It was a historic moment for France when they lifted the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Not only was it their second Golden trophy, but it also ended their 20-year wait since their last win in 1998. However, as they prepare for UEFA Euro 2024, Les Bleus has the major task of breaking their 24-year drought in the European Championship, with their last wins in 1984 and 2000. So will this 17th edition turn out to be a lucky charm for Didier Deschamps and Co.? Perhaps, a look at the squad may clear the doubts.

France squad for UEFA Euro 2024

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba

Defenders: Jonathan Clauss, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Ferland Mendy, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Antoine Griezmann, N’Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery

Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram

This edition, Didier Deschamps, has decided to take one man less, announcing a 25-man squad. In fact, Deschamps made significant changes with 15 players missing out compared to the 2020 edition, while 14 fresh faces made the squad.

Key Ins for Euro 2024 from France: Brice Samba, Jonathan Clauss, Warren Zaire-Emery, Youssouf Fofana, Bradley Barcola

Key Outs for Euro 2024 from France: Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, Lucas Hernandez (ACL tear), Presnel Kimpembe, (season-ending injury), Paul Pogba (doping ban), Karim Benzema

Surprise left outs for France: Axel Disasi, Matteo Guendouzi, Malo Gusto, Boubacar Kamara (injury), Christopher Nkunku, Michael Olise, Jean-Clair Todibo.

Young stars to look out for

Warren Zaire-Emery: The Paris Saint-Germain prospect is the youngest in the squad, aged 18. He was quite a surprise addition to the team and will certainly look to make a memorable debut. Deschamps’ confidence stems from Zaire-Emery’s impressive domestic season. The youngster earned 43 appearances across all competitions under Luis Enrique’s first season in charge, even notching 3 goals and 7 assists.

Bradley Barcola: Domestic teammate of Warren Zaire-Emery, Barcola also managed to win Luis Enrique’s confidence. Having joined from OL Lyon, he made an impressive 42 appearances for PSG across all competitions, notching 5 goals and 9 assists. He also had a good attacking understanding with Kylian Mbappe and will certainly look to display the same.

(Notable Mentions: William Saliba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Randal Kolo Muani)

France predicted playing XI and key players

Notably, Didier Deschamps is expected to stick to his usual 4-2-3-1 formation and a regular progressive play through the middle. The back line will carry a high and narrow pressing, with one of the two holding midfielders dropping to see the full-backs charge upfront. As of course, Deschamps prefers to have speedy wingers to bomb forward!

France predicted playing XI: Mike Maignan; Jonathan Clauss, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Kingsley Coman, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe; Oliver Giroud

Key Players: Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Oliver Giroud, William Saliba, Aurelien Tchouameni

Overall, the 2024 UEFA EURO squad of France looks neat. However, with so many changes, questions wind up about whether Les Blues will get team chemistry in line. After all, the pressure to outperform the EURO 2020 squad is somewhere inside Didier Deschamps. We would like to hear your thoughts in the comments.