.

Northern Ireland: Had the easiest group in the world. Romania, Hungary, and Finland are all shit teams really, and Greece was out of form completely and had a huge problem in their team. Looking at the group they had with Greece out of form, I am not surprised nor impressed. Also Poland, Ukraine, and Of Course Germany are all by far superior sides.

Austria: They were also impressive, with special credit to Alaba and Janko. However again their group was the second easiest group in the qualification campaign. Russia under Capello was a joke, as Capello admitted he couldn't even communicate with the players and he needed a translator the whole time, as well as we all know Capello is really strict and can discourage the players which can often ruin the team spirit. Russia was lacking a lot of confidence until the end. Sweden that relied completely on Ibrahimovic and couldn't even beat the Russians that didn't even have confidence was also something, so their group was easy. So I must say that Austria have impressed me a bit, but I am not sure if I can take them too seriously yet or not.

Slovakia: I do expect a little surprise from them and I see them coming second in their group. Hamsik, Kucka, and Vittek are great players and seem to link up well with the team. The upset against Spain was also hugely impressive. I think by the end they got satisfied quickly and weren't trying their best at the end, so I do expect something from this team.

Switzerland: This team is kind of comparable with Ukraine, good team but lacking complete world class players though, and I expect them to do their usual thing, maybe quarters and second in group to France.

 

SHUT UP unless you have something serious to say. With my prediction attachment I said I was bias, but not with my starting post about the winners.