The weeks between the end of the various league competitions have been filled with meaningless international friendlies but that all ends today with the start of the European Championships.

There’s a reason the tagline for this year’s renewal of the showpiece is “Le Rendez-Vous” with payoff line translating to ‘the appointment’ which is what the hosts have tonight when they take on Romania at the Stade de France tonight.

The history of this competition is a colourful one, remember Greece’s unlikely triumph in 2004, and the last two editions have seen Spain dominate. They also sandwiched a Fifa World Cup victory in 2010 between their two European triumphs.

Before the start of the 2016 edition why not relive some of the finest moments from the 2012 version with a video of some of the top goals of the tournament.

A personal favourite of mine from this compilation has to be the cheeky effort by Danny Welbeck with the brilliant finish by German Sami Khedira at the 6:49 mark a close second. Another notable entry has to be Mario Balotelli’s effort.

As far as finding an outright winner for the tournament it’s been tough with a number of teams all serious contenders. Without any real standouts, I’ve opted to put my head on a block and pick Germany as the team to progress all the way and eventually lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy on July 10.

But you’ve got to also fancy other a few other sides to make a mark with Spain, Italy, the hosts and even England, desperate to achieve at a major event, with the make-up of their side a balanced mix of youth and experience.

Either way, expect the next four weeks to be chock full of quality action as the best in European football converge on France.

Reckon you have a better idea as to who will claim the prize at Euro 2016? Let’s hear it then.