Euro 2024 team guide and best bets: France
France are virtually joint-favourites alongside England to win Euro 2024 — so will Kylian Mbappe and co deliver?
We've rounded up everything you need to know about Les Bleus in this comprehensive team guide, which features tactical analysis, players to watch out for, predicted line-ups, betting tips and much more.
How France qualified for Euro 2024
The Euro 2016 runners-up enjoyed a near faultless qualifying campaign which culminated in them finishing top of Group B.
France won seven of their eight matches and took 22 out of a possible 24 points, with the only blemish on their record being a 2-2 draw at Greece in their final game.
Les Bleus also recorded their biggest ever victory with a 14-0 battering of Gibraltar at Nice’s Allianz Riviera. The scoreline heavily contributed to the 29 goals netted in total by the French — a tally bettered only by Portugal, who palyed two extra matches.
France also conceded the least amount of goals, letting in just three across their eight matches in Group B.
Talisman Mbappe top-scored with nine strikes, just one shy of Cristiano Ronaldo, while veteran forward Olivier Giroud also found the net on three occasions.
France's squad for Euro 2024
France announced a 26-man squad ahead of the tournament:
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)
Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Theo Hernández (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), Benjamin Pavard (Inter), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern München)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético de Madrid), N'Golo Kanté (Al-Nassr), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurélien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris)
Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Paris), Kingsley Coman (Bayern München), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris), Kylian Mbappé (Paris), Marcus Thuram (Inter)
France's predicted starting XI for Euro 2024
France's star player - Kylian Mbappe
Mercurail forward Mbappe’s career resume already makes for stellar reading.
With four goals bagged across two World Cup final appearances for France, including a hat-trick in their defeat to Argentina in 2022, there can be no doubting the 25-year-old’s ability to perform on the biggest stage.
There does remain uncertainty about the Frenchman’s future at club level, though, after Mbappe finally confirmed he would leave Paris Saint-Germain on May 10th. He has been strongly linked with a move to European giants Real Madrid, but the extent to which off-field distractions will impact his concentration levels in Germany is yet to be seen.
Mbappe has always shown experience beyond his years, ever since bursting onto the scene in the Champions League with AS Monaco in 2017. Blessed with blistering pace and a natural talent for beating a man, nothing seems to faze the Frenchman who will be eager to rectify his nation’s agonising defeat in their last major tournament.
In what will be his last season in the French capital, for now at least, he netted a jaw-dropping 44 goals and providing 10 assists for Les Parisiens.
France's one to watch - Warren Zaire-Emery
At just 18 years-old, Zaire-Emery is already set for his first major tournament at international level, having already become the youngest ever player to feature for PSG back in August 2022 at just 16 years and five months old.
He has gone from strength to strength since, featuring in 42 matches for Les Parisiens this term, including 11 appearances in the Champions League.
Zaire-Emery garnered attention with one goals and three assists across five Champions League group matches, breaking another record in the process by becoming the youngest French goalscorer in the competition’s history at only 17 years and 280 days.
His contributions stretching far beyond that of the traditional ball-carrier, Zaire-Emery’s piercing runs at the heart of opposition defences regularly cause chaos and create openings for his teammates to exploit.
Despite his relatively tall 5ft 10in frame, the creator is remarkably fleet-footed and possesses the ability to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
Whether Zaire-Emery will start in France’s midfield three in their opening match against Austria remains to be seen. However, the youngster has already shown terrific temperament at club level and looks up to the job if called upon.
France's manager - Didier Deschamps
Having made 103 appearances for France as a player, 55-year-old Deschamps has been in charge of the France national team since July 2012.
Five major tournaments later, the former holding midfielder has seen his star-studded side win the World Cup in 2018 while also reaching tournament finals in 2016 and 2022 respectively.
Deschamps has also enjoyed a wealth of success at club level. Steering his Monaco side to a Champions League final in 2004, he also won Ligue 1 with Marseille in 2010 and has amassed four French League Cup victories.
Pragmatic in his approach, Deschamps has never been one to pander to public demand or massage the media. Instead, he focuses on getting the best out of his players by getting to know them and showing trust in them to perform.
Many to play under him for Les Bleus have praised his professional approach, suggesting he delivers his instructions at timely moments and always keeps his cool even in the most high-pressure moments.
While it is true Deschamps is blessed with a great crop of players, his masterful man-management has been key to getting the best out of them.
France's Euro 2024 betting odds
France to win EURO 2024 - 4/1
France to reach the Euro 2024 final - 2/1
France to qualify from Group C - 4/7
France top goalscorer - Kylian Mbappe 1/2, Olivier Giroud 7/1, Antoine Griezmann 8/1, 20/1 BAR
*All best UK prices as of 30/05/24
Analysis and best bets for France at Euro 2024
Expert analysis from Odds Now's Bradley Walker:
"France are one of the favourites heading into the tournament and it’s easy to see why. Their depth of talent speaks for itself and they have also reached the final in three of their last four major tournaments.
"In a team buzzing with winners at club level, Deschamps’ men will be further buoyed by the stewardship of Eduardo Camavinga and Auriele Tchouameni in midfield — both of whom lifted the Champions League with Real Madrid at the beginning of June.
"Coupled with the brilliance of their backline and the magic Mbappe up front, it’s hard to back against Les Bleus lifting their third European Championship in Germany come July 14th.
"Providing both France and England win their respective groups, the two sides are set to clash in the semi-finals should both reach that stage.
"Gareth Southgate’s side look to be their biggest rivals heading into the tournament, as reflected in the betting odds which currently place England as favourites to win in Germany. Yet Deschamps and co have already ousted the English at a major tournament in recent years following their 2-1 win in the quarter-finals in Qatar 18 months ago.
"For all of England’s success under Southgate, they are yet to record a win against truly elite opposition at tournament level and France boast the greater experience out of the two in high-pressure situations.
"Of course, the French’s prospects shouldn’t rest entirely on a hypothetical match against England, but it’s reasonable to place Southgate’s men as their greatest hurdle from the offset. With this in mind, I back them to win the Championships in Germany next month.”
Brad's Best Bets:
France to win Euro 2024 - 4/1
Either England or France to win outright - 11/10