The French secured a place at Euro 2024 with a 2-1 win against The Netherlands. They are just the third team to confirm qualification, alongside Belgium and Germany who automatically qualify as they are the host nation. France lost in disappointing fashion at Euro 2020, defeated on penalties by Switzerland in the round of 16. They will be hoping to perform much better and claim a first European Championship since 2000.
Here are four reasons why France could win Euro 2024.
Incredible defensive depth
Embed from Getty ImagesThe secret to success on the pitch is having a solid foundation to build on, and France are blessed with some excellent defensive options, and plenty of them. The headline in the French’s team is their exciting quality they have in the attacking areas, but the amount of talent they have in the back line is frightening. Theo and Lucas Hernandez of AC Milan and PSG could make up half the backline but other centre-back options include Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Jean-Clair Todibo, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi and Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano.
There is no guarantee that all of those options will be fit and firing at the same time but the strength in depth at the French’s disposal is off the charts. Not to mention a wonderful number one goalkeeper in Mike Maignan, with options of Alphonse Areola and Brice Samba, with Hugo Lloris falling down the pecking order.
Griezmann’s upturn in form
Embed from Getty ImagesIn Qatar, Antoine Griezmann was one of the stand out players for France as they lost out on penalties to Argentina in the final. Griezmann has transitioned from a striker, to an attacking midfielder and sometimes occupies a midfield role for this country. Greizmann left Atletico Madrid in 2019 for Barcelona, and performed at a decent level scoring 22 goals in 74 appearances. He returned to Diego Simeone’s side in 2021 but struggled to get going in his first season.
In 22/23 he started to hit form for both club and country, and was almost reborn in the French set up. He now has 124 caps and 44 goals for his country. At the age of 32 he may have one last chance of playing for France at a major tournament. His role could make a huge difference to France’s fortunes.
Mbappe is the main man
Embed from Getty ImagesKylian Mbappe scored a superb brace as France secured qualification and he will be the man France look towards to score the goals as France search for a first Euro win in 24 years. His pace, finishing and devastating movement gives defenders nightmares.
Mbappe’s scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final last year and has more than proved that he is capable of delivering on the big stage. France as blessed with creativity behind the forward line which will give him license to run in behind and cause havoc. He is one of the most exciting attackers in the world and he is only 24!
Didier Dechamps’ record
Embed from Getty ImagesDidier Dechamps has brought an abundance of success to the French national team in the eleven years he has been at the helm. He has only won two trophies with the national side, the 2018 World Cup, and 2021 Nations League. He also took France to the 2016 European Championship final and the World Cup final in 2022, losing both after a drawing in the 90 minutes.
Dechamps has more than enough experience to take France all the way next year, add to that the exceptional quality that their squad possess too and it is hard to ignore France as clear favourites to win Euro 2024.
Dechamps’ contract sees it end in 2026, so the Frenchman may have tow more cracks at winning a major tournament. If he can get the right balance in his starting XI, it could be a successful couple final years of his tenure.
