Group A

Czech Republic

In a qualification group including Spain, it would be a hard task for anyone to topple them and get through automatically.  So the Czech Republic had to settle for a place in the play offs, which luckily for them they duly progressed through courtesy of a 3-0 aggregate victory over Moldova.

Their best result in the European Championships was finishing as runner up, to Germany, in England in 1996, and they will certainly want to improve on their last showing where they exited at the group stage.  Michal Bilek changed the formation of his side during qualifying, giving more width and creativity throughout.  In what is considered the weakest of the four groups, their is no reason that the Czech's could progress.

Key Man

Crucial to a good showing this year, is the Captain of the national side Petr Cech.  In his fourth major international tournament, the 29-year-old will be eager to make amends for his 2008 showing.  It seemed like his side would be heading through until a late error allowed Turkey to equalise, moments later Nihat bear Cech again and Turkey were heading through.

This time around he heads into the tournament full of confidence, after a potential poor season at club level was transformed by Roberto Di Matteo.  An FA Cup win was eclipsed by the tremendous and somewhat surprising victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.  The two clean sheets in qualifying will also boost confidence, although the sides 2-1 defeat to Hungary in their final friendly will have to be quickly forgotten.

One To Watch

A man that just keeps improving is left back Michal Kadlec, someone who has bounced back from scoring an own goal on his international debut to establish himself as a regular.  Three penalties in qualifying helped him towards a four goal haul that saw him top the scoring charts for his country.  The 27-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star will certainly have to be watched carefully if other sides are to see success against the Czech Republic.

Greece

Greece are part of an exclusive club heading into the European Championships, doing so on the back of an unbeaten qualifying campaign that saw them win seven time and draw three.  A new concept is being revolutionised in the Greek football team at the moment, with the side liking to explore a more direct style than previously seen.

Another exclusive club they are a part of is that of winning sides that have failed to defend their crown, after famously sneaking up and triumphing under Otto Rehhagel in Portugal 2004.  Progression this time though could be slightly more tricky, with the daunting task of facing co hosts Poland first up.

Key Man

Despite being at the ripe old age of 35, Giorgos Karagounis is still something of a regular for the national side.  Helping pull the strings in the middle of the park, he is one of a select few that remain in the squad from that 2004 triumph.

Despite spending much of his career in his home nation he does have European experience from his time at Inter Milan and Benfica, and if Greece are to progress this tine round Karagounis will be crucial.

One To Watch

A name that has graced the gossip columns on many an occasion is that of Sotiris Ninis, a young creative attacking midfielder that is crucial to the Greek's success.  Rehhagel took Ninis to the South Africa World Cup in 2010 but was somewhat reluctant to use the youngster, restricting him to just two substitute appearances.  Current coach Fernando Santos wasted no time in giving him more of a role though, and he hasn't looked back since.

A cruciate ligament injury suffered last year kept him out for a long period, during which it was largely thought that the Greek hopes of qualification would soon go wayward.  However favourite's Croatia, who have followed them from qualifying to the tournament proper, were held aside and they progressed as group winners.  Ninis though is now back providing the spark, the Greeks are no doubt stronger and a more daunting opposition.

Poland

The co hosts have only previously qualfied for the European Championships once, in 2008 when they failed to emerge from the group stages.  They will of course be hoping to fare much better this time round on home soil, but will be hoping their Borussia Dortmund trio will be on top form to do so.

Recent results have breathed confidence into the side, with a 2-1 victory over a young Argentina side followed up with a 2-2 draw against what was strong German opposition.  In order to succeed though our key man, Robert Lewandowski, will have to continue where he left off at club level and provide plenty of firepower.

Key Man

Dortmund's Lewandowski hit 23 goals in the Bundesliga last season, resulting in the player of the year award.  His hat-trick in the German Cup final was a particular highlight, coming as it did in a 5-2 triumph over Bayern Munich.

After taking less than ten minutes to fire his first international goal four years ago, he has gone from strength to strength.  Resulting in links to a number of sides across Europe, particularly in the Premier League.  His fitness in key to Polish success over the next month, he isn't just a goal scorer but someone who can hold the ball up and bring others in to play.

One To Watch

One of the man Lewandowski could potentially be linking up with is right back, and Dortmund team mate, Lukasz Piszczek.  Along with Jakub Blaszczykowski, who will sit ahead of him on the right hand side, he forms part of this spine who hail from the Westfalenstadoin side.

A back to back Bundesliga champion Piszczek is another who has been linked with bigger and better things, further proof that Polish football could be moving on to bigger and better things in the future.

Russia

With a league system that is thriving and being given more column inches worldwide, spearheaded by the uber rich Anzhi Makhachkala, it is no surprise that Russia continue to be a force to be reckoned with.  In qualifying it was a shock home defeat to Slovakia that gave them the impetus to qualify, going on an eight match unbeaten run there after.  A convincing 3-0 thumping of Italy in their final warm up will provide plenty of confidence.

After winning the first ever European Championship in 1960 Russia have since gone on to be runner up three times, but you have to go all the way back to Germany 1988 for the last of those occasions.  If Dick Advocaat can equal the last showing of an semi-final place in 2008 the country would be delighted.

Key Man

Their is talent throughout this side, but the man who will most likely be charged with leading the line is Aleksandr Kerzhakov.  That is unless one of the taller forwards, such as Roman Pavlyuchenko, starts in which case Kerzhakov will be one the man providing the ammunition.

A one time young hot shot his venture into Europe with Sevilla didn't reap the rewards, so he is now back in his native Russia with Zenit St Petersburg and back amongst the goals.  Kerzhakov could just feel that these European Championships are a great chance to show people the talent he does possess.

One To Watch

Alan Dzagoev is regarded is one of the best players in Russia, and is a target for many clubs right across Europe.  His four goals in eight qualifying matches in which he featured highlight the talent he possesses, and why he could be key in this tournament.

In his debut season for CSKA Moscow in the top flight he was named best young player, and has gone from strength to strength since.  His presence in the centre of Midfield has become key for Russia, and despite his tender age, he will turn 22 during the tournament, this summer could be massive in shaping the career of one the brightest prospects in Europe.