Euro 2016: The Favourites

FAVOURITES TO WIN

Germany: Honor at stake! Germany, world champion is definitely the favorite for this final phase. First of their group in the qualifying round, the Maanschaft has exceeded its group with much comfort, winning 7 of the 10 games. Leaning against his great collective game and surrounded by great individuals such as Muller, Gotze and Ozil, Germany will try to win his fourth European Championship history after those achieved in 1972, 1980 and 1996.

France: Absent in the playoffs host France is also part favorite to win the championship. After a good World Cup in 2014 (eliminated in the quarterfinals against Germany), France comes to the appointment after a series of 16 friendly matches. The Didier Deschamps has been imposed in this period rivals such as Spain, Portugal and Germany recently. As in 1984 and 1998, the French team will be more dangerous than ever for the fact of playing at home, and try to win a competition they have not won since 2000.

Spain: Two time champion Spain has done a great qualifying campaign with 27 points from 30 possible. In addition to their offensive potential  the Spaniards have shown a solid defense, conceding only 3 goals in 10 games. After a disastrous 2014 World Cup, Del Bosque's men come to the more complete than ever French event. Willing to demonstrate that players like Ramos, Iniesta and Fabregas are still here to stay, they are more than ever another candidate for the final victory.

LIKELY RUNNERS UP

Italy: Like the English, Antonio Conte's men have finished their qualifying group unbeaten (7 wins and 3 draws) after a disastrous World Cup. Its best asset is the renewal led by the coach, who has joined the Azzurri players like Pelle, Eder, Poli or Florenzi. Yes, the team's base remain Marchisio, Chiellini and Buffon and Pirlo mythical veterans.

Belgium: Current No. 1 ranking FIFA, Belgium will be the No. 1 Euro. Like the Germans and the Spanish, the Red Devils have finished their group leaders after 7 wins in 10 games, 24 goals made by just 5 embedded. The Belgians played a good World Cup and Euro see this as a great opportunity. Endowed with great talent with players like Hazard, De Bruyne or Courtois, coach Marc Wilmots will try to lead his country to victory in his first European Championship.

England: The best team in this qualifying campaign with 10 wins in 10 games, Roy Hodgson's England has impressed throughout the continent and has been postulated as a candidate for winning the title. After a pathetic Cup World (1 single point in Brazil), England have perfected the generational change with new stars like Sterling, Kane or Barkley. Yes, the backbone of the team's veterans continue to form Rooney, Carrick and goalkeeper Hart. With all this arsenal, the England team seeks to conquer their first European Cup.

Jaume is a Spanish student at SES for three months. He is a big football fan and is playing locally in Folkestone.

A Local's Guide to Spain

Sunset in Mallorca

Spain actually is one of the most visited countries for tourism in the world. It is in South Europe between Portugal, Italy, France and Africa. There are beautifuls beaches, great old buildings, big and small cities, different traditions tan other places and a lot of shops for shopping.

Mountains in Canary Islands

Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Canary Islands and Balearic Islands are the most important sities to visit in Spain. All these sites have one thing in common, they have sun and are warm. In Madrid there aren’t any beaches because it is yhe centre of Spain but it is very warm and it has many attractions for example museums, big squares with shops, amusement parks and a shopping centre.

The other cities that I have mentioned before are characterized by their beaches. Sevilla doesn’t have a beach but is near the coast.

Caves in Canary Islands

In addition Spain has very big and popular parties, for example, the Carnival in the Canary Islands, the Fallas in Valencia, the Festival in Barcelona, Saint John in Menorca and the big and famous parties in Ibiza and Magaluf.

Switzerland

The "Goms" valley

Introduction

Switzerland is one of the smallest but most worth-seeing countries in the world. You find huge mountains as well as cities with their own charm. Varied landscapes appear in different ways depending on the season. The public services are very good so you can easily travel to the whole country.

What to visit

The most famous mountain called “Matterhorn” is worthy of its reputation. Moreover, travel as often as you can with the train and you will discover more. Also the cities are connected to the national railway network. Visit the bears in the capital city Bern or go on a steam navigation in Luzern.

from my Home

In small and traditional restaurants (“Beizli”) you enjoy the special Swiss dishes like “Fondue” or “Racelette”. Do you prefer sweet food? Go for a look in one of the most famous chocolate factories around the world and find out which kind of chocolate is your favourite.

If you would like to know more about the history, development and technology go to the “Verkehrshaus” in Luzern where you can experience all.

Leisure attractions

Zürich is very popular for shopping and the “Bahnhofstrasse” offers all you want. Besides, Zürich and Luzern have several night clubs and bars which are open from 10 pm until the early hours. In smaller places you have the possibility to go to a traditional Swiss pub.

in the Swiss Alps

Special Events

More and more music festivals spread out in the whole of Switzerland. On 1 August Switzerland makes a big party for its birthday.

Moreover, go to a ski race in winter in the Swiss Alps.

Daria is a student from Switzerland. She is spending eleven weeks on the SES full Octorial programme.