The Euro 2016 championships in France are about to begin, with 24 nations competing in an expanded tournament format for the first time. Despite this, don't be surprised if the usual suspects are the ones who progress furthest the knockout stages.

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But who are the favourites to win the tournament? Spain are the two-time reigning European champions, after triumphing in 2008 and 2012. But a disastrous group stage exit at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and with doubts about their forward line, La Roja are only third favourites to win the tournament with most bookmakers.

Reigning World Cup champions Germany are ahead of them as second favourites. While captain Philipp Lahm might have stepped down from international football after the tournament in Brazil, the spine of their team is still incredibly strong.

But unsurprisingly most bookmakers have hosts France as favourites for the tournament. Didier Deschamps' team is brimming with talented players such as Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet. The fact Les Bleus have won the last two tournaments hosted on home soil, the 1984 European Championship and the 1998 World Cup, is another reason to believe the French can do it this year.

But just how well can England do in France? In this video, IBTimes UK sports writers assess the the various squads and give their verdict.

Euro 2016