Euro 2016: Group A Forecast

The first game of Euro 2016 kicks off tomorrow as host France takes on Romania. Here is how I think Group A will shake out:

Group A:

Teams: France, Switzerland, Romania, Albania

Favorite: France

Projected 2nd: Switzerland

Wild Card: Albania

Best Player in Group A: Paul Pogba - MF - France

Best Game: France vs. Switzerland June 19th

The top two teams square off in the battle for the Alps. If the Swiss and French take care of business in their first 2 games then this one should be a classic to see who wins Group A.

Most Intriguing Game: Albania vs. Switzerland June 11th

This game is interesting because 6 players on the Albanian roster were born and raised in Switzerland, including Taulant Xhaka who will be squaring off against his Arsenal bound younger brother Granit. This game will be competitive and I think Albania has the potential to stir the pot in Group A.

Group A Outlook: This is France's group to lose. On paper they have far more talent than any of their group stage competitors and home field advantage. The real question for Les Bleus is whether or not they can put it all together and play comprehensive team soccer. France has developed a reputation for in-fighting and clashing egos, most notably when the team imploded at the 2010 World Cup. Manager Didier Deschamps has already invited controversy by excluding in-form MF Hatem Ben Arfa and striker Alexandre LaCazette from the roster. Deschamps also left Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and Lyon MF Mathieu Valbuena off the team as France attempts to distance themselves from the distraction of a sex tape blackmail scandal that shook the country last year. France are clearly the best team in Group A on paper, but will they stay out their own way and not be so....French?