Outright predictions: France poised to rule Europe for a third time

France were a major disappointment at Euro 2020, losing on penalties to Switzerland in the round of 16, but they have contested the last two World Cup finals - succeeding at Russia 2018 and falling short at Qatar 2022 - and look the most likely winners in Germany this summer.

There are seven former winners in the Euro 2024 field, plus Czech Republic and Slovakia, who can share the credit for Czechoslovakia's triumph in 1976.

But some big nations have never lifted the trophy including tournament favourites England, who are desperate to atone for their penalty shootout loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

England often have to deal with unrealistically high expectations but they have a genuine chance of glory this summer.

There are an abundance of top-class attacking options with Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins playing with confidence.

Midfielders Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham have made further progress this season and the Three Lions' squad looks in better shape than at any point of Gareth Southgate's tenure.

However, there remain lingering concerns over England's defence.

John Stones and Harry Maguire have not been playing regularly and full-backs Reece James, Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell and Kieran Trippier have struggled with injuries.

In previous tournaments Southgate has masked their defensive deficiencies by pursuing a more cautious approach and leaving out some top attacking talent.

A similar scenario could unfold this summer and it may prevent England from reaching their full potential.

France head coach Didier Deschamps has also been criticised for defensive tactics but his record stands up to scrutiny.

Les Bleus were runners-up at Euro 2016 and World Cup 2022 and became world champions in 2018.

Their shootout loss to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final was tough to take but they responded with a comfortable Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, taking 22 points from eight games.

Star player Kylian Mbappe rightly attracts most of the attention but the squad looks well-balanced with depth in all areas.

France should be dominant against Group E opposition Netherlands, Austria and Poland and they may be tough to stop in the knockout rounds.

Hosts Germany should expect to have a better experience than at the 2022 World Cup when they were eliminated at the group stage.

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has a reputation for producing exciting, attacking football and his side should be too strong for Hungary, Switzerland and Scotland in Group A.

However, Die Mannschaft have not gone deep into a major tournament since reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2016 and they could fall short when they come up against heavyweight opposition.

Fourth favourites Portugal have a better chance. Cristiano Ronaldo remains part of the group and his leadership can bring out the best in a squad with talent in all areas.

Portugal qualified with ten straight wins (the only 100 per cent record) and have a good chance to settle into the tournament in a soft section alongside Turkey, Czech Republic and Georgia.

Spain are the only other nation quoted at single figures but La Roja are hard to fancy.

They suffered a round-of-16 elimination against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup and have been drawn in a tough group alongside Croatia, Italy and Albania.