Euro 2012 Schedule: England vs. France and Best Matchups of the Group Stage

The 2012 European championships will be one of the most exciting sporting events of the entire year, and the tournament will begin in fine form with a great lineup of exciting group matches.

With only 16 teams competing for the European crown, there are sure to be some intense group-stage matches that will give football fans everywhere lots of excitement and goals.

Let's look at the three best group-stage matchups of Euro 2012.

England vs. France

When: Monday, June 11 at 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN

This is certainly the marquee matchup of the first few days in Poland and Ukraine. England is coming into this tournament with less pressure than usual after their poor performances at the previous Euros and the 2010 World Cup.

France also had a poor 2010 World Cup showing, but they are led by a rapidly improving squad with several of the world's best young players.

This tournament could be a major showcase for French stars such as Olivier Giroud, Yann M'Vila and Adil Rami, all of whom could be transfer targets of several big clubs later in the summer.

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid will also have an opportunity to continue his fine season with France and establish himself as one of the top five strikers in the world.

For England, making a deep run in the tournament would be a huge boost of confidence for the whole squad. Both teams have a lot to prove in this tournament, which will make it a very intense and exciting match.

Germany vs. Portugal

When: Saturday, June 9 at 2:45 p.m. ET on ESPN

The second day of the tournament will include a remarkable matchup in the "group of death" between a talented Portugal squad against the team many believe will win Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup in Germany.

This German squad has few weaknesses and a young roster that has the important experience of a semifinal run at the 2010 World Cup. Midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil will be a joy to watch throughout the tournament.

Portugal is led by arguably the best player on the planet in Cristiano Ronaldo, who enjoyed a record-breaking season for Real Madrid. Ronaldo and teammate Nani will have to carry the team's attack in this tournament.

Expect this match to be one of the most exciting battles of the summer.

Italy vs. Spain

When: Sunday, June 10 at 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN

Spain will begin their defense of the European championship against a new-look Italian team that's trying to improve upon their horrendous showing at the 2010 World Cup when they didn't even make it out of the group stage.

To no surprise, Italy's defense will be the reason they win or lose at Euro 2012. Center-back Giorgio Chiellini and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will lead an impressive defensive corps that is difficult to play against.

Spain won't have the services of their World Cup hero David Villa because of an injury, so Fernando Llorente will likely get a chance to prove his worth as the starting striker. The defense may have issues, however, since experienced and dependable center-back Carles Puyol won't play after suffering an injury.

As always, though, the Spanish team will be driven by a remarkable midfield that includes Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets and Cesc Fabregas.

Expect this to be the most competitive match of the group stage.

Follow @NicholasGoss35.