EURO WATCH: France

Team: France

Group: D

Other teams in the group: Ukraine, Sweden, England

Best Finish: Champions (1984, 2000)

Fixtures: June 11- Vs England; June 15- Vs Ukraine; June 19- Vs Sweden

Key Players: Hugo Lloris, Frank Ribery, Samir Nasri, Karim Benzema

Ace in the Pack: Hatem Ben Arfa, Oliver Giroud

Realistic Evaluation: Semi-Finals

Optimistic Evaluation: Finals

A gut feeling says France could spring a few surprises this time around, thanks largely to Raymond Domenech not being in-charge of the team :P :P(O, I hate this guy :P :P). I know that my personal views don’t count but it’s a fact that everything that was wrong with the French side that went to South Africa a couple of years ago was Domenech. But then this is a new side, a new side with an astute manager, a dependable Captain and a highly talented core group of player. This French team truly represents the multicultural nation that France is with players from Algeria, Tunisia, Spain and a few other countries as well :P. But this squad is one with immense potential as well and is well led by an able commander. Laurent Blanc is someone for whom personally, I have immense respect. Blanc record as a manger is highly impressive with 4 titles in 3 seasons for Bordeaux and a Manager of the Year award and a 15-6-2 record with France. In Hugo Lloris they have one of World’s best goal-keepers (someone who I rate as highly as Iker Casillas and Gigi Buffon) and in Mandanda an able deputy. The back line looks pretty strong as well with Adil Rami in the form of his life and the fact that almost all the top clubs in Europe are trying to sign him may give him an extra kick to perform well. Philippe Mexes can be a bit of a hot-head at times but is an extremely talented defender and his partnership with Rami may prove to be the backbone of France’s success. Patrice Evra’s defensive skill may have taken a bit of a hit off late but he is still dangerous as a left back. Mathieu Debuchy most probably will man the right back position. A midfielder turned right back Debuchy has put forth some really fine performances for Lille over the past few seasons. And France have able back-up in the form of Koscienly, Clichy and Reveillere. One look at the squad and you can see that creativity is something that they won’t miss. The French midfield consist of a really talented bunch of guys. Ribery, Nasri, BenArfa, Martin, Cabaye, Velbuena, well they are a highly talented group. Diarra might start as the holding midfielder alongside Cabaye but I won’t be surprised if M’Vila starts ahead of him. Hatem Ben Arfa has had an incredible season with Newcastle and I would certainly put him in my playing XI but that mean one out of Nasri or Malouda have to sit out, Malouda for me :P. With an in-form Benzema, the French attack looks pretty strong. But they do have another ace in the pack, Olivier Giroud. Giroud has really shown for Montpellier ever since signing for them in 2010. Last season was particularly successful for the man from Chambery with 25 goals and 9 assist for La Paillade. The Arsenal target may well prove to be Blanc’s trump card.

My XI: Lloris, Rami, Mexes, Debuchy, Evra, Cabaye, Diarra, Nasri, Ribery, Ben Arfa, Benzema

At the End: Best of Luck but lose to England :P