Predictions

Winner - Germany

The German's are a side who are always around the mark at major international tournaments, and I think 2012 could finally be their year.

They'll have do well to go all the way, being drawn amongst the 'Group of Death', however the depth of quality throughout their squad is incredible. Manuel Neuer is one of the world's finest goalkeepers; their defence holds the likes of Holger Badstuber, Per Mertesacker, Mats Hummels and is led by their captain Philipp Lahm; their midfield is immense - Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos and Mario Gotze are among the best in the world; up front Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez have scored 128 international goals between them.

They've made 3 of the past 5 European Championship Final's, with their last title coming in 1996, and I think they could add their 4th European title in Kiev 2012.

Smokey - Croatia

The Croat's may be overlooked amongst Group C heavyweights Spain and Italy, however they are not to go underrated. With Italy's troubles growing in the lead up to this tournament, Croatia could look to take full advantage. Spain are probably going to be unbeatable in this group, so it is essential they get off to a good start in their first match against Ireland before facing Italy in Game 2. If they can get the 3 points in their first match, their confidence and form could be enough for them to see off the Italian's.

There's no shortage of creativity in their squad, either. Their midfield has creative types such as Darijo Srna, Luka Modric, Danijel Pranjic, Niko Kranjcar and Ivan Rakitic; while up front Nikica Jelavic was brilliant throughout his domestic season, and will compliment Eduardo nicely.

Golden Boot - Robin Van Persie

The Dutchman has an incredible scoring record for both club and country, and following on from his amazing 2011-12 domestic season for Arsenal, I think Robin van Persie will win the Golden Boot. If the Dutch can progress from the incredibly difficult Group B, I can see them making at least the Semi Final's, giving Van Persie the best possible chance to top the scoring charts at Euro 2012. He netted 6 times in 6 games for Holland in the qualifying for this tournament, as well as scoring 30 goals in 37 games for Arsenal in the Premier League. A potential transfer away from the Emirates could be lingering over Van Persie's campaign, however I don't think that will effect his scoring touch.

Young Player of the Tournament - Yann M'Vila

The 21-year-old French midfielder has already proven he can be a dominant force in his 19 caps at international level. The defensive-minded player starred for his club Rennes throughout this season, earning praise and attracting the interest of Europe's biggest clubs. M'Vila should be a guaranteed starter throughout the tournament, and with his French side looking a threat of going very far in this competition, M'Vila is a chance of taking out the Young Player of the Tournament award.

Player of the Tournament - Bastian Schweinsteiger

I've tipped the German's to go all the way at Euro 2012, so I might as well tip a German to win the Golden Ball award. Schweinsteiger is crucial to Germany's chances. He creates, he enforces and he scores for his national side. He's such a balanced central midfielder, and he has critics to prove wrong at this tournament, following his penalty miss in Bayern Munich's Champions League Final loss. I think you could see Schweinsteiger really take a step up over the next month, and I'm tipping him to leave the Euro's with a Champion's medal and a Golden Ball.