SCOUTING REPORT

Manager

Didier Deschamps

In charge of France since 2012, Deschamps is renowned for his loyalty to proven players over club form but has come under fire from coaches such as Jurgen Klopp for not always playing the best football with a highly talented squad. The results speak for themselves, though, and he is one of only three men to have won the World Cup as both a player and a manager.

Record P 111 W 73 D 20 L 18 All games

Strengths

• A fearsome attack

• Unrivalled squad depth

• Big-game experience

Weaknesses

• Manager reluctant to tinker

• Benzema inclusion could disrupt squad harmony

• No obvious replacement for all-action N’Golo Kante if he was sidelines

Prospects

France showed in 2018 that they were simply the best and little has changed within their ranks since. Their superior squad depth should see them through a testing section and on paper they are the likeliest side to lift the trophy.

Inside info

Thomas Auvray Journalist

Although France are one of the big favourites, they face a very tough group. Karim Benzema’s return to the squad could be key and ensures that France have an attacking trio unmatched in Europe.