Top Favourites to Win 2016 Euro Cup in France

Germany, in the current position of being the World Champions and the FIFA no. 1 team definitely look favorites to win the win the European Cup of 2016 to be held in France. But with the European club circuit churning out talent at the speed of light, equations and the balance of power could very well change by the time the tournament gets under way in June 2016.

With the forward and midfield ranks crowded by the likes of Mario Goetze and Thomas Muller upfront and some of the best in the business like Toni Kroos, Marco Reus, Bastin Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil manning the middle, Die Mannschaft look truly imposing. Not to speak of Manuel Neuer, who is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world now and should be around as Germany's faithful custodian in 2016. Knocking on the doors by then will the incredible 19-year old forward from Schalke 04, Leroy Sane and Julian Draxler, 21, from the same club playing in the winger's position. But most surprisingly the Germans are now 2nd to Poland in the Group D cluster of the Euro 2016 qualifiers. But that shouldn't give them sleepless nights as they are almost certain to qualify and even gun for glory when the tournament begins in France two years from now.

Apart from being the hosts, France are tournament favorites with the kind of firepower they possess. Just look at some of the names.

Forwards: Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) and Ligue 1's top scorer by far with 23 goals, Alexandre Lacazette (Lyons)

Midfielders: Paul Pogba (Juventus), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Defenders: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Ralph Varane (Real Madrid), Kurt Zouma (Chelsea)

Les Blues are very much in contention to lift the European Cup and playing at home they very well could. France qualify automatically as hosts.

Spain may be well past their prime and the sun seems to have set on greats like Iniesta, Xavi, Villa and Casillas. But make no mistake; there is a huge talent pool waiting in the wings. The attack will probably be spearheaded by Diego Costa, Premier league's highest scorer this season. He will probably be supported by a midfield consisting of the brilliantly creative Isco of Real Madrid, Juan Mata (Manchester United), Jesus Navas and David Silva (Manchester City). With Iker Casillas aging and losing form rapidly, the brilliant 24-year old David de Gea (Manchester United) looks an automatic choice for Spain's goalie for 2016. In defense they have some of the best marshalling that vital position - Gerard Pique, Ramos, Juanfran and Jordi Alba. The Iberians will definitely be a team on the mend and could pose a threat to any team vying for the Cup. The qualification campaign for the Spanish hasn't been upto the mark so far. They are placed in the 2nd spot with 12 points, 3 points behind Slovakia's 15 in Group C. Both have played five games each. But Spain seem well placed to qualify and make it to the latter stages of the Euro 2016 finals.

Belgium look like another side that could be a great threat to any team . A look at some of the talent crowding their ranks will tell one a lot.

Forwards: Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Michy Batshuayi (Marseille), Romelu Lukaku (Everton), Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfield: Kevin de Bruyne (Wolfsburg), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)

Goalkeepers: (probably two of the best in the world at the moment): Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool).

But they still need to qualify and they shouldn't be taking things for granted. They are a bit uncomfortably placed at 3rd with 8 points from 4 games in the Group B cluster and teamed up with sides like Wales, Bosnia Herzegovina, Cyprus, Israel and Andorra. A win in their next outing will take them to 11 points and to the top of the table.

There will be a lot of hype surrounding England's entry into the Euro 2016. They do want the world to know that they are one of the strong favorites, sweeping aside opposition in all their 5 games in the Group E cluster. With young talent crowding the forward lines in the form of Raheem Sterling, Sturridge, Welbeck and not to forget the Tottenham sensation Harry Kane and the mid-field manned by the likes of Henderson, Carrick, Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain, an England fan cannot be faulted for fancying the chances of his team to go all the way.

Surprise claimants to the European crown could emerge in the form of Portugal and Netherlands. The former relies heavily on just one player - Cristiano Ronaldo. In an era of teamwork and strategies, a one-man show cannot bring a side ultimate glory.

Netherlands are an enigma. "They have in their ranks some of the best - Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) and Robin Van Persie (Manchester United) and an array of immensely talented players spread across clubs of Europe. They were the 3rd placed team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and played some of the most scintillating soccer seen in recent times. But there is little to suggest that it's the same team now. They are lagging behind Czech Republic and Iceland in the Group A cluster and have managed to garner just 7 points from their 5 games. They may even fail to qualify for Euro 2016 by virtue of being among the worst 3rd placed teams. They need to start performing if they are to make it to France in 2016.

The odds to win the 2016 European Cup (Top Favourites):

Germany: 3/1

France: 4/1

Spain: 13/2

England: 11/1

Belgium: 12/1

Italy: 12/1

Netherlands: 14/1

Portugal: 22/1

Croatia: 28/1

Russia: 40/1