European Championship 2008 group by group analysis, by Paddy Agnew.
France
Manager:Raymond Domenech.
Star players: There are many famous names such as defender Lilian Thuram, midfielder Patrick Vieira and striker Thierry Henry in Domenech's squad. However the biggest French star of the tournament might be another player, Lyon striker Karim Benzema, who has had an excellent season with the French title winners.
Previous tournaments:Twice winners - back in 1984 when the tournament was played in France and when the side was inspired by the current Uefa president, Michel Platini, and again in 2000 when a golden goal from David Trezeguet beat Italy in the final.
Prospects:Given the sort of fright they gave Italy in the qualifying round (remember they beat the Italians 3-1 in Paris), they have every right to be considered one of the tournament favourites.
Betting:8/1.
Netherlands
Manager:Marco Van Basten.
Star players:In the best Dutch tradition, this squad features some positively awesome talent up front with Van Basten able to pick from a quintet made up by Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Robin Persie, Jan Vennegoor, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Dirk Kuyt. Watch out for key midfield playmaker, Hamburg's Rafael Van Der Vaart.
Previous tournaments:Once winners, in 1988 when Van Basten was one of the big stars in an impressive team which, nonetheless, struggled to beat Jack Charlton's Ireland in the first round.
Prospects: Unimpressive, by high Dutch standards, in their qualifying group and will need to improve. Given the basic quality of this squad, however, anything is possible.
Betting:14/1.
Italy
Manager: Roberto Donadoni.
Star players: An injury to defender Fabio Cannavaro has deprived the World Champions of arguably their outstanding player in Germany two years ago. However, men like striker Luca Toni and the midfield trio of Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso and Daniele De Rossi are unlikely to pass unnoticed.
Previous tournaments:Winners of a remarkable tournament on home ground in 1968. That was the pre-penalty shoot-out era, so Italy got into the final thanks to the toss of a coin after a goalless, 120-minute semi-final with the USSR. Then, too, the final itself, against Yugoslavia, ended in a 1-1 draw forcing a replay two days later, won 2-0 by Italy.
Prospects: The loss of Cannavaro is a huge blow but this side looks tough, organised, competitive and deserves to start as one of the favourites. They topped their group ahead of France.
Betting:13/2.
Romania
Manager:Victor Piturca.
Star players:Goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont, central defender Dorin Golan, midfielder Christian Chivu and striker Adrian Mutu form the backbone of a very solid, hard working team unit.
Previous tournaments: Qualifiers for the 1984, 1996 and 2000 finals, Romania actually won their first finals match only at the ninth time of asking when they beat England 3-2 at Euro 2000. Have never won the tournament.
Prospects:Were it not for the fact that they are drawn in the infamous 'Group of Death', Romania might have been fancied to spring a surprise. Highly impressive in finishing ahead of Holland in their qualifying group.
Betting: 40/1.
