Another four years have nearly passed and next week it'll be time to put Spain's crown back up for battle in Poland and the Ukraine. Today, we run the anchor leg of our relay with Group D.
Co-hosts Ukraine are here, grouped with three traditional powers aiming to get back to their best.
England
Euro-History: The Three Lions haven't roared much in this tourney, with third place finishes in '68 and at home in '96 their best. They also didn't qualify last time and have failed to leave the group stage in four of their last six.
Fully applied to play the heroes: With Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two matches, Liverpool's Andy Carroll will be the early attack fulcrum and Ashley Young will run off of him. One or both of them needs to pop off if England wants to beat France or Sweden at a major tourney for the first time in seven tries dating back three decades while playing without their star.
The blind spots: There are some issues of concern. Namely, the injury absences of spine masters Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard, an overall lack of team speed and several players coming off relatively weak club seasons.
Outlook: It's a bit odd that manager Roy Hodgson says he wants to play like his old Fulham team that reached the Europa League final. I think he's aiming low. And I think it's going to ensure England don't reach the knockouts.
France
Euro-History: Les Bleus took the prize twice at home in 1984 and 2000. Beyond that, they've only made the final four twice with six failed qualifications. This will be France's sixth straight finals, though.
Fully applied to play the hero: Duly celebrated as a national team player, manager Laurent Blanc took ownership of a fine mess when he took the job back in 2010. There was disharmony running through the team, federation, media and fans, with group stage ousters at the recent World Cup and Euro 2008 stinging badly. Now, France are unbeaten in 20, with wins over Brazil, England and Germany along the way.
The blind spot: There are reasons AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes was passed over for major tourneys in 2006 and 2008 and 2010. Now that he's the main man at the back for France, those discipline and focus issues in big games need to stay away.
Outlook: There are layers of firepower and midfield excellence, making France a serious threat to go all the way.
Sweden
Euro-History: Now a part of five of the last six finals, the Swedes fared best in their debut with a semifinal run at home 20 years ago.
Fully applied to play the hero: If I said anyone else but Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he might just kick me. The mercurial striker hit twice at Euro 2004 and then again in 2008. Those may have been mere warm-ups; he's notched 42 goals and 15 assists in his last 57 games for club and country.
The blind spot: While the midfield and attack have some depth and variety, the back line could find trouble if any starters get hurt or pick up bans. That's one type of thin that is never in.
Outlook: The sting of missing World Cup 2010 should have the veteran core at their hungriest and the younger regulars eager to begin their first adventure. A lot of those competitive old guys + some very talented and influential younger veterans = Sweden going to the knockouts.
Ukraine
Euro-History: The only team making its Euro-debut this time are also a host nation. The last team to wear both such hats was Sweden in '92.
Fully applied to play the hero: Take a number, I think. Of all the candidates, the highest ceiling belongs to forward Artem Milevskiy. The Dinamo Kyiv ace took a step backwards this season, but often finds inspiration at summer international tourneys. When he's on, it's a bit scary.
The blind spots: There are far too many players either past their prime or coming off poor club seasons for fans to expect great success. During their no-need-to-qualify campaign, the Ukrainians went winless in three home games against Euro 2012 participants.
Outlook: Am I really going to predict that neither host team will survive the group phase? Yup.
