Euro 2016 preview: Group E
Belgium's rise up the international heirarchy means they are favorites to top Group E. But who will join them in the knockout stage is less predictable. Ireland, Italy and Sweden all fancy their chances.
Golden opportunity for Belgium's golden generation
While neighbors Holland, France and Germany have enjoyed success at the European Championships, Belgium have largely been in the football wilderness. The Belgians did well at Euro 1972 and 1980, but left without silverware. Now, Belgium's best-ever crop - featuring Kevin De Bruyne, Moussa Dembele, and Eden Hazard -among others - has the chance to make history.
Attacking talent is key
Finding the balance in attack is pivotal to Belgium's hopes of living up to their potential. Number one in the FIFA rankings last year, their rise to the top has been dramatic. With De Bruyne, Dembele and Hazard they have plenty of midfield talent and in Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku, they have two strong target men. How they shuffle their attacking pack could be key.
The boring-yet-efficient Italians?
There are more than a few questions about tradtional powerhouse Italy. Will they be like their old selves? What about departing coach Conte, can he squeeze big performances out of this team? Italy is a three-time finalist at the Euros, winning just once. Conte, the coach, is off to Chelsea and has his last crack at silverware. And there's not much to get excited about on the park ...
Where is Italy's talent?
Del Piero. Totti. Baggio. Inzaghi. What happened? The Italian national side isn't exactly blessed with forward players this summer. Sebastian Giovinco, perhaps the country's in-form forward, isn't in the squad as a result of playing in MLS. Stephan El Shaarawy has scored a handful of goals at Roma, and looks like the dangerman in attack.
One more chance for Zlatan
It's hard to know what's bigger: Sweden or Zlatan. The former PSG striker - rumors link him with a move to Manchester United - is a one-man headline machine on and off the park. International success has evaded the 34-year-old, but the Malmo-born forward will want to build on his 113 caps and 62 goals so far for the Swedes.
The Spirit of 1992
Sweden need to go all the way back to Euro 1992 for their last glimpse of success. Fellow Scandinavians Denmark lifted the Cup, but Sweden lost in the semi-final - a respectable finish for a nation of around nine million people. However, the Swedes got some revenge in the playoffs, beating Denmark over two legs to secure a place in France.
Ireland have hope and support
The Republic of Ireland were always going to be up against it in qualifying. But Martin O'Neill's side reached the European Championships for the second successive time. Backed by terrific support, the Irish won't expect too much, but should be competitive in the fight for second.
Oh captain, my captain
Robbie Keane will go down as one of Ireland's footballing legends. Before the Euros, Keane had played 141 times for his country, scoring 67 goals. His club career has spanned nearly two decades, with stints at Liverpool, Tottenham, Leeds, Inter Milan, Celtic along the way. He now plays for MLS' LA Galaxy. This is likely to be his last international tournament and he'll want to go out on a high.