France had the chance to win their first major trophy since Euro 2000 but their hopes were dented when a goal from Eder ensured that Portugal outwitted them in the Euros 2016. Two years on, the French team has come a long way. Gone are the veteran players Patrice Evra, Yohan Cabaye, Bacary Sagna and Gignac. This squad is now a fine blend of youngsters and senior players that have enough experience to take the team forward.
Let’s take a look at the reasons why France have a chance at getting their hands on the coveted trophy:
EXPERIENCED GOALKEEPER
France boast of having one of the best squads in the tournament with ample competition available at each position. One of these positions is that of the goalkeeper. They have Hugo Lloris as their main goalkeeper followed by Alphonso Areola in the stands.
Hugo Lloris is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League with an impressive 73 clean sheets in 203 appearances. The French captain has the calmness and experience to stay between the sticks and take his team forward.
SOLID DEFENSE
France have one of the youngest and at the same time an experienced defense at their disposal. They have Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti who have both been doing well at the club level. Rafael Varane developed a solid partnership with Sergio Ramos that has been an important factor in Real Madrid winning three Champions league titles on the trot. Even Kimpembe has been doing good for PSG, thanks to an injury to Thiago Silva, the young French man got enough chances to convince Didier Deschamps that he deserved a ticket to Russia.
FORMIDABLE MIDFIELD TRIO
France’s trio of Kante, Pogba and Matuidi is the one to beat. They have got pace, agility, experience and the stamina to give their best throughout the game. Kante will play the role of defensive midfielder and hence, will break the opposition’s attack with his excellent tackling skills. Having represented France in 24 matches, he played a vital role for France in reaching the Euro 2016 finals.
He will also be responsible for creating the attack and passing the ball with perfect accuracy to Pogba and Matuidi. Paul Pogba will link-up with forwards, play as an attacking midfielder and look to provide through balls which will penetrate the opposition’s defence. He will frequently come back to help the defence and will prove to be quite a dangerous player for the opposition. He has made 54 appearances and scored 9 goals for France.
TOP QUALITY ATTACK
France’s chances of getting silverware depends on scoring goals and that makes us think about the attacking options that France have at their disposal. Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud , Kylian Mbappe, Thauvin and Thomas Lemar. The attacking players have all done well at club level and just need a single moment to convert a single pass into a necessary goal.
With squad like this Deschamps is damned if he does not get his hands on the trophy. It might be the best chance for them to get over the defeat in the 2006 World Cup Final against Italy.
