With the Euros no longer a distant dream, the eyes of the continent are firmly fixed on how their respective nations will fare in France.
For Arsenal fans, who have no less than ten players active in the tournament, the progress of Aaron Ramsey will be of particular interest, as his Wales side have the potential to be one of the tournament’s most surprising sides.
Ramsey, alongside Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, are the stars of the Welsh squad, who are embarking on their first tournament in 58 years. While Bale’s role is clear, to score goals and menace opposition defences, it’s Ramsey who will be required to pull the strings from the midfield.
Chris Coleman, the Wales manager, had this to stay on Ramsey: “All I expect from him is just to be Aaron Ramsey on the pitch for us, because there’s no one like him. He gives us something that we haven’t got. He can do things in the position he plays that other players can’t do.”
While Wales are far from favourites in the competition, the Euros have not always been clinched by the team the bookies tip to lift the title.
Although it was over a decade ago, the memory of Greece’s shock victory in Euro 2004 still lingers in the memory of all but the youngest football fans. While Greece might have lacked the superstars, their team spirit and tactical flexibility proved crucial in their success.
If Coleman can get his tactics right and allow Ramsey and Bale more freedom to dictate play, then Wales would undoubtedly stand a better chance than many would give them.
The Wales manager cited qualification matches against Scotland and Belgium where Ramsey excellent in the heart of the Welsh midfield.
Should he enjoy a promising Euro 2016 campaign, Arsenal fans can look forward to an even better future in the Arsenal midfield, alongside new signing Xhaka and ElNeny.