Expectations will be high for host nation France as coach Didier Deschamps looks to lead his troops to European success for the first time in 16 years.
Considered one of the favourites of the tournament, a positive omen for Les Bleus is they have a knack of performing exceptionally well on home soil. And with Deschamps boasting first-hand experience of dealing with the pressure, testament of captaining his side to glory at the 1998 World Cup, France will fancy their chances.
The two-time European champions are situated in Group A alongside Romania, Albania and Switzerland. Anything less than a semi-final berth would raise serious concerns over Deschamps’ personnel and tactics.
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Recent form
As host nation, France automatically earned their spot and thus did not have to endure the rigours of qualification. Instead, their preparation has hinged on international friendlies. In their 12 friendlies played since 2015, Les Bleus have won eight including notable victories over Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands.
However, France suffered defeats against Brazil and more pertinently England and Belgium, perceived as potential dark horses of the tournament. Of course it can be easy to over-magnify inconsequential friendlies, making it difficult to get an accurate indication of how the squad is faring.
Regardless of the noncompetitive nature surrounding friendlies, France have overall impressed by scoring 24 goals. Deschamps has also called-up several new players to the national side during these matches and has included the likes of N’Golo Kante, Anthony Martial and Kingsley Coman in his 23-man squad for the upcoming Euros.
Euro history
France have a respectable record in the Euros, qualifying for every edition of the tournament since failing to feature in the 1988 championships in Germany. Michel Platini’s phenomenal exploits inspired Les Tricolores to a maiden European title on home territory in 1984, before lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy again in 2000, following David Trezeguet’s golden goal versus Italy.
Repeating the feats of 1984 and 2000 next month would see France join Germany and Spain on three titles apiece. But in recent years, Les Bleus have been uninspiring in major tournaments. At Euro 2012 they were knocked out of the competition in tumultuous circumstances over ensuing winners Spain, while in 2008 they were dumped out in the group stage.
Strengths
The French outfit has many strings to its bow. They have numerous attacking options and possess talent in abundance across the park. The swashbuckling Paul Pogba in midfield, combined with the dynamism of Blaise Matuidi and Kante is a sight to behold. In attack, Antoine Griezmann is arguably Europe’s most lethal striker at the moment, netting at a prolific rate for club side Atletico Madrid.
Dimitri Payet has been a revelation at West Ham and his rousing performances caught the eye of the former Marseille boss. He poses a threat from set-pieces as well as on the wing. France are a dangerous side on the counter, but simultaneously like to dominate possession and dictate proceedings on their terms.
Weaknesses
With Deschamps restoring team unity not seen around the French camp for some time, following previous campaigns marred by hostility and egocentric dressing rooms, his high profile omissions could backfire. In April it was revealed star striker Karim Benzema’s suspension from the national team would be upheld, after allegedly blackmailing national teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape. Along with Benzema’s absence, Valbuena was not selected due to indifferent form with Lyon, while unpredictable forward Hatem Ben Arfa instead made an eight-man stand-by squad.
The defence has also been decimated through injury with Kurt Zouma and Aymeric Laporte missing, and Mamadou Sakho suspended due to a doping charge. Accordingly, the defence remains France’s Achilles’ heel. Laurent Koscielny is inconsistent and error prone, while Eliaquim Mangala had a season to forget with Manchester City. Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane is also a doubt to feature at the Euros, after recently sustaining a thigh injury ruling him out of the Champions League final. Deschamps will be optimistic the 23-year-old will be fit in time as his presence at the back is crucial, particularly in an injury-ravaged backline.
Predicted finish – Finalists
It will be fascinating to see how France handle the pressure in front of their home supporters. If they can get off to a solid start and gradually improve with each passing game, then there is no reason why they cannot make the final. Deschamps’ men have the quality to reach the latter stages, but it is just a matter of whether the atmosphere around the camp can be free of controversy and distractions.
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