Rejuvenated France ready to put World Cup woes behind them

After terrible performances in both Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, France have had a major re-think and can be considered a good outside bet this summer.

New manager Laurent Blanc has focussed on selecting players with the right attitude, following the high profile fall out in South Africa.

Blanc's side edged into the finals, thanks to a late Samir Nasri penalty which secured a point in the final game against Bosnia & Herzegovina, and meant that France didn't have to face the play-offs.

Star Man - Karim Benzema

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema was omitted from the French squad for the World Cup in 2010, but he's back in the reckoning now and is the focal point of the French attack.

Still only 24, Benzema scored three goals during qualifying and goes into the tournament in great form after an excellent campaign which saw Madrid clinch La Liga title.

Benzema played a major part in that triumph scoring 20 league goals, and 31 in all competitions.

One to Watch - Florent Malouda

Winger Florent Malouda may have fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea this season, playing just 12 games, but he remains an integral part of the French side.

Laurent Blanc sets his side up with six defensive players, in front of the keeper, and Malouda is one of the three tricky midfielders who'll look to support Benzema.

He was the only player to score for France in the infamous World Cup debacle in South Africa, and netted three times in nine qualifying games ahead of this tournament.

Goals scored in qualifying: 15 in 10 games

Goals conceded in qualifying: Four

Top scorer: Three - Benzema, Gourcuff, Malouda

Most assists: Two - Benzema, Nasri

Most attempts on target: 13 - Benzema