The Euro Cup 2020 | Image source: depositphotos.com
The current set of players in the France football team have deservedly earned the title of being a “Golden Generation.” Under the stewardship of the manager, Didier Deschamps (who was himself part of the previous French Golden Generation that won the World Cup in 1998), France have the right amount of talent for all corners of a football field in the ongoing Euro Cup 2020, be it attack, midfield, or defence.
Just consider the performance of the French soccer team of the last five years. Les Blues were a talented side in the 2016 Euro Cup as well, but they lost to Portugal 0-1 in extra time in the final. That loss definitely hurt them, but Deschamps took it upon himself to build a powerful team, which eventually won the World Cup in 2018.
Multiple successes at the top level have earned them comparisons with their earlier Golden Generation 1998-2006, which had won the World Cup in 1998, the Euro Cup in 2000, and reached the final of 2006 World Cup as well. That team had the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Patrick Vieira, Laurent Blanc, Didier Deschamps, Marcel Desailly, and Robert Pires.
Our analysts at Fun88 think that the current France squad for the Euro Cup in 2021 has the talent, which is comparable to their great team that played between 1998 and 2006. Read on as we explain. Besides, we’ll also provide you with the best betting odds for Euro Cup 2020, insights, tips, and amazing bonuses and prizes.
Key players in the French Golden Generation Lineup in Euro Cup 2020
- Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé has had a dream run in his international career so far that has even earned him comparisons with Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry. There’s hardly a 22-year old in the world who can even dream of it, but that doesn’t matter to this Paris Saint-Germain forward. Mbappe showed everyone what he was capable of during the last world cup. In a famous match with Argentina, Mbappé scored two goals in just 4 minutes to help France win a thrilling finish. In his club career, he scores one goal on average in a game. France are looking at Mbappé’s striking talent to emerge winners at the Euro Cup 2020. - Kylian Mbappé
This versatile left-footed footballer has captured the imagination of many ever since he made his debut. Antoine Griezmann can play as a striker, an attacking midfielder, or as a winger on either flank. He can score goals and also play a crucial role in assists. His clinical passes are a treat to watch. Along with Mbappe, he’s one of the most talented players of the Golden Generation. Both players have shared historic moments together. For example, they scored one goal each against Croatia in the World Cup 2018 final, which helped France win 4-2. Griezmann is terrific with either foot, besides being good in the air and also with headers. He’s one of the most complete players in the world today. - Kylian Mbappé
In Clément Lenglet, France has found its composed and assured defender who goes on about his job efficiently without creating any fuss. This Barcelona player has a calm head on his shoulders, which is very useful in tight matches. This left-footed centre-back has a reputation for being calm, but he can even switch on his aggressive mode, as seen in the matches he plays for Barcelona. That said, it’s his composure, which has earned him the faith of Deschamps, who’s certainly expecting big from him. - Kylian Mbappé
No player has divided football lovers and administrators as Karim Benzema. In 2015, he was arrested for blackmailing another French player. Benzema didn’t play for the French soccer team in the next six years, which is a really long duration for a key player. Karim had even accused Deschamps of bowing to racist elements for not picking him for the Euro Cup in 2016. So, it would have surprised him when Deschamps picked him for the Euro Cup this time. As far as talent goes, there’s no doubt that Benzema has oodles of it. This Real Madrid striker has won 13 trophies for his team, which includes 3 La Liga titles, 3 Copas del Rey, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. Deschamps has acknowledged that France’s attack is more lethal with the inclusion of Benzema. - Kylian Mbappé
Paul Pogba is another star player of the French golden generation. Although a central midfielder, Pogba can play in multiple positions lending flexibility and creativity to his team. He can play as an attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, and even as a deep-lying playmaker. No matter which position he plays in, no one can doubt Pogba’s ability to make a huge impact on his team’s performance. He has a track-record of scoring goals in critical situations. For example, he scored a goal in the 2018 World Cup final against Croatia, which helped France take a 3-1 lead in the match.
Related read: Euro Cup 2020: Could it be Ronaldo’s Last Major Tournament?
Full 25-member France squad for Euro Cup 2020
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, and Mike Maignan.
Defenders: Clément Lenglet, Benjamin Pavard, Leo Dubois, Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Digne, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, Jules Koundé, and Kurt Zouma.
Midfielders: Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot, N’Golo Kante, Corentin Tolisso, and Moussa Sissoko.
Attackers: Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Marcus Thuram, Kingsley Coman, Wissam Ben Yedder, and Thomas Lemar.
Did You Know These Interesting Bits About The French Team?
- Kylian Mbappe wears the Number 10 shirt much like the two legendary French players, Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini.
- In fact, Deschamps lifted the World Cup in 1998 wearing Number 7.
- Olivier Giroud wears the No.7 shirt, which was also worn by Stephane Guivarc’h in 1998. Guivarc’h didn’t set the football field on fire with his performance, but we expect better from Giroud.
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