With Euro 2016 underway, the Championship is remarkably being represented by 36 national footballers.

Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland, Iceland, Sweden, Czech Republic and the hosts, France, will all have Championship representatives within their squad.

As expected the roles of the selected players will vary, some will be pivotal parts of the first team engine whereas others may just be going to have a chat on the bench with their fellow subs.

Whatever their role, it’s obviously a great honour to be called up to your national squad for a major competition and with that in mind, we take a look at FIVE players to definitely keep an eye on during this competition.....

 

Jiri Skalak (Czech Republic)

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Skalak was a crucial part in Brighton’s promotion push during the 2015/16 campaign, in which Brighton came agonisingly close to reaching the top flight.

The attacker joined Brighton in February and recorded 8 appearances and two goals in that time.

He has so far made 5 international appearances for Czech Republic and looks set to play a big part in this year’s tournament.

If his league form is anything to go by, he’s certainly one to watch.

 

Jeff Hendrick (Rep. of Ireland)

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After a bit of a rough season with Derby County, Hendrick will be looking forward to his first major tournament with the Republic of Ireland squad this summer.

The Derby academy graduate has been an important player for the Rams ever since he first broke onto the scene.

His work ethic and passion shines through whilst playing and Rep. of Ireland will certainly be needing a lot of that for the upcoming games.

He’ll also have the extra incentive to play to his maximum ability as I’m sure that the new Derby boss, Nigel Pearson, will be keeping an eye on his international Rams this summer.

Moussa Sissoko (France)

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Still a Championship representative, for now, Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko is surely going to have a part to play in a French squad hopeful of lifting the trophy.

Although he may be a bit-part player for France, he could still have a big part to play.

His skill is definitely on show when he allows himself to show it and even though he’s had a rather dull season with Newcastle following Premier League relegation, I’m sure he’ll produce glimpses of his former self during the campaign.

Kieren Westwood (Rep. of Ireland)

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Another Rep. of Ireland star is Kieren Westwood, the shot-stopper is expected to be first team goalkeeper during the tournament ahead of 40-year-old veteran Shay Given and West Ham back-up keeper Darren Randolph.

Westwood was a key factor behind Sheffield Wednesday’s Play-Off run which cruelly ended in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Hull.

Westwood is very underrated on the big stage and that should come in very handy. He really could be the difference between reaching the knock out stage and being knocked out early.

Martin Olsson (Sweden)

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Another newly relegated ace, Martin Olsson should be Sweden’s first choice left-back during the Euro’s. With pace and skill similar to the likes of his brother, Marcus, Olsson should be a hit in France.

He’ll certainly create promising attacks down the left side and contribute to the already impressive attack force that Sweden have. Olsson is certainly a top championship star!

Are any of your team’s players at the Euros? Do you think these Championship stars will be a hit? Let us know below!