EUROPEAN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP: The teams and how they rate: Group C

Netherlands
Making their eighth appearance in a final tournament (only Germany and Russia have more), the Dutch have been less than inspiring in their qualifying group, finishing second to Romania and just ahead of Bulgaria. Despite having a wide array of attacking options, scoring has not come easy for Marco van Basten’s team, even against unheralded opposition. But one can never discount the country that came up with “total football”, and the team does boast a record of four semi-finals in the last five final tournaments.
Best result: winners (1988)
Odds: 12/1 (Coral), 12/1 (Ladbrokes), 12/1 (William Hill)

Italy
Despite starting their qualifying campaign with one point from its first two matches, reinforcing their reputation as slow starters, Italy got back on track and finished top of their group, ahead of France, Scotland and Ukraine. A new encounter with France, the fourth in less than two years, beckons. The current world champions have been less than impressive on the continental stage, compared to their success in World Cups, but will feel they have the squad to win the trophy this time around.
Best result: winners (1968)
Odds: 6/1 (Coral), 7/1 (Ladbrokes), 7/1 (William Hill)

Romania
Winners of the qualifying group that included Bulgaria, the Romanians can only bemoan their luck of being drawn in what has been unofficially termed the tournament’s “group of death”. Their hopes of progressing further will rest with their two biggest stars, both playing in Italy – Cristian Chivu at the back and Adrian Mutu in attack. A well-organised outfit that is dangerous on the break, Romania could still play a big role in this year’s tournament, even if bookmakers are not optimistic.
Best result: quarterfinal (2000)
Odds: 33/1 (Coral), 40/1 (Ladbrokes), 40/1 (William Hill)

France
Drawn into the most difficult qualifying group, France went through after the results of games between its rivals went their way. Two defeats to Scotland have left a sour taste, as did the fact that France had to rely on Italy doing them a favour by beating Scotland, in order to qualify. Raymond Domenech and his charges have now been given another shot at Italy and the opportunity to revenge the loss suffered in the 2006 World Cup final, made infamous by Zidane’s headbutt.
Best result: winners (1984, 2000)
Odds: 8/1 (Coral), 9/1 (Ladbrokes), 15/2 (William Hill)