How they qualified: Finished 1st in European Qualifying Group D

Team Base: Donetsk

It feels like a long time since France hoisted the trophy in the year 2000 after David Trezeguet’s golden goal crushed Italian hearts.

The most recent memory of the national side is one of revolution (surprise surprise) as the mutiny in the French camp destroyed their 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa.

Laurent Blanc has to be credited with getting his side back on track, and the national pride that should be felt when wearing the French shirt has seemingly returned to the squad, although Patrice Evra’s antics on the bench against Serbia a week before the start of the tournament have placed that mentality under threat.

His side is young and full of potential and skill. Arjen Robben is of course the man to watch out for in the French attack, along with Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, but it is the unknown quantities of Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa and Ligue 1 winning, Montpellier striker, Olivier Giroud.

Giroud and Ben Arfa will provide vital cover for Benzema while bringing an extra attacking threat off the bench when needed, while Cabaye, who’s had a phenominal year with the Newcastle, will help control the midfield, especially after wonderkid Yann M’Villa’s late injury scare.

The French could get out of this tough tight group for sure, but the potential for a blowout is always lingering around this side.

WFD Predicted Starting XI: 4-2-3-1

Lloris

Debuchy - Rami - Mexes - Evra

Cabaye - M’Villa

Nasri - Ribery- Malouda

Benzema

WFD predicted group finish: 2nd

Match 1: June 11 v England - Donbass Arena, Donetsk (19:00)

Match 2: June 15 v Ukraine - Donbass Arena, Donetsk (19:00)

Match 3: June 19 v Sweden - Olympic Stadium, Kiev (21:45)