All eyes will be on France, the two-time European champions (1984 and 2000) as they make their Euro 2024 debut against Austria on Monday, and for good reason.
After fellow favourites England failed to impress in their maiden win over Serbia on Sunday, France will be hoping to establish a rapid pace that others can emulate. Les Bleus will once again be led by Didier Deschamps, who will be taking charge of his sixth major tournament since replacing Laurent Blanc in the summer of 2012. It’s an unprecedented tenure in modern international football, but one that suits both men very well. Under Deschamps, France have reached the finals of three of the last four Grand Slams (Euro 2016, 2018 World Cup and 2022 World Cup), but were eliminated in the round of 16 four years ago by Switzerland on penalties.
Austria is participating in the European Championships for the third consecutive year and is aiming to reach the knockout stage for the second consecutive year. The team lost to eventual champions Italy in 2021.
How to watch Austria vs France, stream links, start time
Kickoff: 3pm ET, Monday (June 17)
Stadium: Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf
How to watch on TV in the US: Fox Sports
Team news Austria, Focus
Ralf Rangnick, in charge since stepping down as interim manager of Manchester United in May 2022, has guided Austria to second place, just one point behind group winners Belgium, and a comfortable qualification spot (nine points), ahead of third-placed Sweden. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer led the qualifying campaign with four goals, followed by Freiburg striker Michael Gregoritsch and RB Leipzig midfielder Christoph Baumgartner, each with three goals. Marko Arnautovic, who has made 112 appearances for Austria, seven more than any other player in his history (David Alaba missed Euro 2024 after rupturing his cruciate ligament in December), is still available.
France team news, focus
Kylian Mbappe is 25 and ready to star in his fifth major tournament. He hopes to be one of six players to complete the World/European Champions medal set. Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele, Benjamin Pavard and Alphonse Areola are the remaining players from the 2018 squad. Deschamps controversially chose Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano as his starting centre-backs, despite William Saliba having been world-class all season for Arsenal. It was an easy qualification for France, who only needed to drop two points (a 2-2 draw with Greece on the final day, a few months after qualifying). Nine different players scored goals in the 14-0 win over Gibraltar in November.
Serbia vs England Prediction
They are young, experienced, powerful in attack and have a solid defensive foundation. France will probably need to win themselves to avoid winning this tournament. Austria 1:3 France.