France
Tactics
Raymond Domenech has multiple options for the finals, particularly in attack, since a number of squad members are capable of playing in a variety of positions. His favoured system is a traditional 4-4-2 in which Anelka or Benzema would play alongside Henry up front, and the midfield would feature the irreplaceable Ribery driving on from the right, with another attack-minded player – possibly Malouda – adding the same threat on the left. The less dynamic but highly experienced Vieira and Makelele take care of defensive midfield duties.
No-nonsense back four
With Sagnol at right-back, Abidal at left-back and a central partnership of Gallas and Thuram, Domenech has a no-nonsense back four that needs little tinkering. He also has the option of swapping like for like, with Clerc on the right, Evra on the left, and Mexes and Escude waiting in the wings should Thuram find he no longer has the legs.
If the coach wants to make the game narrower, Ribery could play at the point of a midfield diamond, with Malouda and Vieira pushed a little ahead of Makelele. But Domenech can also go 4-2-3-1, as he did against England in March, again using Ribery in the hole, but with a striker withdrawn and, say, Govou going wide right.
Solid and adaptable
The key for France is that the basics are solid and the players adaptable enough to make small changes work. You are unlikely to see anything as radical as a 4-3-3, though. Domenech knows what has paid dividends for Les Bleus, so why change now?
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