Euro 2020 Profile: France

Team: France

Manager: Didier Deschamps

Group: F

Other teams in group: Portugal, Germany, Hungary.

THE SQUAD

France is definitely blessed with options when it came to naming their squad. There are 16 clubs from just 5 different leagues represented in the 23-man squad. The majority of which play in either England or Spain. Bayern Munich have the most with four players. Remarkably, the new champions of France only have one representative.

The squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mike Meignan (LOSC Lille).

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Everton), Léo Dubois (Lyon), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint Germain), Jules Koundé (Sevilla), Clément Lenglet (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Raphaël Varane (Real Madrid), Kurt Zouma (Chelsea).

Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea), Thomas Lemar (Atlético Madrid), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Tottenham), Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembélé (Barcelona), Olivier Giroud (Chelsea), Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona), Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint Germain), Marcus Thuram (Borussia Mönchengladbach).

HOW THEY GOT HERE

The World Cup holders qualified as winners of Group H, but it was one they had to work hard for though. It started off in convincing fashion as both Moldova and Iceland were put to the sword. Given the talent at their disposal, they were expected to make easy work of it.

Defeat in Turkey brought them back down to earth as the hosts intended on keeping pace with them.

But the French shrugged this off with victories against Albania, Andorra and Iceland to put themselves back on track. Turkey had dropped points in Iceland in the meantime.

The return game in France was their chance to put the group to bed. The subsequent draw still left it in the balance. They were able to seal the deal in wins against Moldova and Albania, with three points to spare on their rivals.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Karim Benzema: Possibly the announcement that made most of the competition sit up and take notice. They already possessed strong forward options in as it stood. Adding his name to the mix further emphasised the strength of options available.

The absence of Anthony Martial through injury had been cited as a reason for his recall, but his form for Real Madrid solidified his claim.

He was a key member of the squad who won multiple leagues and Champions League trophies. He adds an extra dimension through his ability to play in a number of positions, his strength and awareness. His experience could be vital in a tight group.

N’Golo Kante: It seems remarkable how much the understated midfielder has achieved in the space of five years. Two league titles, the Europa League and the FA Cup for his club sides and plenty of player of the year awards.

With the national side, he has been a key member of the side ever since making his debut. His job might not be a glamourous one, but he does it with remarkable efficiency.

Neat in possession, constantly aware of danger and clean in the tackle, he is the fulcrum that allows the offensive players the freedom to work their magic.

Raphael Varane: Since joining Real Madrid almost, a decade ago, Varane has established himself as one of the world’s best defenders.

His time at the Spanish giants has produced multiple league, Champions League and FIFA World Cup honours. A major aspect of his importance has been due to his pace, technical ability and versatility.

Equally comfortable playing at centre-half or at full-back depending on the occasion required. He played every minute as France triumphed in 2018.

In a position that France are not short of options in, he is generally first on the team sheet.

WHERE THEY ARE PLAYING AND STAYING

15/06: France v Germany, Allianz Arena, Munich

19/06: France v Hungary, Puskás Aréna, Budapest

23/06:  France V Portugal, Puskás Aréna, Budapest

France are going to stay at Vital Hotel Nautis in Budapest. It was built in the capital of Lake Venice, Gárdony, right on the lake shore, next to the port and the free beach. Lake Velencei is the third largest freshwater lake in Hungary, halfway between the M7 motorway connecting Lake Balaton and Budapest.

THREE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE TEAM

This will be France’s nineth appearance at the finals. They were part of the four team who took part in the original edition in 1960. It took them another 24 years to qualify for their next one though. Despite that long absence, they are second in terms of wins in the competition’s history.

France could set a new record by being the only side to have ever won a World Cup-Euro back-to-back. It would add to their achievement in 1998 and 2000. Spain is the only other side to have managed to do this.

Oliver Giroud currently stands out on his own as the second top all-time goal scorer for his country. To surpass Thierry Henry’s record in this tournament, he might need to produce the sort of form Michel Platini had during Euro 1984 when he scored nine goals. That still stands as record in one tournament and joint top scorer of all time.

THEIR RECENT FORM

France have a great record going into the Euros. In their last 12 games they have only lost once, losing 2-0 to Finland in a friendly late last year. They have the boost of finishing ahead of Portugal in their Nations League group during that run.

First game: The French play Germany in their opening Group B fixture on the 15^{th of} June in Munich.