After a year of anticipation, one of the most exciting competitions in international football is finally here.

The 2020 European Championships officially start on Friday, with Italy and Turkey locking horns at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

There are plenty of quality sides who should be competitive at the Euros, with Didier Deschamps’ France heavy favourites to lift the trophy.

However, teams such as Belgium and England have the talent to make some noise, while newcomers Ukraine made a serious statement in qualifying.

Here are three storylines to watch ahead of the tournament.

Can England live up to the hype

The Three Lions suffered one of the most embarrassing exits in their history in Euro 2016, losing to Iceland in the round of 16.

However, the 2018 World Cup saw Gareth Southgate’s men progress all the way to the semi-finals, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Croatia in extra time.

England have been trending upward ever since, getting to the Nations League finals in 2019.

This squad is oozing with talent, young and old. Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are just a few names who will be making their debuts in a major tournament this month.