France Euro 2020: Team News, Odds & Predictions
2x European champions France go into Euro 2020 as one of the favourites, however Didier Deschamps’ side have been drawn in the “Group of Death”, alongside Germany and reigning champions Portugal. Les Bleus have arguably the most talented squad in the tournament, however will they be able to make up for their final loss on home soil in 2016? On this page, we take a detailed look at their chances, including discussing their key players, manager and betting odds. Let’s kick things off by looking at France’s history at major tournaments.
France History
Few nations have a better record at major tournaments than France. The 1998 and 2018 World Cup winners have also won the European Championship on two occasions, coming in 1984 and 2000. They defeated Croatia 4-2 to win the most recent World Cup, a result which was all the sweeter following their extra time defeat to Portugal in the final of Euro 2016. France has failed to make it out of the group stage at the European Championships just twice, coming in 1992 and 2008. France are currently ranked no.2 in the world, behind only Belgium.
How France Qualified for Euro 2020
France qualified for Euro 2020 after losing just one of their Group H matches. Les Bleus won 8 of their 10 matches in all, scoring 25 goals in the process, as well as conceding just 6. It was only Turkey who took points off France during the campaign, with Deschamps’ side having hit four goals against Iceland, Moldova and Albania. Striker Olivier Giroud finished as the top goalscorer in the group, with the Chelsea man having found the back of the net six times during qualifying. Kingsley Coman, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe all finished with three goals.
France in Group F
There is always one so-called “Group of Death” at a major tournament. At Euro 2020, it is most certainly Group F. France are joined by Germany, Portugal and Hungary, with it being only the latter who have not won the tournament to date. France’s opening match against Germany promises to be hugely entertaining, while Les Bleus will have a chance for revenge when they take on Portugal in Budapest in their final Group F fixture. Below are how France’s opening matches at Euro 2020 look ahead of the tournament getting underway:
- France vs Germany – Allianz Arena, Munich – June 15 20:00
- Hungary vs France – Ferenc Puskás Stadium, Budapest – June 19 14:00
- Portugal vs France – Ferenc Puskás Stadium, Budapest – June 23 20:00
France Euro 2020: Odds & Predictions
France are the favourites to win Euro 2020 with many leading online bookmakers. Those looking to bet on France claiming their third title can do so at best odds of 5/1 at Tonybet. A large number of punters are likely to place such a bet, with other bookies offering the following odds:
| Bet365 | 9/2 | |
| Tonybet | 5/1 | |
| 888Sport | 9/2 | |
| SportNation | 4/1 | |
| Betfair | 9/2 | |
| NetBet | 9/2 | |
| William Hill | 9/2 | |
| Ladbrokes | 4/1 |
Aside from this market, there are a number of additional options surrounding the French team. PSG star Kylian Mbappe is 11/1 with Unibet to win the golden boot award at Euro 2020, while he is the 8/1 favourite to win the player of the tournament award. Elsewhere, with the amount of attacking options in their squad, betting on France scoring the most goals at Euro 2020 is another appealing option. This market is available at best odds of 15/2 with William Hill. Finally, having reached the final on home soil in 2016, a bet on them doing so again this year at odds of 13/5 from Betfair is worth considering.
The Manager
Former World Cup winning captain Didier Deschamps has been France’s head coach since 2012, having led the team to their 2018 World Cup success. The 52-year-old won FIFA coach of the year that same year, with Deschamps having managed Monaco, Juventus and Marseille before taking over as national team boss. Deschamps is one of just three people to have won the World Cup as both a player and manager, joining Mário Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer. He has a win ratio of over 66% during his almost decade in charge of France.
Standout Players
Where to begin with the French team? In attack, Deschamps must choose between the likes of Mbappe, Griezmann, Giroud, Coman and the recently recalled Karim Benzema. The latter returns to the French setup after a five year absence, with the Real Madrid man having previously fallen out with Deschamps. Elsewhere, Premier League stars N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba will likely play in front of a defence including Raphael Varane and Presnel Kimpembe. France’s strength in depth is frightening, with even injuries being unlikely to have a significant impact upon their chances this summer.
France’s Strengths & Weaknesses
France have almost always had a squad capable of mounting a serious challenge at major tournaments. However, one of their biggest weaknesses was themselves. However, unrest in camp seems to be a thing of the past, with the French squad of today being tight. On the pitch, France have pace and skill in every position. The partnership between Griezmann and Mbappe is as good as any in the tournament, while recent Champions Leauge winner Kante covers every blade of grass.
Our Prediction for France at Euro 2020
We go along with the bookies in thinking that France have a real chance of winning the title once again. Despite having been drawn in a strong group, they will fancy their chances against anyone. As such, we recommend betting on France reaching the Euro 2020 final. This market is available at appealing odds of 5/2 with William Hill.