Euro 2016 dark horses

With world champions Germany, defending European champions Spain and hosts France all fancying their chances at Euro 2016, the competition is fierce.

However, look beyond the favourites and there are plenty of countries capable of causing a shock.

We pick out three teams who could emerge from the pack in France this summer…

CROATIA

Manager: Ante Cacic

How they qualified: Finished second in Group H behind Italy

Previous best at Euros: Quarter-finals (1996 & 2008)

Top scorer in qualifying: Ivan Perisic (6)

Key player: Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona)

Odds of winning Euro 2016: 25/1

Croatia’s qualification was fraught with difficulty following charges for racist behaviour that resulted in a points deduction and being forced to play home games behind closed doors. But two draws with Italy are an indication of their true quality and this is a team that has lost only twice since the 2014 World Cup. Expect them to be easy on the eye in France.

The midfield is a particular strength with Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic the stars. But they’re not alone. Alen Halilovic remains a real prospect, while Ivan Perisic has had a fine season with Inter and was his country’s top scorer during qualifying with six goals. In attack, Mario Mandzukic, joint top scorer at Euro 2012, remains a force.

The draw has not been too kind. With Spain alongside them in Group D, it will be difficult to top it, and a runners-up spot would mean facing the winners of Group E and a possible …

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