Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
There are few people that will say they're fans of Michel Platini, off the field anyway. But he's left his legacy and that kicks off next summer with the first European Championship to be played in not one host nation, but 12.
It's a landmark move to celebrate the tournament's 60th birthday and is being praised by some, criticised by just as many. So, can it be a success?
The summer ahead poses a number of questions, not least who is the favourite.
The tournament host is often cited among those, but with England, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain among the contenders holding games, it makes things a little more interesting.
Despite that, it's France that are 4/1 favourites according to Betdaq, although England are in second at 11/2, with the Final at Wembley.
On only two occasions have a host nation not reached at least the Semi Final, and most Betdaq betting offers are placing the bigger teams with home ties as hot prospects.
One thing that may be hugely altered and affect the competition however is atmosphere. There's something beautiful about having fans from 24 nations in one country. That mix of cultures, all experiencing one together. In this instance, a handful of fans will simply be travelling a few miles, in the Group Stage at least.
It's been the most in-demand tournament in history, with 19.3 million applications for tickets, but is it purely going to be built towards home fans?
England are currently priced at 1/100 with William Hill to be Group A winners and fans following the Three Lions, will have to travel between Baku and Rome, while Amsterdam and Bucharest in Group C is also a lengthy travelling distance.
England benefit the most. They will take home advantage in the Group Stage, while fans of any team will only need to travel between London and Glasgow, and should the Three Lions reach the Semi Final, just as they did at the World Cup, they will be in front of a home crowd at Wembley, along with the Final.
That would be huge, building on the success of the Russia tournament and laying ghosts to rest of Euro 96. And with Gareth Southgate at the helm, it could be written in the stars.
It seems like it will be a logistical nightmare, with fans having to travel across the continent from the Group Stage to knockouts and with prices raised for hotels and flights, it could also prove one of the most costly.
It'll be interesting to see how well it comes off. Russia 2018 seemed like it wouldn't work, but it proved a huge success. Fingers crossed the same will apply next summer.
The 91 biggest football stadiums in Europe. From Manchester to Munich, Villa Park to Valencia - each one with a capacity over 40,000
All good things have to come to an end, and the same unfortunately has to be said for football stadiums too. This article looks at the grounds which are soon to host their last match, the stadiums whose days are numbered and where fans will be watching their football from next.
23 interesting things to do to pass the time until the football season restarts
Taking my son to his first football match was one of the best experiences I've had as a father so far. I've written this article for Alex to read when he gets older.
