France enter the 2020 European Championships as one of the bookies’ favourites having won the World Cup in Russia back in 2018. Les Bleues have one of the most experienced and talented squads featuring in this year’s cross-continent tournament.
The team at Last Word on Football has put together a country profile so that you can have the complete rundown ahead of the competition kicking off in June.
Everything You Need to Know About France Ahead of Euro 2020
Who is the French National Team Coach?
Having captained France to victory at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, coach Didier Deschamps will be hopeful of capturing a second international double with Les Bleues – he coached France to World Cup victory three years ago.
Deschamps, 52, has managed the French national team since July 8, 2012. Since then, the former Marseille and Juventus boss has led France in 111 matches, with a win percentage of 65.7%.
The former French international captain, a defensive midfielder in his prime, was well known for breaking down his opponents’ movements, starting offensive plays, and excellent positional sense.
Who Has Been Selected in the France Squad For Euro 2020?
France enters Euro 2020 with a wealth of talent and experience in every position. Across all eleven positions, coach Deschamps has at least two capable candidates to compete on the pitch.
Whether it be Antoine Greizmann, whose fortune in front of goal has improved in his second season at Barcelona, or Paul Pogba, the French have several key players within their squad.
In addition to their more experienced players – a combined 400 international appearances have been shared among Hugo Lloris (123), Olivier Giroud (107), Antoine Griezmann (89), and Karim Benzema (81) – the French also have a number of younger talents starring on the international stage.
GK – Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mike Meignan (Lille)
Defenders – Lucas Digne (Everton), Leo Dubois (Lyon), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Jules Kounde (Sevilla), Clement Lenglet (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Raphael Varana (Real Madrid), Kurt Zouma (Chelsea)
Midfielders – N’Golo Kante (Chelsea), Thomas Lemar (Atletico Madrid), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Tottenham Hotspur), Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich)
Forwards – Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Olivier Giroud (Chelsea), Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Marcus Thuram (Monchengladbach)
Karim Benzema Returns to French Squad and Could Be a Well-Made Risky Decision
It has been almost six years since Karim Benzema last donned the colours of Les Bleues.
The Real Madrid forward, 33, has been absent from the national team since 2015 as a result of his alleged involvement in an attempted blackmail case.
The allegations meant Benzema missed the 2016 Euro campaign and 2018 World Cup triumph.
Benzema has been one of Real Madrid’s standout players this season, scoring 29 goals and providing eight assists in all competitions.
The decision by coach Deschamps to pick Benzema over strikers such as Anthony Martial could, therefore, prove to be a successful gamble if the Real Madrid striker can transfer his form from La Liga onto the international stage.
Benzema’s talent and quality in attack will add to the already stellar striking options of Mbappe and Griezmann.
Group Stage Fixtures
France must navigate their way through a particularly tricky Group F should they wish to succeed at this summer’s competition.
The reigning world champions will take on Portugal, the reigning European champions, Germany, the 2014 World Cup champions, and Hungary.
France v Germany – June 15, 7pm BST
Hungary v France – June 19, 1pm BST
Portugal v France – June 23, 7pm BST
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