It has been over two years since we saw France defeat Croatia in the World Cup final, and they are now targeting European success next summer.
Didier Deschamps’ biggest decision he will have to make is one many managers wish they also had. The French national team is full to the brim with talent, and selecting his 25-man squad will be tough – talent will no doubt unfortunately be left out.
It is his attacking option which will give the French manager a serious headache. Deschamps has a number of world-class strikers at his disposal.
Oliver Giroud has been his preferred number 9 throughout the European Championships qualification, with either Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman, or Ben Yedder occupying the wings.
The Chelsea striker has also come back into form for his club in recent months, reviving his career under Frank Lampard, having come close to leaving Stamford Bridge.
Despite his lack of game time at club level throughout the qualifying campaign, Giroud continued to perform to the highest level. The striker finished top goalscorer for France with a total of six goals, with Coman, Mbappe, and Griezmann all finishing on three each.
Giroud’s physical presence is something Deschamps admires and is one of the main reasons as to why he is such a vital part of the team. His technical ability is right up there too, and the formation which Deschamps prefers, allows him to play the likes of Mbappe and Coman out wide and still be as effective.
Griezmann has had a far from a successful start to life at Barcelona, but, despite his performances for his club, Deschamps has continued to show faith in his attacker, featuring in nearly all the European qualifiers.
International football betting suggests France is one of the favorites to win the Euros next summer at 11/2, with only Gareth Southgate’s England being a shorter price. Despite England’s superb qualification campaign, it is quite surprising to see them as favorites, considering their lack of depth and success.
France is very well equipped to win this tournament, and it will be a huge shock to not see them at least in the final four.
Croatia, who lost to France in the World Cup final, is one of the outsiders to go one step better next summer, priced at a very generous 33/1.
With so much competition for places, France is spoilt for choice and as a result, has reason to be very optimistic about winning the Euros. Deschamps has quality throughout his team, which, in international football, is a rarity.
However, in football, you have to score in order to win matches, and it is clear from their attacking options, France will pose a threat to any European defense. With Giroud likely to lead the line with Mbappe and Griezmann on either flank, France certainly looks good enough to come away from the tournament with yet more silverware.
