Ranking KO Teams 8-1

#8 - Poland

At the start of the tournament I would have predicted that Poland would get to the last 16 solely based on the fact they have superstar like Lewandowski. Now, I see that they haven't conceded a goal and drew on points with Germany without their main man scoring a single goal. That defensive solidity and if Lewandowski shines through they could just go anywhere especially seeming they are on the easier side of the draw. Maybe even set up a semi-final tie against Belgium, you just don't know.

#7 - Italy

This was the hardest decision to make, they could easily go all the way or could lose to Spain in the last 16. It was going to be one of those two in this spot but I feel Spain were unlucky to lose to Croatia and have enough to beat the Azzuri in the last 16. However, it could go very different. They were amazing against Belgium defensively but going forward they just don't have enough, but if they get their tactics right, they could surprise us all. The key men for them are Pelle and Insigne for me, the little man from Naples should start because he's had a fantastic season and Pelle is the perfect man to hurt Ramos and Pique with his large stature. Let's just just see how this one pans out.

#6 - England

Possibly I am being generous or biased but England have been the better team every game they have played and may go far in this tournament if they can finish their chances. But Iceland will be the same as what they have already faced, they will sit back and defend and counter but if they get past Iceland then the games will become more open and they may just go very far in this tournament with the young squad they have got, they just need to stop feeling the pressure and play with the passion they need to and finally find the best eleven to punish teams. But if Kane, Alli and Vardy all come good, we could see this England team go very far, with Dier being outstanding and establishing himself as possibly the best holding midfielder at the tournament and Rooney and Walker being on top of their game so far.

#5 - Croatia

They would not have been this high at the start of the tournament, but people did have them as the best dark horse. The midfield is the key to their success, with talent such as Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Brozovic and Badelj, even Kovacic cannot get in the team. They have a good target man up front in Mandzukic who has not been himself but may turn up. They are on the easier side of the draw and I feel they can beat Portugal and then either Poland and the Swiss so you think they could get to the semi-final which would be a superb achievement.

#4 - Spain

They were the joint favourites after the first two games but that game against Croatia brought them back down too Earth, they could go all the way the same as Italy but they are not the same team they were the last two tournaments. They have a lot of quality in the side but they need to see Iniesta to be on his game and also Nolito needs to working well with Morata just as he did in the game against Turkey. When this Spain team are on their game they could be the best in the world but it is only a matter of fact if they play that way.

#3 - France

Favourites for the tournament, France, have not been what everyone expected but I did not think they would win it in the first place. They have been lucky in selected games to be honest. They have relied to much on individual brilliance of Payet and Pogba to lead the way but then you have the fact the defence to be really put to the test against the better teams. Rami and Koscielny have been okay but not great and Evra never seems to keep concentration for a full 90 minutes and the when teams with more pace come up against them they could be in trouble. I do feel they may go to the semi-final or even final but maybe Germany can knock them out.

#2 - Belgium

They would not have been so high had they not had the easiest route to the final of any team. I back them to make it to the final seeming they will most likely play Hungary, Wales and Croatia before reaching the final. They haven't been as good as other teams but the game against the Republic of Ireland reminds you of how good they are. They need Hazard, De Bruyne and Lukaku to be really good in order win this tournament but if they play how they have been they may just get away with it or we could see a shock. But the key man in this side how to be De Bruyne and if he takes his chance he can establish himself as a world class player.

#1 - Germany

This German team are truly remarkable when they are as fluid as possible, they simply just need to get their forward players, such as Muller and Ozil playing as good as they can and I think they might run away with it. Defensively they are magnificent with them having possible the best centre half partnership in the world with the best keeper behind them. Hector at left-back has been amazing after a good season and it is hard to see anyone getting past him so they can really do something special and be world and European champions. They can really show everyone that they cold be the best German side of all time. Toni Kroos has been their best player so far in this tournament and it may make Real Madrid re-consider ketting him go, he is truly a master in that midfield.