The European Championship 2016 are on the verge of its kick-off, and we inside the Chelsea News App team have been looking forward to the competition with some wild guesses on who’s going to finish on top, and who’s not.
Four years ago the tournament ended up to be won by Spain, who also had clinched the title in 2008, and triumphed the World Cup in 2010. Back then Fernando Torres and Juan Mata – both goalscorers in the Euro 2012 final – regularly played for Chelsea. However, they have both kept moving on their careers, and this year we’ll be seeing the likes of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Gary Cahill (England), and Pedro, Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta (Spain) representing the Blues on their effort to go all the way into the finals.
But most importantly, with only hours left till the first match to begin, here are some of our team member’s predictions on the huge event we’re about to get into!
Eetu Ikola (@Chelsetu)
- EURO 2016 Winner country: France – France are hosting the competition this year, and I believe they can re-do what they achieved in 1998, and lift the trophy on their own backyard. Through the likes of Pogba, Griezmann and other world-class players, the Frenchmen should have the quality over others.
- Probable underachievers: Spain, playing without Juan Mata would be fine like that, but seeing Xavi and Alonso miss out due to their decision to retire… Well, the true tiki-taka won’t work alone with Iniesta.
- Team to surprise: Croatia, dynamic midfield with Rakitic and Modric will surely provide a good performance. Mandzukic upfront can also turn up scicilic with good form.
- Golden Boot winner: Thomas Müller, Germany’s main man as I see him play in a striker’s role ahead of Mario Gomez.
Jack Brace (@TheRadjaRole)
- EURO 2016 Winner country: France – Their history as host proceeds them this summer; having won the last two competitions that have taken place in their country (Euro 1984 & 1998 world cup) They have a very strong squad with loads of talent including Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet & N’golo Kante. Although Karim Benzema misses the tournament due to his situation with Valbuena, they still have enough fire power to lift the crown this summer.
- Probable underachievers: Spain – The Spanish are no longer the dominant force they once were. They are entering a new generation which doesn’t posses the likes of Xavi, Alonso and Fernando Torres. Having left Diego Costa at home, they look weak up front, they’ll be lucky to make it past the round of 16.
- Golden Boot winner: Harry Kane – England in the process of a golden generation, with many talents like Dele Alli & Harry Kane breaking into the national team. This summer’s tournament will have fans feeling optimistic about reaching the semi finals. Harry Kane won the golden boot in the Premier league and will look to continue his form into the Euros. If he manages to perform like he did against Germany, he’ll easily finish the tournament’s top scorer.
Daniel Vernon (@DanVernon)
- EURO 2016 Winner country: Germany – Their depth in squad is incredible and they still have some of the standout players. France will go far, England & Italy too I hope but I think the Germans just have that extra nerve and the spine of their team all play for the same club which dominates the league – I imagine they will take that form along into this competition.
- Probable underachievers: I can’t see any of the bigger teams flopping this summer, as most are in full flow and have players fit. I think England could be in trouble if we are too over confident.
- Team to surprise: Poland, relatively easy group apart from Germany – which I think will be a great game.
- Golden Boot winner: Müller I imagine, or someone like Pelle could grab a couple of important ones.
Sahil Mehra (@VivaLaDiego)
- EURO 2016 Winner country: Germany – They are good in every aspect. Whether that’s defense, mid or forward. They’re too good to be defeated.
- Probable underachievers: Spain
- Team to surprise: Belgium
- Golden Boot winner: Thomas Müller
Elisha Delaney (@ElishaDelaney)
- EURO 2016 Winner country: France – All round great team with extra options for every position which are all equally talented. This could be France’s chance after creating a squad for the future over the past few years
- Probable underachievers: Albania not looking easy for them to get through the group stages possible very difficult group for them.
- Team to surprise: Iceland, surrounded by similar teams in the group stages so easily have the potential to progress through the group stages.
- Golden Boot winner: Romelu Lukaku, supposedly looking for a new club and the best way to promote himself to big clubs would to have a good tournament with Belgium.
We clearly had pretty much the same thought all in all, with Germany and France our favourites to clinch the title. How do you see the Euros turn up this year yourself? And do you believe any of the player representing the Blues will succeed with their country? Anyhow, we’ll all just as excited for the tournament as you are!