Germany are one of the serious contenders for Euro 2016, and are expected to top Group C, which also includes Poland, Ukraine and Northern Ireland. However, if the Germans slip up in any of their matches, Poland, who managed to defeat Germany in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, will be keen to turn things in their favour, with positive results in their group matches.
Germany and Poland are obvious favourites to emerge as the top two teams from the group, but Ukraine and Northern Ireland cannot be taken lightly.
With stars such as Thomas Muller (Germany), Robert Lewandowski (Poland) and Andriy Yarmolenko (Ukraine) in the group, one should see some quality performances in the group stages.
Here is a quick preview of all the teams in the group with key players.
Germany: This German team comprises of a number of world-class players, making it a side to watch in the tournament. They have all their bases covered, which is a must when it comes to such competitions. Germany will be eager to win back-to-back major trophies as they won the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014. So it goes without saying, these German players, though in transition, know how to perform on the big stage.
Germany, who topped their group in the qualifying stages, do not head into the Euros as they would have liked. Joachim Low's men lost to Slovakia, England and France in their last five friendlies. Such results reflect the tough matches ahead in the competition and coach Low will ask his players to give their cent percent in France, if they are to win another major title.
But Low will have to do it without Marco Reus, who has been left out of the Euro squad due to injuries. Will that be a cause of concern? Only time will tell, but players like Muller, Mario Gotze, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski can all find the back of the net as well . Remember, Germany won the World Cup without Reus too.
Key players: Thomas Muller : The Bayern Munich player's experience will be crucial for Germany. Matt Hummels: He is rock-solid at the back, and his presence will give the German attackers the much-needed confidence to play their natural game.
Poland: Poland were a treat to watch in the Euro qualifiers, with their attacking brand of football, led by Lewandowski, who scored 13 goals in the qualifying campaign. Poland, overall, scored 33 goals, which was the most in the qualifiers for any team, which explains their strength as an offensive unit.
Poland were a major disappointment in Euro 2012, where they were knocked out of the group stages at home. But, this time around, they will want to make it to the round of 16, at least.
Key players: Robert Lewandowski: If the striker gets his shooting boots right, Poland might even fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition. Lukasz Piszczek: Skipper of Poland's 2012 team will need to bring all his experience into play.
Ukraine: Ukraine are the underdogs in the group, and if Germany and Poland take it easy, Yarmolenko's side could just make life tough for the two sides. Ukraine defeated Slovenia in the playoffs to reach the Euro 2016.
Ukraine have a solid defence, and can stifle teams with their proper arrangement at the back. Even teams like Spain had trouble scoring goals past them, as Ukraine lost narrowly (1-0) in both rounds in the qualifiers.
Key players: Andriy Yarmolenko: His performance in Euro 2016 could help him land a big deal with a top club in Europe. Yevhen Konoplyanka: His pace will test the defenders.
Northern Ireland: They are the weakest team in the group, and are not expected to make it past the group stages. Northern Ireland will be pleased to make it to the Euros, which is an achievement in itself, but they will want to play quality football, and not just act as whipping boys of Euro 2016.
What Northern Ireland will target, to begin with, is getting a positive result from their first game against Poland. If they do that, confidence will flow and they could cause a few more upsets.
Key players: Jonny Evans: With teams like Poland nad Germany possessing star players, the former Manchester United defender needs to be at his best. Kyle Lafferty: Northern Ireland will look for goals from the tall forward, after an impressive qualification campaign.
