Germany captain Philipp Lahm has challenged his team to start Euro 2012 with a roar when they open their Group B campaign against Portugal on Saturday.

Fabio Coentrao was in and out of the Real Madrid team last season despite a big money move from Benfica - but he intends to be in the thick of things making the case for Portugal in a tough Euro 2012 group.

Shane Long could have been one of Ireland's top Gaelic hurlers, contemplating several All-Ireland titles for Tipperary. Instead he is pitting his wits against some of the finest footballers in the world at Euro 2012.

Fresh from an English Premier League title with Manchester City, David Silva is one of the "little men" in the Spanish team whose pace and versatility could create headaches for its Euro 2012 opponents.

As he braces for his first major international tournament, Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny displays a levelheadedness that belies his youth.

After being afflicted by gaffe-prone goalkeepers for years, England arrives at the European Championship with one that is being lauded rather than laughed at.

A year ago, he was Mr. Nobody. Today, nobody, not even Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek, can imagine the national team without him.

Franck Ribery will have an integral part to play for France at Euro 2012, as "Les Bleus" seek to erase the painful memories of an inept display at the last World Cup in South Africa.

For all the artistry of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, Spain's renowned midfield would not have dominated world football for the past four years without the biting tackles of Xabi Alonso.

Teenage rising star Mario Goetze has been dubbed Germany's Lionel Messi and despite an injury-hit 2012, coach Joachim Loew has said he plans to give him a key role at Euro 2012.