France

France is the only nation besides Germany, to have lifted the Henri Delaunay Trophy more than once. The French won as hosts in 1984 and again in 2000. During the qualification process however, France’s two losses to Scotland did set the alarm bells ringing. However the World Cup finalists recovered….and recovered in style. The French pumped in 25 goals in the qualifiers while conceding just 5 to finish second in their group by three points to nemesis Italy. Thierry Henry was their leading scorer with six goals.

With the outspoken and eccentric Raymond Domenech at helm, France would look to avoid hiccups like they had in the previous edition, losing to Greece.

Franck Ribery impressed everyone in Germany two summers ago and a move to Bayern Munich last year led to him being named Bundesliga Player of the Year. Ribery has skill, close control, pace and creativity in a package that makes even the best defenders fear him. Domenech would be looking at Ribery to provide the spark that woun propel the aging French side to their third title.