Stars of Euro 2016
Football may be a team game, but great individuals are more often than not the difference between winning and losing. Here are some players to watch at the Euro 2016.
David Alaba, Austria
He may be "just a defender" for Bayern Munich, but he is the heart of Austria's midfield. Alaba's three goals and three assists in qualifying, helped Austria qualify outright for the first time.
Gareth Bale, Wales
Even at age 26, Gareth Bale is already one of the best players to ever suit up for the Welsh national team. Now the Real Madrid forward will aim to help Wales put in a good showing in their first appearance in a major tournament since 1958.
Hakan Calhanoglu, Turkey
Hakan Calhanoglu is a free-kick wizard for Bayer Leverkusen, but he is much more than that when he plays for Turkey. At 22 years old, he is one of the most important players Turkey have and, combined with Arda Turan in attack, he could help Turkey make some noise in the knockout stages.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved everything a player can at the club level, but he has yet to win a major trophy with his country. With Portugal still lacking the superstars other countries have at their disposal, the Real Madrid forward will be key to Portugal being competitive in France.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
Kevin De Bruyne was a major force in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil two years ago, helping Belgium reach the quarterfinals of the tournament. Now he will be the centerpiece of the Red Devils' attack as he tries to help Belgium lift their first major trophy.
Artem Dzyuba, Russia
Russia have escaped only one group stage in a major tournament, but they may have found the striker to change their fortunes. Artem Dzyuba had eight goals for his nation as they qualified with ease, and the Zenit St. Petersburg striker will be key if the country want to make a run in the European championship.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden
Playing the last international tournament of his career, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be the driving force for Sweden in France. Strong, shifty and arrogant, he is always a player that demands attention when he steps onto a football pitch.
Andres Iniesta, Spain
He may be playing in his last European Championship, but Andres Iniesta will be an integral part of any success that Spain enjoy in France. With long-time teammate Xavi now out of the international picture, he will be the leading presence on the pitch as Spain try to complete their Euro hat trick.
Lorenzo Insigne, Italy
After taking a big step at the club level with Napoli in Serie A, Lorenzo Insigne (right) will try to do the same with Italy at the European championship. The 24-year-old forward made just one appearance at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil two years ago, but after 12 goals and 10 assists in Serie A, Italy coach Antonio Conte will have a tough time leaving him out of the squad.
Harry Kane, England
Tottenham's Harry Kane burst onto the scene in the Premier League in 2014-2015, and may now be about to taste success at the international level. He scored three goals in five qualifying matches, and with Leicester City's Jamie Vardy as his strike partner, he may score a lot more in France.
Robert Lewandowski, Poland
He was the first player in 39 years to score 30 Bundesliga goals, and now Robert Lewandowski hopes to bring his goal-scoring ability to the European championship. Some may doubt the quality of players around him, but that did not stop the Bayern Munich striker from being the top scorer in qualifying with 13 goals in 10 matches.
Manuel Neuer, Germany
His sensational display at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil got him on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, and now Manuel Neuer will look to perform similarly in France. The defense in front of him is still a question mark, so Germany may need his heroics if they are to lift another major trophy.
Paul Pogba, France
The young midfielder has already developed into a star with Juventus, but he could become a superstar if he helps France win the European Championship as hosts. As a box-to-box midfielder, he will be crucial for the French at both ends of the field.
Andriy Yarmolenko, Ukraine
He is a player many top European teams have their eye on, and he could show the world why when he performs for Ukraine at the European championship. He helped Dynamo Kyiv get out of the group stages of the Champions League, and he will try to help Ukraine to do something similar in France.