Overview
The last time France organized a major championship was back in 1998, when it hosted the World Cup. With Deschamps captaining the side and Zinedine Zidane announcing himself to the world, Les Bleus were able to hoist the Jules Rimes trophy in Paris.
Eighteen years later, the former captain and now coach is looking to help the team lift the Henri Delaunay trophy at the Stade de France.
Deschamps stated in an interview that his selection wasn’t about choosing the best 23 players available, but rather “choosing the best squad available.” This left out players like Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa off the final list, despite their strong seasons. Benzema’s exclusion looked to be particularly important as his off-the-field controversy created quite a stir, something that Deschamps wanted to avoid at all costs during his time as manager after the disastrous meltdown in South Africa in 2010.
Recent weeks, though, have seen the squad lose key players due to injury, such as center-backs Raphael Varane and Jérémy Mathieu, as well as defensive midfielder, Lassana Diarra. Fortunately, France is blessed with depth, and Deschamps was able to replace them with Samuel Umtiti, Adil Rami, and Morgan Schneiderlin. While Umtiti and Schneiderlin’s additions were expected, the Sevilla player’s inclusion came as somewhat of a surprise.
France’s form has been excellent, as the team has won all but one match in the last ten friendlies. That happened to be the loss to England, which was was played only days after the Paris attacks, in November of last year. The event has somewhat cast a shadow over the tournament with security as major concern, but it has also served as added motivation for a team looking to bring some joy to its fans.
Strengths:
Midfield
Over the last couple of years, France’s attack has been quite impressive. However, it’s the midfield that really gels this team together and serves as a catalyst for the attack. Deschamps’ focus was to create a mobile midfield with good work ethic and chemistry. Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi help create plenty of chances in attack for Les Bleus. They move the ball effortlessly with their distribution and long passes, while still able to cover the back four. While Diarra’s injury was a blow, N’Golo Kante has seamlessly slotted into the “Makelele” role Diarra performed. Their tireless work in the middle of the pitch is what will ultimately lead this team to glory.
Weakness:
Defense & Temperament
Before Varane and Mamadou Sahko were ruled out of the tournament, France had a very steady back-line that matched up well against most attacks. The only real wild card was Patrice Evra, who struggles every now and then, can become easily frustrated, and foul unnecessarily. Now, with Laurent Koscielny in as a starting back and Rami looking to be the favorite to play alongside him, there are questions as to how this backline will hold up, especially after the friendly against Cameroon. If opposing attackers can find ways to make these three uncomfortable, the Frencg could find themselves giving up goals they shouldn’t be due to unnecessary fouls in dangerous positions.
X-Factor:
Outside strikers
Giroud looks to have secured his spot as the target man for the French side. However, Deschamps has quite the dilemma as to whom he will select to start alongside him. Dimitri Payet, Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial, and even Kingsley Coman all have arguments to start on either side of the Arsenal man. Griezmann locked up a spot due to this club form at Atletico Madrid. The bigger question is whether to include Payet’s ability to create chances and set piece prowess, or Martial’s ability to cut through defenses with his dribbling. Coman’s electrifying pace and ability to get behind defenses, also makes him a viable candidate. It’s a problem that Deschamps will likely address on a match-by-match basis, and a problem other coaches would love to have.
Outlook
Despite the injuries, its depth has enabled France to replace players without too many issues. While there are concerns about the defense, the midfield can cover for any gaps that exists in the back line. France’s attack has remained impressive and will cause plenty of problems for even the best of opponents. Anything less than lifting the trophy at the Stade de France would be a disappointment after their 1998 success. Still, with the pieces on this roster, France has the tools and is a heavy favorite to do what Zidane and Deschamps did not too long ago.
Roster
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (captain) (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Benoît Costil (Rennes)
Defenders: Christophe Jallet (Lyon), Patrice Evra (Juventus), Adil Rami (Sevilla), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City), Lucas Digne (Roma), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Samuel Umtiti (Lyon)
Midfield: N’Golo Kanté (Leicester City), Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace), Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United), Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle)
Forwards: Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), André-Pierre Gignac (UANL), Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Dimitri Payet (West Ham United), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich)
