The draw for the Euro 2016 tournament was held on Saturday and while France was the fortunate side being placed in Group A, which includes Romania, Albania and Switzerland, there were a number of nations that weren’t nearly as fortunate when it came to their groupings. France should have a breeze of a time getting through to the knockout stage – especially in front of their home fans – but here is a look at the four hardest groups based on the draw for Euro 2016.
Group E
Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Sweden
Italy was stuck in the Group of Death at the World Cup in Brazil and could find itself there again at Euro 2016. They’ll be side by side Belgium as the favorites to advance from the group stage but needing to fend off both Ireland and Sweden in order to do it. Belgium and Italy will be expected to take care of business against Ireland and Sweden but the Italians in particular are typically slow starters on the big stage and one slip could be enough for Ireland or Sweden to sneak on through. Belgium has a strong enough blend of veteran star power and talented youth to advance, but beyond that, it wouldn’t be a shock if either Ireland or Sweden made it in ahead of the Italians.
Group B
England, Russia, Wales, Slovakia
England has not lost to Wales since 1984 but the suspense leading up to their most highly anticipated matchup in recent history will mean no easy games in this tournament. Wales would love the opportunity to shock the world and defeat their neighbors at the Euro 2016 tournament and the whole United Kingdom will be watching as the BBC will be broadcasting the contest. Meanwhile, Russia and Slovakia haven’t exactly dominated heading in to the tournament they both have enough talent to make it through to the knockout stage. English soccer fans had to feel disappointed with the draw and while it isn’t the toughest group, it certainly will feel that way with little room for error once again. That’s the challenge for England as they have rarely been at their best in these tournaments and now they face three landmines that could force them into another disappointing international tournament result.
Group C
Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Northern Ireland
Germany will be the clear favorite in this group but it wouldn’t shock anybody if any one of Ukraine, Poland or Northern Ireland made it as the second seed. Ukraine might have the best squad of that group while Poland is good enough to pose a serious threat to both Germany and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland is the team that will be overlooked but will play with something to prove despite having the least talent in this group. Germany and Ukraine are the top two teams but don’t be surprised if Poland upsets Ukraine to finish second in this group.
Group D
Spain, Czech Republic, Turkey, Croatia
Spain isn’t as dominant as it once was and that’s what makes this a little more interesting. However, it is still a very good team looking for a measure of redemption in Europe and it won’t be easy with all four teams capable of making it through to the knockout stage. Czech Republic is an improved side looking to make its mark at the tournament while Turkey should be hitting its stride heading into the tournament. The country has endured plenty of turmoil but the soccer team is still decent. When you consider that this is the third or fourth-best team in the group, that’s pretty strong as most groups have a very weak team as the fourth contestant. As for Croatia, they can certainly never be overlooked. Spain will be the favorite to advance from this group but considering the talent level across the board, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see any two teams from Group D advance.
