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France

Team Overview

France have one of the strongest squads of all 16 teams competing in Austria and Switzerland.

However, they were not impressive in qualifying as they narrowly edged out Scotland to finish in the top two of their group, despite losing twice to Alex McLeish's side.

A number of Les Bleus' players will be playing in their last international tournament with Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele among those who are set to depart the international stage.

France reached the final of the 2006 World Cup and they could once again go close to glory this summer.

Manager - Raymond Domenech

Domenech took over as manager of France after Les Bleus' disappointing performance at Euro 2004, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Greece.

Since becoming coach Domenech has been a controversial figure within France. He led his side to the 2006 World Cup final, although they did lose that match to Italy on a penalty shoot-out.

However it is his management style that has caused opinions to be split. Domenech has fallen out with many players during his reign and his decision to leave David Trezeguet out of France's squad for this summer's tournament has been met by plenty of scepticism back home.

He also had a high profile falling-out with the then-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho after he insisted Claude Makelele should carry on playing for France, despite the midfielder announcing his retirement from international football in 2006.

If Domenech is to win a trophy during his spell as Les Bleus' boss this could well be his best chance. He has a top quality squad at his disposal laced with experience and youthful exuberance. There can be no excuses of France fail to fire this summer.

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Euro 2008 gallery

JABLONEC NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC - JULY 26: Florian Jungwirth of Germany receives the cup after the U19 European Championship final match between Germany and Italy at the Strelnice stadium on July 26, 2008 in Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic.  (Photo by Thomas Langer/Bongarts/Getty Images for DFB)
JABLONEC NAD NISOU, CZECH REPUBLIC - JULY 26: Florian Jungwirth of Germany receives the cup after...

 

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