UEFA Euro 2020 preview: World champion France is an outright new favourite to win the title

The UEFA Euro 2021 is just six days away from getting underway. France is the reigning world champion, having won the FIFA World Cup 2018. However, it has failed to win the Euro since 2000. Nonetheless, the tag of world champion could change things.

With less than a week to go before the much-awaited European Championship kicks off, the European football fraternity is all excited. As Portugal defends the title, numerous teams would be in contention to lift it this term, including the defending champion.

Among the possible contenders is also France that is the reigning world champion. Having lost on the final in the last edition in 2016, it would look to change its fortunes this time around, while winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup has undoubtedly given it the edge. In the same light, we present the preview of the side for the UEFA Euro 2020.

Team composition
Starting with the goalkeeping department, skipper 
Hugo Lloris is the veteran in the entire squad, having played 124 games. While he would have a grave task at the goal line, Steve Mandanda is another veteran who is likely to come in handy.

In the defence, Raphaël Varane would head the department, as the 28-year-old happens to be 74 games strong. Besides him, Lucas Digne, Lucas Hernandez, Clément Lenglet and Kurt Zouma are some of the big names which form a formidable defence.

As for the midfield, Paul Pogba leads the sector, having played 79 matches for the side. Along with him, Moussa Sissoko, N’Golo Kanté and Kingsley Coman are the ones who would be heavily involved in the field and help with their playmaking abilities.

The forward line-up boasts the veteran experience of Olivier Giroud, who is 107 games strong. Besides him, Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé would be ready to rip apart any defensive line-up.

Players to watch out
Mbappé: The 22-year-old Paris Saint-Germain striker is one of the most lethal strikers in the world. Although PSG failed to attain Ligue 1 or UEFA Champions League success, his attributes have been awe-inspiring and is sure to trick through the defence and the goalkeeper.

Griezmann: The Barca striker has had difficulty at Camp Nou, barely managing to win a title. However, he still happens to be one of the top strikers for the national side and has been effective every time. Along with Mbappé in his corner, he would be an unstoppable force as well.

Pogba: The Manchester United midfielder might not be a goal-scoring machine of late. However, his playmaking skills have been impressive, while his ability to develop good assists and decent heading skills are sure to aid the side.

Lloris: The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper had a tough time in the English Premier League, with his side barely managing to finish seventh. However, he alone cannot be blamed and has done reasonably well at the goal line. Plus, being the most experienced player on the side, he could be France’s MVP of the tournament.

France squad
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Mike Maignan and, Steve Mandanda.
Defenders: Raphael Varane, Kurt Zouma, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard, Lucas Digne, Leo Dubois, Jules Kounde and Clement Lenglet.
Midfielders: Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Corentin Tolisso, Adrien Rabiot, Moussa Sissoko and Thomas Lemar.
Strikers: Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman, Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Marcus Thuram, Ousman Dembele and Wissam Ben Yedder.

Chances and predicitions
France has been consistent in featuring in the knockouts since the 2010 FIFA World Cup debacle. Having finished as runner-up in 2016, it rectified its flaws to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, the charm somewhat lacked in the UEFA Nations League.

Meanwhile, the side has been drawn in the group of death along with Portugal, Germany and Hungary. However, if France manages to get past the group stage, it is a smooth ride for it to the final and is a solid contender to lift the title.

France schedule
June 15: vs Germany (Munich)
June 19: vs Hungary (Budapest)
June 23: vs Portugal (Budapest)

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