The Group of Death is usually the one most viewers get excited about in a major tournament.

Group E fits that bill at this year's Euro competition. The contestants include Belgium, Italy, Ireland and Sweden, all teams more than capable of making a long run in the tournament.

Ireland is the heavy underdog

Ireland is perhaps the underdog here, never having gotten out of the group stage in its two Euro appearances. Yet the team is not without some respect and has only lost one of its last 12 matches since March 2015.

The bigger issue is that Ireland has a losing percentage against every team in this group and is the one without a major superstar.

But once we move on from Ireland, the wealth of talent is rather slim between the remaining contestants.

Can Italy make its mark?

Italy of course is the team with the highest honors, winning the title back in 1968 and placing second in 2012 when it was destroyed 4-0 to a superior Spanish side. The team features a veteran group that includes captain Gianluigi Buffon in what should be his final major tournament (he will be 40 by the time the next World Cup comes around in 2018). The defense has stalwarts like Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonnucci while the midfield has a tremendous amount of talent as well.

Offense is where the big questions will be asked with Simone Zaza likely the man to lead the line. He had five goals this year for Juventus, hardly the mark of a top scorer.

Belgium is the favorite

Belgium is likely seen as the favorite to win the group sporting the deepest roster in the group. Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Axel Witsel, Marouane Fellaini, Mousa Dembele, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Divock Origi, Christian Benteke and Yannick Carrasco just to name a few. This is arguably the deepest offense in the entire tournament. They did well in the 2014 World Cup despite being shut down by Argentina in the quarterfinals. But experience should give this team more confidence heading into this tournament where it has never finished higher than second.

Will Zlatan Make a Final Stand?

Sweden is not a major contender, but one player can make this team dangerous: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In what is undeniably the final major tournament of the superstar's career, Ibrahimovic will look to make his mark one last time. He had the goal of the tournament four years ago but has been unable to lead Sweden far in the tournament.

Best Player in the Group

Ibrahimovic, despite being 34, is still a top player in the world and when he is at his peak, he can carry his team on his own. He is less of a forward these days, dropping deeper to help build up play. That said, he had his best offensive output for Paris Saint-Germain this year, scoring 50 goals in all competitions for the club.

Schedule

June 13

Sweden vs. Ireland

Belgium vs. Italy

June 17

Italy vs. Sweden

June 18

Belgium vs. Ireland

June 22

Sweden vs. Belgium

Italy vs. Ireland

Predictions

Belgium wins the group while Ibrahimovic has a monster group stage and gets Sweden through as the second place side. Italy finishes third but makes the knockout rounds.