FIVE years on and France are looking to right the wrongs of 2016, and claim the crown they fumbled in the final against Portugal.
And they start off their group stage campaign against former world champions Germany.
France and Germany are joined in Group F by defending European champions Portugal and underdogs Hungary.
The game is due to get underway at 8PM, and ITV 1 will be showing the game.
What’s the form?
Heading into this summer’s tournament, France have avoided defeat in their last 23 games dating back to November 2018.
Their last defeat came at the hands of the Netherlands in a 2-0 away defeat.
As for Germany, they have put in some poor showings at the last two major tournaments.
The Germans have won two of their last three games, with a defeat coming against North Macedonia.
Who’s in and who’s out
Germany manager Joachim Low has recalled Bundesliga duo Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels for this summer’s tournament.
Champions League-winning trio Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Antonio Rudiger have all received a call-up.
And there’s also a place for German wonderkid Jamal Musiala.
As for France, Karim Benzema returns to the squad after spending six years in exile.
The Real Madrid forward was arrested over the alleged blackmail of fellow French player Mathieu Valbuena – an allegation Benzema has always denied.
He also accused boss Didier Deschamps of bowing to pressure after he was dropped.
There’s a place for Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram.
The young forward enjoyed a fruitful season in front of goal, scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists across all competitions
Watch out for…
Keep an eye out for Musiala – it will be interesting to see whether he gets game time.
Also, it is Low’s last tournament in charge of Germany so they’ll be looking to give their coach a good send-off.
France are firm favourites to win the competition with their stacked team.
Kylian Mbappe is the obvious big-name player that springs to mind, and he’ll look to cement his place in world class status.
If the game’s rubbish…
Well, maybe look into Olivier Giroud and Mbappe’s little feud after the Bulgaria game.
Giroud appeared to hit out at Mbappe following the win against Bulgaria in the warm-up fixture ahead of the tournament.
And Mbappe has reportedly refused to accept an apology for the Chelsea forward.
Giroud told L’Equipe du Soir: “I was a little quiet because, sometimes, I make runs and the balls aren’t forthcoming.
“I am not saying that I always make the best runs, but I am seeking to offer solutions in the box.”
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds:
- France to win 13/8
- The Draw 2/1
- Germany to win 9/5
Euro 2020 outright odds:
- France 9/2
- Germany 8/1
*All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
