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It may be kicking off 364 days later than originally planned, but Euro 2020 is finally here. It’s been a rough 12 months across the continent, but with light at the end of the tunnel, the European Championship is back to being front and centre for all 24 competing nations.

Of those, North Macedonia and Finland are making their debuts in this competition – and while the wait hasn’t been quite so long for Scotland, 23 years since their last major tournament appearance have offered ample misery. Steve Clarke’s team make a welcome return alongside Denmark and the Dutch, after the pair failed to qualify in 2016.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the trophy in Paris that year, and the Selecao’s ultimate talisman is hunting two major scoring records here: becoming the Euros’ all- time leading marksman… and international football’s full stop. Trying to stop him in Group F will be joint- favourites France, though, aiming to repeat history after their 1998- 2000 double.

And what of England? After leading the Three Lions to both World Cup and UEFA Nations League semi- finals since 2018, Gareth Southgate will be desperate to take his side one step further. They can count on home help at Wembley for the first time since Euro 96, not to mention their most exciting collection of talent for years, but will that combination be enough to end 55 years of hurt?

Whatever happens, we’re all set for a glorious feast of football this summer. Worth the wait? You can be absolutely sure of it...