A look at the teams and their key players and coach in Group A at the European Championship:
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FRANCE
France’s preparations to win the Euros for the third time have been overshadowed by off-field matters, with top striker Karim Benzema not making the squad due to his involvement in an extortion scam over a sex tape, but its squad is deep and rich with talent. Playing at home will be a huge factor, as has been shown in the past – France won Euro 84 and the 1998 World Cup in front of its own fans.
PAUL POGBA: The Juventus star is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe, with his valuation in the 100-million euros bracket. For France, Pogba has yet to justify that reputation but Euro 2016 is his big chance to become France’s new midfield maestro and follow in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini.