Winners in 1984, as hosts, and 2000. This is their seventh successive Euros finals.

France were the last host nation to win the title, in 1984, and are among the favourites this time. With a dynamic and athletic midfield, allied to verve and pace in a three-man front line, they can be electric on the counter-attack.

Coach Didier Deschamps has brought unity to a squad riven by unrest for years; however, the blackmail case which has pitted striker Karim Benzema and attacking midfielder Mathieu Valbuena on opposite sides could yet undermine the team's chances.

Key player: Paul Pogba

Pogba is one of the most talented players in the entire tournament and can single-handedly change any game he's involved in. He can make a difference at both ends of the pitch with his monstrous skillset -- but he tends to suffer from some of the consistency problems that plague younger players. If France can keep Pogba focused and motivated, though, there's not a midfield in the tournament that can properly contain him.