English newspaper gives Ireland entirely fair Euro 2016 ranking

Opinions are like shoes.

Everybody has them and sometimes they stink. That said, we are sanguine enough about today's rating of all the 24 teams that will feature in Saturday's Euro 2016 draw by The Guardian newspaper. They've gone through the various sides that will feature in the pots, with France rated as number one, due to their history of winning both tournaments that they have hosted since World War Two. The worst team are Romania, who are described as "a deeply ordinary side devoid of flair." Ouch. Thankfully, we have fared just about where we thought we would having taken our place via the play-offs. We take up the 20th spot, with Martin O'Neill's side described in terms that any Irish fan will find it hard to disagree with:

"Limited but game. They lack creativity and quality but Martin O’Neill has organised them and imbued them with a spirit that makes them hard to beat."

We're just one ahead of Northern Ireland who in 21st spot  also get the Brian Cody treatment of having a fine team spirit that has taken them all the way to France:

"Qualifying was a remarkable achievement but a solid defence and an inspired goalscorer can only take you so far, even with a ferocious team spirit."

Our  qualifying group opponents Germany are rated third Poland also make the top 10 ranking. Once again it's only an opinion, so we doubt any Irish fans will be too bothered by the ratings which place England as the sixth best team and Wales in 14th position.

1. France
2. Spain
3. Germany
4. Belgium
5. Italy
6. England
7. Croatia
8. Portugal
9. Poland
10. Austria
11. Ukraine
12. Czech Republic
13. Iceland
14. Wales
15. Russia
16. Switzerland
17. Slovakia
18. Sweden
19. Turkey
20. Republic of Ireland (20)
21. Northern Ireland (24)
22. Hungary
23. Albania
24. Romania