France will play host to Euro 2016, Didier Deschamp’s side will start with the favorites tag and will look to repeat their Euro 2000 Glory. A SWOT analysis at the prospects of the 23 men squad selected to deliver the goods.
Strength
The biggest strength is the home advantage that the French Enjoy. They have a strong midfield selected on the basis of merit and performance, it’s a mix of youngsters and experience, the strikers have goals and pace in them. In Griezmann they have a player who has the potential to carry the entire team on his shoulder as he has been doing for Athletico Madrid with Martial and Payet for support.
N’Golo Kante with his exceptionally high work rate provides cover to the defense and gives Paul Pogba the freedom to play his game.
Weakness:
The absence of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema due to suspension and Liverpool’s Defender Sakho due to failed drug test add to negativeness in the team preparation. Benzema would have been a perfect partner to Griezmann and would have helped to reduce some load on the striker. Absence of Frank Ribery due to injuries will be sorely missed for his skills as well experience. The Strike and Mid field seem strong but in defense France stands exposed. Most of the defenders especially the center backs have not had much football for their respective clubs and could be rusty going into a big tournament.
Opportunity
France are placed in Group A with the likes of Switzerland, Romania and Albania all three teams had failed to qualify for the previous tournament, so it should be a cake walk for France to top the group and be ready for the bigger challenges.
The Home advantage for France provides an opportunity to go ahead and turn the crowd support into an added advantage and make it hostile for their competitors.
Threat:
France after Zidane have more or less failed to leave a mark on big stage. Their performances in the big tournament have been way off the mark and they have made news for all the wrong reasons. Given they are playing at home they will be under even more pressure to perform and how well they will be able to handle it is a big question mark. The way they take this pressure will decide the course of the tournament for the Les Bleues.