Euro 2016 Team Guide: Group A – France
France were the last host nation to win the Euros when they were propelled to victory by the magical Michel Platini back in 1984.
Fast forward 32 years and while Les Bleus aren’t quite as impressive as that vintage side, they’re still blessed with more than enough talent to go a long way in this summer’s tournament.
One look at some of the stellar names in Didier Deschamps’ squad and you’ll see why; Pogba, Varane, Matuidi, Lloris, Griezmann – the list goes on.
When Premier League stars like Dmitri Payet and N’Golo Kante struggle to get a regular start in the side, you know they’ve got a lot of quality.
Both have forced their way into the squad on the back of impressive season's in England, and that will only add to the strength in depth.
Expect them to go very far.
Star Man – Paul Pogba
Since Manchester United let him go in 2012, Pogba has blossomed into one of the finest – and most valuable - players in Europe.
Often compared to French legend Patrick Vieira, Pogba has already won 29 caps for his country and he’s only just 23.
And he’s got the lot; touch, vision, endless energy and a physical presence that makes him almost impossible to shake off the ball,
Put simply, he’s the complete modern midfielder.
All of which makes Manchester United’s decision to let him go, especially after a season like they’ve had this year, seem all the more frustrating.
One to Watch – Kingsley Coman
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder and winger has gone from strength to strength since his summer loan move from Juventus to Bayern Munich.
His debut season in Germany has been sensational. With six goals and ten assists, he’s proved to be a more than able deputy for the likes of Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben, and he is also the main reason why World Cup winner Mario Gotze can’t get in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Clubs across Europe are well aware of his potential, and he could be about to announce himself to a global audience.
Coach – Didier Deschamps
Eric Cantona may have famously called him a “water carrier” but if a coach’s credentials can be measured by the number of medals he’s won, as a player and a manager, then Didier Deschamps will take some beating.
He’s won everything there is to win - from World Cups to Champions Leagues and domestic titles. Now he’s got a genuine chance to add another major trophy to his CV.
The former Monaco, Marseille and Juventus coach took over from former France team-mate Laurent Blanc in July 2012, and guided Les Bleus to the quarter-final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where they lost 1-0 to eventual winners Germany.
Don’t forget that he’s also won the Euros too, when he captained his country to victory in 2000, making France the first team since West Germany in 1974 to hold both the World Cup and the European Championship.
But the French are famously feisty and much will depend on Deschamps’ ability to maintain a sense of team unity within his squad, something that’s been their undoing at previous tournaments.
Factfile
Most capped player: Lilliam Thuram (142)
Highest goalscorer: Thierry Henry (51)
Best performance in Euros: Winners 1984, 2000
FIFA world ranking: TBC
Odds: 7/2
Group A Fixtures
Friday, June 10: France v Romania (20:00, Stade de France, Paris)
Saturday, June 11: Albania v Switzerland (14:00, Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens)
Wednesday, June 15: Romania v Switzerland (17:00, Parc des Princes, Paris)
Wednesday, June 15: France v Albania (20:00, Stade Velodrome, Marseille)
Sunday, June 19: Romania v Albania (20:00, Stade de Lyon)
Sunday, June 19: Switzerland v France (20:00, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille)