Regarded as the ‘Group of Death’, Group E consists of previous runners-up Italy, one man army Sweden, Republic of Ireland and pre-tournament favourites Belgium.While many expect Belgium and Italy to take the top two spots, Sweden and Republic of Ireland will look to capture one of the four third place qualifying spots.
From quality strikers and talented midfielders to top class defenders and shot-stoppers, Group E has an abundance of talent at its disposal. Here, we take a look at 5 such superstars who can have a big impact on the outcome of this fiery group.
5: Robbie Keane (Republic of Ireland)
At the age of 35, many footballers decide to hang up their boots. But Irishman, Robbie Keane is still going strong and is looking forward to, what could be his last European Championship for his country.
A naturally gifted centre forward, Keane has the capability to score from nothing and can convert half-chances into goals. He is extremely difficult to dispossess and is the major goal threat. He has been the key figure for this Irish side for years, and will be looking to make a real impact in the twilight of his career.
Selected ahead of younger and fitter strikers like David McGoldrick and Anthony Stokes, Keane needs to find form immediately or else, will end up warming up the benches. With the likes of Seamus Coleman, Shane Long and Jonathan Walters providing able support, Keane will have to roll back the years if Ireland are to progress.
4: Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
While Everton may have underperformed this season, Romelu Lukaku's 18-goal haul highlights his quality – only behind Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero. Even though he could not find the back of the net in the last 10 Premier League games for Everton, he has enough talent to terrorize the strongest of defence.
Standing at 190 cm (6 ft 2 inches), Lukaku is a tall, mean presence in the box. He has enough pace and strength to overpower the opposition defenders. Backed up with mazy dribbling and lethal shooting, Lukaku can find the net more often than not.
With quality midfielders in the form of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Moussa Dembele and Radja Nainggolan, Lukaku has great support and will be looking to help The Red Devils secure a spot in the knockout stages.
3: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
Without the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and an injured Giorgio Chiellini, Gigi Buffon led a talented but inexperienced Juventus side from the brink of disaster to an unprecedented fifth consecutive Serie A title.
Italy will be fielding one of its weaker sides this tournament with the likes of Claudio Marchisio and Marco Veratti being ruled out with injuries and Mario Balotelli not being selected due to poor form. Only with a watertight defence to bank on, Buffon must try to stop free-scoring Belgium and a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic single-handedly.
Tall and imposing, Buffon is a master of his craft and can shut-out any team on his day. Possessing cat-like reflexes (for a man who is 38) and excellent positional sense, his contribution between the sticks is vital for Italy’s chances to sneak past this difficult group.
2: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)
Few footballers can butt in ahead of the Euros, put everything on hold and demand the limelight. But then again, the few footballers are Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The talismanic striker will be Sweden’s leader and great hope once again.
His extraordinary footballing ability is the one of the best Sweden has ever seen. Scoring 11 of Sweden’s 19 in the qualifying stages, Zlatan is a one man goal machine.With one of the best right feet in football, Ibra can score goals of the highest quality with phenomenal ease.
Having won 9 league titles in the past 10 seasons, Zlatan is a serial winner at club level. However, international success hasn’t come as easily. With a flimsy defence at best, Sweden must try to outscore their opponents each game if they are to progress to the knockout stages. And, Zlatan must be the man to deliver.
1: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
This past season, Manchester City were a different team altogether with Kevin De Bruyne was in their line-up. He was City's highest rated attacking player, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists.
The pitch seems to open up when he is on the ball and it is usually just a matter of time before the chances he creates are converted into goals.
Without KDB, Manchester City’s win percentage goes down to an astonishing 27%. This stat justifies the blonde Belgian’s importance to any team he plays for, including his national team. Possessing phenomenal dribbling and shooting abilities, De Bruyne is one of Belgium’s biggest assets.
He is one of those players who always makes things happen, and with in-form Romelu Lukaku upfront and with the likes of Eden Hazard and Radja Nainggolan beside him, KDB will be instrumental in Belgium’s success at the Euros.
