Obviously enough the answer to that headline is that we 'should' fear no one. Having said that however, experience has thought us that blind optimism is not exactly our friend either. We're going into a tough group, no doubt about that, and a healthy amount of respect for some capable opposition is the order of the day but that's not to say we won't be going in with a bit of belief.
Dangers abound but we'll have enough in the tank so here's a run down of the squads that we'll face in Group E this summer.
Belgium squad
*Laurent Ciman has since been called up to the squad.
How they'll line up (probably):
Star man: Kevin De Bruyne
Don't underestimate: Yannick Ferreira Carrasco
With all that attacking talent, it's unlikely that the Atletico wideman will be in line to start but that's hardly prevented him from contributing quite a bit to Atletico's run to the Champions League final. He'll be an absolute nightmare if Wilmots decides to spring him from the bench against a tired Ireland backline. Let's hope it doesn't come to do that.
Weak point: Central defence
When you have the opportunity to play two of the Premier League's best central defenders at full back, it's difficult to say that central defence is a weak point but absence of Vincent Kompany leaves a very definite hole in Marc Wilmots' squad. The Vermaelen +1 other scenario is far from ideal and the fact that Dedryck Boyata is in contention is enough to give Ireland fans a bit of hope.
Italy squad
How they'll line up (probably):
Star man: A solid defence
It would have been Verratti or Marchisio but without them, Italy will very much be looking to build from a solid defence.
Don't underestimate: Lorenzo Insigne
A couple of underwhelming years under Rafa Benitez at Napoli looked to have damaged Insigne's lofty career trajectory but he's back on track this year and he's the likely going to be the tricky attacker that Ireland are not going to want to deal with.
Weak point: A forward line that would make the likes of Del Piero and Inzaghi weep.
Sweden squad
How they'll line up (probably):
Star man: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
You may have heard the name once or twice.
Don't underestimate: Emil Forsberg
He helped RB Leipzig to the Bundesliga this season and it's quite possible that he'll provide a lot of the ammunition for Zlatan in France this summer.
Weak point: A midfield that can be bypassed
Outside Zlatan, you'd say that Sweden are a bit meh all over the field. But then you could probably say that about Ireland as well. Erik Hamren will likely opt against a flat four across the middle against Ireland but one way or another, Martin O'Neill will look to get in and around a midfield that still relies on Kim Kallstrom more than they probably should.
