Group C
France


Odds to win: 8/1
Previous best: Twice champions
Gaffer's pedigree: Raymond Domenech clearly loves a giggle. He claimed on April Fools Day that his side had decided not to play in Euro 2008 to concentrate on the World Cup instead. What a card.
He might do alright: Bafetimbi Gomis. Forget Henry, Anelka and even Karim Benzema. This St. Etienne striker scored two goals on his debut and could be the surprise of the tournament. Or he could just stay on the bench and make us look silly.
How did he get in? Jean-Alain Boumsong. He’s as clueless as David Blunkett with an AA Route Planner.
Stick your money on: Claude Makelele passing the ball sideways a lot and making the odd tackle. And this being regarded as world class.
Wag Watch: Everyone knows about Makelele’s bit stuff, Marks and Sparks mode Noemie Lenoir, and Florent Malouda’s wife, Giselle, is another to keep an eye on.
If they were a celeb: Sophia Loren. Still a bit sexy and alluring, despite getting on a bit.
Obligatory translation feature: “Est-ce que tu peut jouer ailier droit Nicolas?” (“Are you OK to play right wing Nicolas?”)
Prediction: Beaten finalists.