Laurent Blanc’s side approach the tournament with that enigmatic quality that was once the preserve of the country’s rugby players: Les Bleus could be anything from world-beaters to wooden spoonists and everything in between. France’s form and pedigree is that of potential champions, yet the scars of previous disappointments run so deep that confidence is lacking.
The reasons are obvious enough: since Zinédine Zidane’s head-butt in the 2006 World Cup final, France have suffered one humiliation after another in tournaments. Their combined tally from Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup finals was two points and two goals, which was embarrassing enough without the player revolt against Raymond Domenech.
Blanc was recruited to end the underachievement and has done so in impressive fashion, leading a new-look side to a 20-match unbeaten run since losing his first two matches against Norway and Belarus two years ago. A 2-1 win in Germany in February and a 1-0 victory over Brazil 12 months earlier suggest that France have the quality to make a real impact on the tournament.
They have failed to fulfil great expectations in the past, of course, but the squad appears more united than many of their predecessors as a result of Blanc’s emphasis on character as well as craft. While not international superstars, there is little chance that players such as Hugo Lloris, the captain, Adil Rami, Yohan Cabaye and Marvin Martin will mutiny. France’s biggest problem is a lack of self-belief, which is why their opening match against England is so important. A win against their oldest enemies could set them up nicely.
Tactics/Coach
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Blanc has settled on a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the emphasis on keeping possession. England struggled to get hold of the ball during a 2-1 defeat at Wembley 18 months ago and France’s short passing game is likely to cause problems again. Blanc has also succeeded in adding a cutting edge, with Karim Benzema supplementing the trickery of Samir Nasri, Franck Ribéry and Hatem Ben Arfa.
England fear
Their own memories, as recent history is pitted against them. France have dominated recent meetings, winning the past four matches in a five-game unbeaten run that goes back to 1997, and England’s players may struggle to shrug off an inferiority complex.
England can exploit
France’s defensive vulnerability. For all their improvement under Blanc, France’s back four does not entirely convince. Yann M’Vila and Cabaye are a formidable pairing at the base of midfield, but behind them Philippe Mexès and Rami can look jittery when put under pressure, while Patrice Evra has had an inconsistent season at Manchester United.
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Star player
If any player symbolises France’s transformation under Laurent Blanc, it is Karim Benzema, who was left out of their World Cup finals squad two years ago but will spearhead their attack this summer after a stellar season in which he has scored 32 goals for Real Madrid and contributed 15 assists.
Monday, June 11: France v England (Donbass Arena, Donetsk, 5pm, ITV1).
Friday, June 15: Ukraine v France (Donbass Arena, Donetsk, 5pm, ITV1).
Tuesday, June 19: Sweden v France (Olympic Stadium, Kiev, 7.45pm, ITV4).