France enters Euro 2024 as one of the top contenders, poised to make a significant impact in Germany. Positioned as second favorites by bookmakers, just behind England, Les Bleus are set to leverage a blend of youth and experience under the guidance of seasoned manager Didier Deschamps. The team’s journey to the tournament comes on the back of a stellar qualifying campaign, finishing atop Group B with an unbeaten record.
The shadow of past disappointments looms large for France, especially their heart-wrenching penalty shootout losses in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals and the 2022 World Cup final. However, the current squad seems well-equipped to overcome these setbacks. Deschamps has made a notable move by recalling N’Golo Kante, whose experience will be invaluable despite his recent stint in Saudi Arabia, raising questions about his match fitness. The team’s depth and versatility are expected to be key assets as they navigate through a challenging Group D, featuring the Netherlands, Poland, and Austria.
Manager Didier Deschamps and Captain Kylian Mbappe: A Winning Combination?
Didier Deschamps continues to be a steady hand at the helm of the French national team, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record. Under his leadership, France has consistently been a formidable force in international tournaments. His strategic acumen and ability to foster team cohesion will be crucial as Les Bleus aim to go the distance in Euro 2024. Deschamps’ decision to include seasoned players like Kante, alongside emerging talents, underscores his commitment to balancing experience with youthful energy.
Kylian Mbappe, stepping into the role of captain following Hugo Lloris’s international retirement, symbolizes the new era for the French team. Mbappe’s stellar performance in the 2022 World Cup, where he scored a hat-trick in the final, coupled with his nine goals in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, highlights his importance to the squad. The young forward is not only expected to inspire his teammates but also to lead by example on the pitch. Overcoming his missed penalty that led to France’s exit in Euro 2020 will be a personal milestone for Mbappe, adding an extra layer of motivation for him to shine in Germany.
How France Qualified and Their Prospects in Euro 2024
France’s path to Euro 2024 was marked by dominant performances, culminating in an unbeaten run through the qualifiers. They topped Group B, drawing only once, and showcased their offensive prowess with a 14-0 aggregate victory over Gibraltar. The qualifiers also highlighted their defensive solidity and the ability to control games against formidable opponents like the Netherlands. This impressive run has set high expectations for Les Bleus as they prepare to tackle the challenges ahead in the tournament.
The group stage draw presents a moderately challenging road for France, with matches against the Netherlands, Poland, and Austria. Despite the potential hurdles, the depth of talent within the squad provides a buffer against injuries or suspensions that may arise. With star players in top form and a strategic mastermind like Deschamps at the helm, France is well-placed to navigate through the group stages and beyond. As they aim to banish the memories of past failures, Les Bleus are not just participants but strong contenders to lift the trophy in Euro 2024.
FRANCE EURO 2024 FIXTURES
Group D
Monday, Jun 17: Austria v France, 8pm (Merkur Spiel Arena, Düsseldorf)
Friday, Jun 21: Netherlands v France, 8pm (Red Bull Arena, Leipzig)
Tuesday, Jun 25: France v Poland, 5pm (Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund)
FRANCE EURO 2024 SQUAD
Deschamps will confirm his final France squad ahead of the June 6 deadline. Below is his stacked preliminary panel
GOALKEEPERS: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)
DEFENDERS: Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
MIDFIELDERS: N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris St-Germain), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco)
FORWARDS: Kylian Mbappe (Paris St-Germain), Bradley Barcola (Paris St-Germain), Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris St-Germain), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)
