The wait is nearly over!

After nearly two years of qualifiers and few weeks of lukewarm pre-tournament friendlies, Euro 2016 finally kicks off on Friday. To whet your appetite, here are our picks of the likely contenders, the underachieving pretenders and the oft-discussed "dark horses."

France have a knack for imploding at major tournaments, but they are favorites for the festivities in their own backyard as they boast a very strong squad and impeccable form on home soil. Albania, meanwhile, are tournament virgins who will do very well to keep their heads above water in Les Blues’ group.

And as for the dark horses? Let’s just say we’re not going with the cliche of Belgium.

Check out the video and be sure to have your say in the comments.