NORTHERN IRELAND
One of the stories of qualifying, the Green and White Army had never previously sent a team to the European Championships despite three appearances at the World Cup. That is all about to change, though, after a scintillating campaign in which they lost just a single game to reach France. There is very much a feel-good factor around the team with Michael O’Neill’s men having helped unite the nation. Though O’Neill says football divided fans in the past, a recent survey of 1,000 people representing all communities in Northern Ireland commissioned by the Irish Football Association found 71% believed the entire country will be behind the team. While there is no world class talent of the ilk of George Best, many of the squad play to a good level in England and Scotland and there is a wealth of international experience in the ranks including the likes of Gareth McAuley, Jonny Evans, Steve Davis, Kyle Lafferty and Melbourne City’s Aaron Hughes.
Manager: Michael O’Neill
The 46-year-old had spells at Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers before taking the national job. Managing at the tournament comes four years after hitching a lift with a bus-load of Germany fans to watch Joachim Löw’s team play in Ukraine.
Captain: Steven Davis
The Southampton midfielder, 31, is a cultured ball-player and made 48 appearances for the Saints as they finished sixth in the Premier League last season.
Star to watch: Kyle Lafferty
He may have had a frustrating time at Norwich in recent years but on the international stage, Lafferty (pictured) always seems to deliver. His 16 goals put him second on the list of all-time goalscorers.
Kit verdict
Green and white obviously. But the inclusion of navy blue has caused consternation.
How they got there
They topped Group F with 21 points. They recorded six wins and suffered just one defeat to second-placed Romania in their campaign.
What the bookies say
350/1. They come in ahead of Albania but no-one else.
Prediction
Understatement to say things aren’t going to be easy. They will not be easy opponents, have an outside chance of third but, in all likelihood, will prop up the rest in the group.