Claude Makelele believes Romania could be the surprise package in Euro 2008’s ‘Group of Death’.

France, Italy and Holland are expected to battle it out for the two spots in Group C, but Makelele feels it is wrong to rule out a side who qualified with ease from a group which included the much-fancied Dutch.

With all four sides capable of booking a place in the quarter-finals it promises to be an intriguing battle for supremacy, and Makelele insists that Raymond Domenech’s troops cannot afford to underestimate any of their opponents at the upcoming tournament.

"They (Romania) are a tough opposition," he said.

"The Romanians have the same characteristics as us and are one of the best teams in the competition.

"They are a young team with loads of quality and are going to pose a lot of problems to the other teams in the group."

Threat

Romania’s biggest threat undoubtedly comes in the form of star striker Adrian Mutu, and Makelele is well aware of his former team-mate’s ability from their time together at Chelsea.

"He is a very good player," he said.

While Mutu will be the focal point around which Victor Piturca bases his side, France boss Raymond Domenench admits that to single out the Fiorentina man for special treatment could be a dangerous tactic.

"Mutu? Romania are not all about one player, but a good team all round with heaps of talent," he said.