Euro 2012 - The French Revolution?

Recently i have spent a fair amount of time discussing the Euros and in particular these three questions. Who will win it? Who will be top scorer? And who will be the break out player? And to my surprise very rarely has anybody mentioned the French. Unbeaten in their last twenty games and boasting a hungry young squad they are a team that are at the forefront of our minds due to England's opening fixture but this i feel has led to them being overlooked as tournament contenders.

This is a completely different team from the one that crashed and burned at the World Cup. No longer are they an unsettled squad but the new coach Laurent Blanc has brought a cohesion and happiness to the French camp. In fact it has been argued that the current squad is too inexperienced with many players plying their trade in the French league and possessing less than 20 caps. However this contrast's with the star studded squads that have braced previous tournaments and has led to a lack of egos and an increase in unity in the squad. Something that can be viewed as nothing but positive. 

Blanc is likely to utilize an effective 4-2-3-1 formation which places strong emphasis on keeping the ball and using it efficiently. This is possible due to the attacking and flexible threat players such as Benzema, Nasri, Martin and Ribery bring to the team. They are complemented nicely by the defensive base that can be provided by the likes of Cabaye, M'vila and Diarra. Although there are worries about the French central defenders, the Mexes and Rami partnership looks shakey with some even calling for the much improved but inexperienced Laurent Koscienly to start against England , they have the magnificent Lloris in goal and a number of solid full backs to choose from (Evra, Clichy and Debuchy). If the French can overcome some defensive issues and their tricky opening fixture they will be well placed to perform strongly throughout the rest of the tournament due to the strength of their squad.. Odds of 10/1 to win the tournament look very appealing. 

This brings me on the subject of top goalscorer. Robin Van Persie and Mario Gomez are in some sense the rightful favourites to win the golden boot. However many are talking about Jelavic or Lewandoski as potential dark horses due to their blistering club form. Yet criminally, Karim Benzema is being overlooked. His impressive goal tally for Real Madrid (32 goals in 52 games) has been overshadowed by the astonishing feats of Ronaldo and Messi and although it is true that he is yet to light up the international stage he is currently in the form of his life. He will be the sole focal point of the French attack and will be given plenty of opportunities to score from the creative three behind him with Ribery in particular determined to impress. Therefore not only do France possess the squad to challenge at the Euros they also have a world class striker who could light up the tournament. 

Finally my last question - biggest breakout player? Every international tournament always throws up a player or players that makes their name on the world stage with some dazzling performances. In the 2010 World Cup  it was Muller, whilst the 2008 European Championships gave us Arshavin. Players who although relatively well known in their own league or country had yet to have their class appreciated on a global scale. My tip for the break out player of the tournament is Mathieu Debuchy. Almost certain to start at right back due to absence of Sagna. Debuchy is a tough tackling, adventurous full back who is able to produce consistently good crosses. He needs some work on the defensive side of his game but with top class sides like Man United and Barcelona supposedly on the look out for a new full back a good tournament for Debuchy could lead to great things. 

Could Euro 2012 herald a new era for the French? Unfortunately for England the signs are positive but we will find out soon enough. 

jgeorge