Les Bleus open European Championship at home hoping to shake off the blues
France kicks off its Euro 2016 campaign against Romania on Friday with the host nation desperate for a ray of sunshine after being hit by strikes, floods and scandals in the build-up.
Protests against a labor law and torrential rain that has caused the Seine river to rise to levels not seen in decades have created a bleak backdrop to the tournament where France will start as the favorite.
A state of emergency is also still in force after last November’s Islamist attacks killed 130 people in Paris at several sites including the Stade de France, the venue for Friday’s opening game.
As if that were not enough, France’s preparations have been hampered by a string of injuries and a scandal involving striker Karim Benzema, who said last week that he was denied a chance to play in the tournament finals because of his Algerian origins.
Benzema was suspended indefinitely by the French federation last December because of his involvement in an alleged blackmail scandal. The FFF upheld the ban in April, effectively ruling the striker out of the tournament.
His accusation of racism was widely denied, with promising forward Kingsley Coman calling it “nonsense.”
His comments did, however, deepen a row about alleged racism in a national team once hailed as a model for ethnic integration after Les Bleus lifted the World Cup on home soil in 1998.
Current coach Didier Deschamps captained France to that success, but 18 years later he faces a very different challenge.
It seems a formality that France will survive a group – arguably the weakest in the competition – that also features Albania and Switzerland.
“I trust my players,” said Deschamps. “The first game is not decisive, but it is important because it sets the tone for the whole tournament.”
Romania has struggled in front of goal, but its resolute defense could make it a difficult side to break down.
Russia provides tough opening challenge for England
England must ignore talks about its Euro 2016 prospects and focus instead on getting off to a good start in its tournament opener against Russia on Saturday, a sentiment echoed by a number of the team’s players.
Warm-up victories over Turkey, Australia and Portugal have raised hopes of Roy Hodgson’s charges ending the country’s 50-year wait for a major international trophy since England’s World Cup triumph in 1966.
“All the team’s focus will be on Russia now. It’s the first game, you don’t want to lose your first match and it’s important we get off to a good start and build from there,” said midfielder Adam Lallana.
“I think it’s important to treat it as much of a normal game as you can. There’s always going to be hype, but if we concentrate on our football and don’t get too caught up in the emotion and what comes with it then I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
With England fielding the youngest squad in what is the first major tournament for several of their players, Lallana felt it could work in favor of the Three Lions.
“We’ve got the balance of a young, fearless team with a good blend of experience as well,” the 28-year-old Liverpool player said.
“I think it’s good there is an element of surprise so the opposition don’t know what we’re doing. I think that’s a massive positive going into the tournament.”
Forward Daniel Sturridge urged teammates to put egos aside to preserve team unity during the tournament in France.
“We can’t win this thing if there’s egos or problems in the camp,” the Liverpool striker said.
“It’s about us being here as a team. I look at other countries in many competitions and when they score everyone is off the bench and they are all involved, all jumping on each other celebrating – and that’s how we have to be.”
For its part, Russia favors a 4-2-3-1 formation with Artem Dzyuba likely to be named as his side’s lone striker.
The Zenit St. Petersburg forward is not the most mobile, so do not expect him to be running away from England’s defense, but he is an imposing presence.
He knows where the goal is and could punish England if he gets a sniff in the penalty area.
Russian coach Leonid Slutsky definitely is aware of his side’s obstacle on Saturday.
“England are a much stronger side than the other teams,” said Slutsky. “They have young players, but of a high level. Their 10 victories in qualifying are a testament to that strength.
“Of course in our group they can surpass anyone.” (Reuters)