The lowdown on hosts France ahead of Euro 2016

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Updated: June 9, 2016
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France boast a fearsome attack and in Paul Pogba have a potential star of Euro 2016… but a defensive crisis is threatening to derail the favourites’ bid for glory

They may only be ranked as the 10th best team competing at the European Championship but host nation France head into the tournament as the bookmakers’ favourite.

In truth, France’s FIFA world ranking of 17 is skewed by the fact Didier Deschamps’ side have not played any competitive football for two years.

A squad packed full of exciting attacking talent has led to a swell of expectation and excitement among supporters as Euro 2016 fever heightens.

France kick off their European Championship campaign against Romania on Friday night

France kick off their European Championship campaign against Romania on Friday night


Didier Deschamps' side have been installed as favourites ahead of the tournament on home turf

Didier Deschamps’ side have been installed as favourites ahead of the tournament on home turf


France begin their quest to win a competition they last won 16 years ago when they take on Romania at the Stade de France on Friday.

A look at recent results and it is easy to understand why France are so highly fancied. Albeit in friendlies, they have won nine of their last 10 matches – the only defeat coming against England at Wembley but that was in the aftermath of the terror attacks that struck Paris in November. So, how are France shaping up ahead of Friday’s opener?

The French squad train at their base in Clairefontaine on Monday ahead of the opener at Stade de France

The French squad train at their base in Clairefontaine on Monday ahead of the opener at Stade de France


Embarrassment of attacking riches

France are blessed with an array of exciting attacking talent that will cause their Euro 2016 opponents to have nightmares in the build-up to the tournament.

In Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial, Dimitri Payet and Kingsley Coman, Deschamps has a wealth of stars that possess pace, skill and a capability to terrorise defenders.

The France boss’s biggest problem will be deciding who to leave out of his starting XI. Deschamps favours a 4-3-3 formation with a recognised No 9 through the middle.


FRANCE EURO 2016 FIXTURES

France v Romania – June 10 (Paris)

France v Albania – June 15 (Marseille)

Switzerland v France – June 19 (Villeneuve-d’Ascq)

With Benzema unavailable, Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud will get the nod and the 29-year-old enters the tournament in fine form having netted three goals in four international appearances since the turn of the year, including a brace against Cameroon last weekend.

Atletico forward Griezmann, who scored 32 goals for the Champions League finalists last season, is certain to start if fit leaving Martial and Payet vying for the final place in a star-studded forward line.

France’s attacking prowess is illustrated by the fact they have scored 13 goals in their four fixtures in 2016 and they will fancy themselves to outscore any opponent this summer.


Antoine Griezmann, who scored 32 goals for Atletico Madrid last season, takes aim during training

Antoine Griezmann, who scored 32 goals for Atletico Madrid last season, takes aim during training


France possess an array of attacking talent, such as Anthony Martial,  with pace and skill in abundance

Stage set for Pogba

In Paul Pogba, France boast one of the most gifted and highly sought-after midfielders to be taking part in the European Championship and he has the potential to be as influential for France as the great Zinedine Zidane.

With Serie A’s diminishing status as one of Europe’s leading leagues, the stage is set for the Juventus midfielder to stake a claim as one of the world’s best players.

The 23-year-old, who was inexplicably allowed to leave Manchester United four years ago, expertly combines athleticism and grace, packing power and skill in equal measure.

He displayed all his attributes in one short sequence when setting up Giroud to score against Cameroon last Saturday. Collecting the ball, he showed pace and power to break past the defender, quick feet to engineer space before delivering an inch-perfect pass.

Pogba is perennially linked with a move away from Juventus with Barcelona often credited with the strongest interest. Perform this summer and his burgeoning value will shoot up even further.

The stage is set for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba to light up the European Championship