GROUP B: France, England, Switzerland, Croatia

It seems unlikely that the current holders will relinquish their European title as easily as they let their World Cup slip away in 2002. France looks the strongest team in Group B even before a ball is kicked on June 13. Switzerland and Croatia will have already gone head-to-head when the European Champions take on England in Lisbon. Both matches are very close to call with the Swiss and Croatians both expected to leave their luggage packed at the hotel in expectation of early flights home. To try and separate them is an exercise in futility and the game could end in the first stalemate.

Likewise, the France and England result could go either way. Many of the players will know each other very well with a fair percentage of the French plying their trade in the Premiership and one goal could decide the opening match. Regardless of the England result, France would be expected to go on to win the remaining games against Switzerland and Croatia to claim one of the qualifying spots.

England will do well to beat France but it is far from an impossible task. If the shaky England defense can cope with the rapid counter-attacking of the French forwards, then a creative midfielder like Paul Scholes or predatory attacker like Michael Owen could give the English full points and a great start to the campaign. If they lose, the English should be able to raise their game to dispense with both Switzerland and Croatia but a bad result against either could leave their chances hanging by a thread.

The Swiss very nearly spoiled the Euro 1996 party before it began on English soil by drawing with the hosts in the opening game of the tournament. England will be looking for maximum points from both the Swiss and the Croatians with France being their main concern in Group B. The first win will be important for England as a comfortable run is never taken for granted and points in the bag will help settle English nerves. Again, it should be plain sailing into the quarter-finals where things usually get choppy.

Switzerland could well provide an upset for both the French and the English but it is unlikely that they can string a number of wins together to qualify for the knock-out stages. Depending on whether Croatia has managed to blend its youngsters with its remaining old guard, the Swiss should finish third in the group above the Balkan nation.

DW Prediction: France and England to qualify.