France Team Profile - Euro 2016

Andy Lewis 00:40 06/06/2016
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  • Les Bleus have a history of claiming glory on home soil

    France are set to play host to a major international tournament for the first time since the summer of 1998 – when a proud footballing nation revelled in its greatest achievement. Hopes are high that this exciting Les Bleus side of 2016 can emulate those iconic World Cup winners and one man provides a cast iron link to the past: coach Didier Deschamps.

    Derided by Eric Cantona as a ‘water carrier’ for his perceived limitations as a footballer, perhaps ‘trophy carrier’ might be more apt – especially if he can mastermind another coup de grace on home soil. As captain of the team to deliver France’s first and only World Cup triumph, Deschamps knows what is required to go all the way in a tournament and the process of moulding the current crop began in 2012 when he replaced another legend of ‘98 in Laurent Blanc.

    There was always a feeling that the World Cup in Brazil two years ago would come too soon for a transitional yet talent-rich side, but that by this summer they would be peaking and ready for glory. Seven warm-up wins in eight games – including beating Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands – suggests that assertion is accurate.

    Deschamps relies upon seasoned internationals like goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris and midfielder Blaise Matuidi but it is the explosive potential of a youthful core that makes his side a major threat. Paul Pogba (23), Antoine Griezmann (25) and Anthony Martial (20) are no longer mere prospects – they can take this tournament by storm. And as if the emotion of being hosts wasn’t enough, the scars of last November’s Paris attacks are still raw. But out of despair can come triumph and Les Bleus will galvanise French society. With  quality all over the pitch and a whole nation behind them, the hosts might just be hard to stop.

    STRENGTHS

    The last two occasions France have been hosts – Euro ’84 and the 1998 World Cup  – they have won, so history is on their side. They have a classy goalkeeper, a midfield fizzing with energy and packed with power, while there is pace and variety throughout their attacking arsenal. Take these factors and imbue their challenge with fervent home support and it is a compelling force.

    WEAKNESSES

    Striker Karim Benzema’s omission for non-footballing reasons undoubtedly weakens the squad. Raphael Varane’s injury is also a huge blow. Manchester City fans will testify to how bad likely replacement Eliaquim Mangala can be. The full-back postions are also a questionable area, highlighted by veterans Patrice Evra (34), Bacary Sagna (33) and Christophe Jallet (32) all being in contention.

    STAR MAN – PAUL POGBA (Juventus)

    This could be a huge summer for Pogba with Europe’s biggest clubs all eager to make the Juventus star their marquee signing. The epitome of the modern midfielder, he combines huge athletic prowess with technical dexterity. Quick, strong and explosive, the 23-year-old is hugely effective with or without the ball. He also has an eye for a spectacular goal and is capable of lighting up the tournament. In the words of his close friend Romelu Lukaku, he is: “A No. 6, No. 8 and No. 10, all in one player.”

    VERDICT

    A group containing Romania, Albania and the Swiss is favourable before a last-16 tie with either Poland or Ukraine. Les Bleus look set for a deep run to at least the semi-finals and they are justifiably among the favourites for outright glory.

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