Belgium have been touted as the favorites as they are ranked among the potential European champions by bookmakers, only after France, Germany, Spain and England, while boss Marc Wilmots plays down their chance to win the EURO 2016 this summer. Are they outsiders or front runners?

International Performance

The Red Devils ended a 12-year absence from the European championship finals. Highlights of those strong squads include a runners-up spot at Euro 1980 and a third-place finish at Euro 1972.

With the second golden generation, Wilmots' side surged up the FIFA World Rankings and completed their remarkable rise to the top for the first time in November 2015 after their impressive 2014 World Cup campaign.

The Reds also finished top of EURO 2016 qualifying Group B with 23 points in 10 games where they scored twenty-four goals and conceded only five, but it is let down by the team's weak performance against second-placed Wales.  A result of one draw and one loss may somehow testify to their incompetence in front of the big teams.

The Golden Generation

Belgium have emerged as one of the best teams in Europe, boasting a wealth of young talent. The star-studded side have 12 players contracted to Premier league clubs, including Eden Hazard, who is set to become the new captain and Manchester City's assist-machine Kevin De Bruyne. If the Chelsea playmaker plays well in tandem with De Bruyne, they can make big impact at EURO 2016.

When it comes to the goalkeeper, Chelsea stopper Thibaut Courtois' being deployed as the Belgium NO 1 came as no surprise. The 24-year-old has already proved himself as one of the world-class keepers.

In defence, thigh injury has ruled out Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany. However, Wilmots have received a significant boost with Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen given the all clear for this summer. And the 47-year-old is considering Jason Denayer to replace Kompany.

With regard to the midfileders, Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini is expected to start for Belgium. Whether or not you like him as a player, Fellaini is a real asset beyond a shadow of a doubt if used properly.

In attack, there are 8 options in the squad. The manager will face a difficult decision in his attacking approach, thereby meaning Christian Benteke, Romelu Lukaku and Divock Origi will have to battle it out for the starting role.

Group E Fixtures

Belgium may expect stern test from a group of death where they play Italy, Sweden and Republic of Ireland, but the Red Devils have a chance to make it through:

Although Italy is one of the most successful national teams in World Cup history, the Azzurri has shortage of stars in their attacking line for this edition with both Sebastian Giovinco and Mario Balotelli failed to make the country's squad and veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo not included.

As a team not littered with top class players, Sweden rely so heavily on superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The 34-year-old does mean a lot for them. Whether Erik Hamren's side could get past the group stage depends on the giant striker's individual performance.

Ireland are not European Championship regulars. This is only the third time they book their place in the finals, so Belgium may expect an easy job from them.

With so many talented players in their squad, Belgium look a very strong team on paper. If Wilmots could hold them together and avoid injuries, they may go one step further than what they've achieved at EURO 1980.