The European Championships always throws out a curveball. A team that nobody backed generally makes a run deep into the tournament, like Andrei Arshavin-inspired Russia did in 2008 or when Greece won it all in 2004.

This year Spain are expected to defend their title in Poland and Ukraine with the usual suspects of Germany and Netherlands among the other frontrunners. So which team has a chance to make that unlikely run? Here are four who can surprise soccer fans.

1. Poland: Generally, hosts of the tournament tend to do well. While Ukraine have a decent team and their opponents will find a hostile atmosphere every time they play, it is highly unlikely that they will progress beyond the group stage. Poland on the other hand can surprise a few teams. They have been dealt a relatively easy group on paper with Czech Republic, Russia and Greece. Poland have the in-form Dortmund trio of Lukasz Piszczek, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Robert Lewandowski. They also have a safe pair of hands in Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

2. Republic of Ireland: Buoyed by fantastic support, the Irish are capable of creating their moments of magic. They have a very good front line in Robbie Keane, Shane Long and Kevin Doyle. They have an experienced defense and will not lack creativity in midfield with the likes of Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Darron Gibson and James McLean. They are also coached by the vastly experienced Italian Giovanni Trapattoni.

3. Croatia: All Eastern European teams are a handful. But while a lot of people are tipping Czech Republic to go far in the tournament, don't be surprised if it's Croatia instead. They have a talented squad at their disposal with the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Niko Krajcar, Darijo Srna, Ivan Rakitic, Eduardo and Nikica Jelavic. If Modric hits his form and if Jelavic and Eduardo are in a goal-scoring mood, Croatia can go a long way.

4. England: Yes, England it is. The perennial underachievers. Nobody is giving the English a chance in this tournament. They face France in their group and if they do finish in the top two, they potentially meet Spain or Italy, which means instant exit in the quarterfinals. However, coach Roy Hodgson has built a good system within the team which has made them hard to beat. They might not be aesthetically pleasing, but are capable of getting the results when they need it, starting on Monday against France.