FRANCE

Ranking 7. Last time Quarter-finals. Manager Didier Deschamps — the French nation crave tournament success following the heartache suffered in losing the Euro 2016 final to Portugal. Deschamps has taken them closer than anyone since 2000, but some still have reservations. A very capable coach and tactician who has managed to maintain harmony in the camp.

They’re a bit like Bayern Munich — have the talent to sweep all before them, but may well fall agonisingly short.

Key man Antoine Griezmann — comes into the tournament in excellent form having scored 29 goals for Atletico Madrid, including two in their Europa League final win over Marseille. Has scored 20 times for his country and has a handy knack of performing on the biggest stages.

Rising star Kylian Mbappe (right) — eyes of the world will be very much on the 19-yearold sensation as he graces the World Cup stage for the first time. Only made his national team debut in March last year, the first man born after France’s World Cup win in 1998 to play for Les Bleus. Can the exuberance of youth overcome pressure?

Prospects Have the potential to reach the semi-finals, or even the final, but may just fall short in the end.