Gianluigi Buffon: Italy’s expectations for the tournament are lower than usual, but as long as Buffon anchors the back line, the Azzurri should always be considered a contender, even if they are a dark horse. (Kerstin Joensson/AP)
Jason Denayer: It appears as if the 20-year-old will start at fullback for Belgium. Wherever he plays, it’s impressive for a player this young to already be a key figure with his national team. Strong loan spells with Celtic and Galatasaray, along with a solid showing in France, could convince Manchester City to start him next season in the Premier League. (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP)
Mats Hummels: The future Bayern Munich defender’s status for Germany’s opener is up in the air. However, Hummels should still be fit to start. It will be worth monitoring his performances because he usually picks up niggling injuries. If the 27-year-old is healthy, he and Jerome Boateng will form one of the strongest centre-back pairings at Euro 2016. (Kerstin Joensson/AP)
Paul Pogba: The Frenchman is one of world soccer’s brightest young talents. Pogba tends to over-exert himself, but it shows how tenacious he is on the pitch. If France wants to win Euro 2016, it needs the Juventus midfielder to be a difference-maker. (Peter Dejong/AP)
Luka Modric: The Real Madrid midfielder was crucial to his club’s Champions League victory and will be looking to replicate that form for Croatia. The Blazers are in a tough group with Spain, Turkey and the Czech Republic, but if there is any group of midfielders that can keep up, it’s the Modric-led Croatians. (Darko Bandic/AP)
MORE ON EURO 2016: Sportsnet has you covered with in-depth coverage of Euro 2016 in France, which runs from June 10 to July 10.
• Match schedule || Group standings || Live scoreboard || Latest news
• Profiles: All 24 teams || History of Euro || Top 10 moments in Euro history
• Sportsnet’s predictions || 10 players to watch || 5 key group stage games
Dele Alli: There are several talented youngsters in the England squad, but Alli is arguably the most promising. Harry Kane will earn most of the plaudits because of his scoring exploits, but Alli’s partnership with his Tottenham teammate will be important to the Three Lions’ success. The 20-year-old assisted on seven of Kane’s goals for Spurs in all competitions this season. (Matt Dunham/AP)
Gareth Bale: The Welsh forward finished the domestic campaign with Real Madrid on a strong note. Bale recorded four goals and one assist in his final seven appearances for the club, and will be tasked with guiding Wales into uncharted territory: The knockout stage of Euro 2016. (Matt Dunham/AP)
Alvaro Morata: Despite earning a lower number of starts with Juventus this season, Morata is slated to start up front for the current European champions. The Juve forward scored a brace in a warm-up match against South Korea and looks determined to regain his spot with the Italian champions. (Kerstin Joensson/AP)
Robert Lewandowski: Only four players scored more goals in Europe this season than Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich forward recorded 13 goals for Poland during Euro 2016 qualifying. The White Eagles are a dark horse and can make a deep run in France if the 27-year-old is firing. (Czarek Sokolowski/AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo: The superstar forward was largely anonymous during the Champions League final, which could be down to a lack of fitness. Ronaldo also suffered through niggling injuries at the 2014 World Cup, where Portugal failed miserably. It’s evident that the Portuguese are heavily dependent on the Real Madrid star. If he is in form, then the team can make a deep run at Euro 2016. (Paulo Duarte/AP)
