France’s tournament begins in earnest this afternoon after what proved to be a very facile group phase – despite making it tough on themselves at times.
But the hosts will look to step up a gear now with one eye firmly on the 10 July final in Paris.
So here’s a look at the probable starting XI that France coach Didier Deschamps will name to take on Martin O’Neill’s Ireland with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.
Hugo Lloris The Tottenham keeper is a solid shot-stopper and renowned for his quick-thinking and speed, sweeping up behind his defence. It will take something special to get past the France skipper who is set to be the most capped France captain of all time, taking over from current coach Didier Deschamps. “He will play, but might not be captain,” joked Deschamps at this week’s press conference.
Bacary Sagna A very experienced defender, Sagna has re-established himself as the France right-back and proves a very solid full-back in this very experienced back four. Sagna is also happy to push forward and join in the attack, giving France options up the right flank.
Laurent Koscielny The Arsenal centre-half has established himself in this French team over the past five years and injuries have made sure that he retained his place in the middle of the defence for this tournament. Quick and strong in the tackle, Koscielny is also a real threat from set-pieces in the opposition’s penalty box. Prone to the odd defensive mistake, he will know all about the danger and pace of Shane Long from their Premier League encounters.
Adil Rami TheSevilla centre-half starts in the middle of the defence, however, Rami is only in the squad due to Raphael Varane missing out through injury. Working well alongside Koscielny in this tournament so far but yet to be really tested by a top-class attacking force. Interesting to see how he will cope with Ireland’s physical challenge.
Patrice Evra The former Manchester United left back has had a chequered career in the France shirt but still, at 35 years old, there is no better option to play in that position. Naturally, has lost a small amount of pace since his peak years at Old Trafford but still very strong and reliable on the left side of the defence.
N’Golo Kante The Leicester City star of the season has broken his way into the France squad over the past six months and already looks like part of the furniture. The holding midfielder covers a huge amount of ground throughout matches and his short, sharp passing makes him the complete player in that position.
Blaise Matuidi The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is a superb box-to-box player and brings real energy to this France team. Kante’s presence in the team allows him to take on a more advanced role and will create chances in the final third.
Paul Pogba The Juventus midfielder has been one of the players singled out to be a star of this tournament. Quiet enough throughout the group stages, Pogba has just shown glimpses of what he is capable of, but is due a very big performance. Very strong running with the ball and a real eye for goal from anywhere in the vicinity of the penalty box.
Antoine Griezmann Another player expected to shine on the big stage, the Atletico Madrid midfielder has not hit top gear so far at the tournament. Grabbed a late goal in the game against Albania, which will have boosted his confidence but several players waiting in the wing, including Anthony Martial, should Griezmann not find his top form.
Dimitri Payet Like Kante, the West Ham midfielder has only established himself in Deschamps squad since the March internationals. But what an impact Payet has made, with the French now pinning their hopes at this tournament on the skilful,goalscoring midfielder. Deadly from the set-piece, Ireland will need to ensure that they refrain from fouling on the edge of the box or Payet will punish.
Olivier Giroud The Arsenal centre-forward has many detractors for missing chances but Giroud is an excellent frontman who leads the line very well and brings all the players around him into the game. Andre-Pierre Gignac is another option for Deschamps in that number nine role but Giroud will get first look at the jersey this afternoon.
Didier Deschamps (coach) Had plenty of controversy to deal with in the build-up to the tournament, leaving KarimBenzema out of the squad, however, Deschamps looks to have really grown into the role and appears to have a very stable squad, and a starting XI who look like the making of a very good team. Eased through the group stages but now is the true test of the manager as he looks to plot his way to the final in Paris next month.
