Ranking the Top 8 Early Contenders to Win Euro 2016

Euro 2012 has only just finished, with Spain running out as champions for the second time in a row.

Already there has been some talk of the Iberians running out in 2016 in search of an unprecedented third title in a row, though there is the 2014 World Cup to look forward to before then.

Plenty of the current crop will likely be out of the international picture by then. But, Spain have a new generation already staking their claim for a place in the side who will likely be old hands in the starting 11 by 2016.

Here are the top eight contenders for the Euro 2016 crown.

Spain

Carles Puyol and David Villa missed the Euros through injury and will likely not be around for the next one.

Meanwhile Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Iker Casillas and others may have also been replaced.

Thankfully for them, Rafael and Thiago Alcantara, Iker Muniain and plenty of other talented players are on their way to making a big impact at club and country level—Spain will continue to be a favourite at international tournaments for years to come.

Germany

Like Spain, Germany have a set of prodigious young talent rising through their ranks at present.

Unlike Spain, the Germans do not have a recent history of wins to live up to—something which has its own drawbacks and benefits, of course.

Reus and Gotze, the Borussia Dortmund duo, will doubtless be a big part of the future national team's first 11.

But, the likes of Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer and Benedikt Howedes ensures that they have a real core of the team who can grow older together as the youngsters become integrated alongside them.

France

I figure four years should just about give France enough time to ditch the prima donnas from the squad, blood the next generation, teach them about respecting the nation and the shirt and finally getting them to play in a successful way.

Until France ditch the player-first attitude, they can count themselves out of the running for any major tournament.

Youngsters like Rafael Varane, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and, if he is one of those to clean up his attitude, Yann M'Vila, should give the country hope in the next European Championships.

Belgium

Belgium should go on and qualify for World Cup 2014 with their current crop of players, but they could really have a chance of going far—even challenging to win—in Euro 2016.

Defenders Jan Vertonghen and Vincent Kompany will be in their best years in terms of mixing physical endurance and experience, whilst the more dynamic players, such as Eden Hazard, Axel Witsel, Toby Alderweireld and Marouane Fellaini, will be in their primes.

If Romelu Lukaku can become the goal threat at international level that he has promised to be, Belgium could have put a fantastic side together.

Italy

Much of the squad of 2012 might have changed by the time Euro 2016 rolls around—the youngest player in the squad aside from the strikers was 25—but Italy have a foursome in attack which has the potential to become one of the greatest on the world stage.

Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini, Mattia Destro and Giuseppe Rossi could be the quartet to lead the nation into the next championships—quite a potent combination.

Any Italian future success will depend quite significantly on how well they finally replace Gigi Buffon. They will hope Salvatore Sirigu is up to the task.

England

Here's one based on a leap of faith. After another dismal showing at World Cup 2014, England dispense with the services of Roy Hodgson and finally bring in a progressive, ambitious, young manager who will utilise the creative and attacking talent at his disposal.

Should that come to pass, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Raheem Sterling, Nathan Redmond, Tom Cleverley and plenty more talented youngsters might find themselves leading England to an unlikely charge at a title.

If not, we can probably expect to see a 35-year old Scott Parker still huffing and puffing outside of his own penalty box trying to throw himself in the way of the 24th shot of the game from England's opponents.

Greece

A bit of an outsider perhaps, but Greece have had success in previous European Championships fairly recently (2004 winners) and reached the knock-out stages this round again with their dogged, tenacious approach to the game.

There is a shortage of style and real quality about Greece compared to other sides, but they have their way of playing and achieve results with it.

By 2016 they will hope that golden boy Sotiris Ninis has finally found the consistency to go with his ability, whilst the Greek under-19 team reached the final of the UEFA Under-19 European Championships this month—beaten only by Spain in the final itself—giving the nation hope that further starlets are on their way through.

Portugal

Nelson Oliveira is Portugal's next big hope and one of the few youngsters in their recent Euro 2012 squad. Like Italy, significant parts of the national side will need renewing before the next championships comes around.

Several others key players will still be in their prime—Fabio Coentrao, Joao Moutinho, Nani and Rui Patricio will all be 28 or 29 years old—whilst Cristiano Ronaldo, while he will be the wrong side of 30 in 2016, will still have the athleticism to compete at the highest level.

They will need a few more youngsters to come through with real quality, but they could still be an outside bet.

World Cup 2014 might be this group's best chance of success though—if that hasn't already gone with the semifinal exit in Euro 2012.

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