Euro 2016’s Group A features the host nation, France, a young Swiss side hoping to make a splash and two sides hoping to sneak into the knockout round (Romania and Albania).
The French, with home field advantage and a bevy of talented players, are odds-on favorites to win the tournament. But, if history has taught us anything, they’re just as likely to implode than to excel in tournament play.
That seems unlikely to happen until the knockout round, though.
The Teams (odds according to bwin.com)
France — 17th in the FIFA Rankings — Best finish in Euros: Winner (1984 and 2000) – 4.20/1 odds to win
Switzerland — 15th in the FIFA Rankings — Best finish in Euros: Group stage (three times) – 67/1 odds to win
Romania — 22nd in the FIFA Rankings — Best finish in Euros: Quarterfinal (2000) – 201/1 odds to win
Albania — 42nd in the FIFA Rankings — Best finish in Euros: N/A (first appearance) – 301/1 odds to win
Best goalkeeper — Hugo Lloris, France
Despite only being 29-years-old, the Tottenham Hotspur man is captain of the French side with more than 70 caps to his name.
He’s a talented keeper, and a calming influence. He may need to be, because if the French have a weakness, it’s the back line.
Best outfield player — Paul Pogba, France
He was named the best young player at the 2014 World Cup, and at only 23 years old, Pogba has been living up to that award with his solid club form at Juventus.
The former Manchester United player is already a fixture on the French team sheet, and this could be the tournament that sees him take the step from great young player to just great player.
Player to watch — Granit Xhaka, Switzerland
Arsenal has already made its move for the versatile young midfielder, and if he has a big tournament, it may end up being a bit of a bargain.
Xhaka, 23, has been called “a young Schweinsteiger” by his former national team manager and already has more than 40 caps on his resume. He’s a natural leader, too, serving as a captain for Borussia Monchengladbach last season.
Most important game — Romania vs. Albania
Picking France vs. Swizterland would be the obvious choice, but this match should decide which one of these teams advances as a third-place finisher, and which heads home after the group stage.
Both sides are rugged and defensive-minded, so their meeting might not be one for the highlight reels. The stakes, however, will be sky high.
Biggest story line — Can France stay out of its own way?
The talent is obvious, but in recent years, France has been known more for its off-field turmoil than for its on-field product.
The latest dust-up involves Didier Deschamps’ decision to leave Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema off the roster for this tournament.
Fans vandalized his home and former player Eric Cantona suggested the decision was based on race. The truth is that he was left off because of his alleged involvement in a blackmail case against his international teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.
The fact that, even without a player of Benzema’s stature, France is the favorite speaks to the depth available to Deschamps. Of course, the fact that he’s not playing because of a sex tape scandal speaks to the level of disfunction as well.
Teams to move on — France, Switzerland and Romania
Schedule (all times Eastern)
Friday, June 10
France vs. Romania, 3 p.m., ESPN
Saturday, June 11
Albania vs. Switzerland, 9 a.m., ESPN
Wednesday, June 15
Romania vs. Switzerland, Noon, ESPN
France vs. Albania, 3 p.m., ESPN
Sunday, June 19
Switzerland vs. France, 3 p.m., ESPN
Romania vs. Albania, 3 p.m., ESPN2
