The waiting is almost over as this summer's European Championships in France is almost upon us, writes Jamie Hall.

What promises to be a fantastic festival of football gets underway a week on Friday, and with the opening game almost upon us, Advertiser Sport has taken a look at each group and who is likely to be in with a chance at the business end of the tournament.

Group A: The hosts are one of the pre-tournament favourites and look a good bet to top their group. They are joined by Switzerland, who will fancy their chances of progressing, although Romania, who are making their first tournament appearance since 2008, will be hoping to spring a surprise. Tournament debutants Albania complete the group, and they will face an uphill struggle to get past the opening stages.

Group B: England will come into the tournament full of confidence thanks to the good form of players such as Jamie Vardy (pictured) and Harry Kane, and they will regard this as one of their best chances yet to end their 50-year tournament hoodoo. Wales, inspired by the brilliance of Gareth Bale, topped their qualifying group and will be an unknown quantity, having not appeared at a tournament since 1958. They and Russia will fight it out for second place, while Slovakia will be outsiders to progress.

Group C: World champions Germany will be the favourites to top the group but struggled in their warm-up games, and both Ukraine and Poland may sense a chance to cause an upset. Northern Ireland are, on paper, the weakest team at the tournament but topped their qualifying group, but they have already defied the odds in making it onto the plane and will see no reason why they can't do it again.

Group D: Holders Spain endured a torrid time at the 2014 World Cup but have now entered a new chapter. They lost just once in qualifying and will be contenders for their third consecutive title. Second place is up for grabs with Croatia, Turkey and the Czech Republic all in with a shout, but the Croats should have just enough to edge it thanks to players of the calibre of Luka Modric.

Group E: On paper, this should be a straight fight between the youth of Belgium and experience of Italy for top spot. The Belgians have long been tipped for glory but Italy know exactly what is required and will be looking to go one better after falling at the final hurdle in 2012. The Republic of Ireland just pipped Scotland to qualification but will have their work cut out, while Sweden will be heavily reliant on Zlatan Ibrahimovic if they are to go any further.

Group F: Portugal's hopes lie squarely at the feet of Cristiano Ronaldo but they should have no problems negotiating this group, which is theoretically the easiest of the six. Iceland are making their first appearance at a major tournament and will be hoping the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson can make sure their fairytale does not end just yet. Austria boast David Alaba, Christian Fuchs and Marko Arnautovic among their ranks but that may not be enough to see them through to the second round, while Hungary are likely to struggle in their first tournament for 30 years.

Summary

This year's competition is one of the most open for many years, with several nations all in with a good chance of glory come July 10.

England have been hotly-tipped in the run-up to the tournament, and with confidence high and key players hitting form at just the right time, they will fancy their chances.

Germany, as the reigning world champions, will also be contenders but may be let down defensively, while Spain romped their qualifying group but are very much a work in progress as they continue to rebuild.

However, France look to be the team to beat, and with this year's tournament being played out on home soil, along with a host of talented players in their ranks, they appear to be the most likely to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy come the summer.

ADVERTISER SPORT'S PUNDIT PANEL EURO 2016 PREDICTIONS:

Graeme Lafferty, Senior Sports Reporter, Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser

Winners: SPAIN. A lot of the focus will be on World Champions Germany who are quite simply tournament specialists so it will be no surprise to see them reach the latter stages, but for me the likely winners could be Spain. The defending champions have gone somewhat under the radar in the build up, but made the headlines when omitting the likes of Diego Costa, Juan Mata and Fernando Torres from their squad. Any side who can leave out players of that quality and still have one of the best squad at the tournament need to be taken seriously. A tricky looking group alongside Turkey, Croatia and the Czech Republic may just mean they will be battle hardened come the knockout stages and I expect them to go all the way. 

Player of the tournament: Alvaro Morata. The Juventus hitman has enjoyed the best season of career this term winning the domestic league and cup double in Italy whilst firing in 12 goals including a dramatic late winner in the Coppa Italia final win over AC Milan. He is linked with a move back to Real Madrid this summer, but is also interesting the likes of Arsenal so will be determined to produce on the big stage in France. 

Most anticpated clash: England vs Wales will be a pretty special occasion just because it is two of the home nations squaring off on the big stage, but the most exciting one for me will be Italy vs Belgium. That one will be a real test of how far Belgium have come and will go a long way to determining how far they will go in the competition. 

Favourite classic Euros moment: England losing on penalties to Portugal back at Euro 2004. Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo saved a penalty with no gloves on and then scored the decisive kick to send Beckham and co crashing out at the quarter final stage. Portugal would go on to lose to Greece in the final in what was a memorable tournament overall and one of the biggest shock winners since Denmark in 1992.

Jamie Hall, Trainee Sports Reporter, Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser

Winners: FRANCE. Home advantage, and the emergence of players such as Griezmann and Pogba, mean the hosts' new generation have a great chance of coming out on top this summer.

Player of the Tournament: Kevin de Bruyne was a shining light in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Manchester City, and the former Chelsea man has the ability to change a game in an instant. 

Most anticipated clash: England v Wales, the 'Battle of Britain', should have a real derby atmosphere. I'm also hoping France come up against Germany at some point. 

Favourite Euros moment: Angelos Charisteas scoring the winner for Greece in 2004. What a story and the perfect example of how a team can be more than the sum of its parts.

Fraser Duncan, Manager, Sauchie Juniors FC: 

Winners: ENGLAND. Roy Hodgson has a lot of quality throughout the side and with the likes of Vardy, Alli and Kane all hitting top form at moment I think it could be their year. 
It will be a tight tournament with France, Germany and Spain all making latter stages. 

Player of tournament: Robert Lewandowski. One of best strikers in the world and a talisman for his country. He has great ability, is always a big threat and I think he will score a lot of goals. 

Most anticipated clash: Every game from June 13th as I will be enjoying the action from the beach at that point with a cold beer. 

Favourite Euros memory: Scotland beating Switzerland 1-0 at Euro 96’ via an Ally McCoist screamer.

Jack Ross, Manager, Alloa Athletic

Winners: FRANCE. They have an exciting new generation of players who are hungry. Plus they have won both the World Cup in 98' and the Euros in 84' when hosting before so they should be strong contenders. 
Player of tournament: Dele Alli. It is always someone from the left field who is an emerging talent. He is a top player who has had a fantastic season and certainly fits the bill. 

Most anticipated clash: Northern Ireland vs Germany. I know Michael O'Neill very well so there is a personal interest there, plus it is their last group game. They could go into that game with a chance to qualify and who knows even pull off an upset. 

Favourite Euros memory: Euro 96' Scotland vs England. I was at Wembley for the game and although the result didn't go our way, Scotland were excellent that day and the whole occasion was special.