How they got here: Coasted through Group 1 with almost embarrassing ease, scoring nine goals and conceding two to finish ahead of Slovenia, Israel, Cyprus and Malta with maximum 24 points.

Manager: Jacques Santini

Star turn: On this season's club form it would have to be Thierry Henry whose form for Arsenal was a major factor in their Premiership title success. His pace, technical ability and intelligence make him one of the very best strikers in the world.

Prospects: Four years on from their dramatic victory over Italy in the last European Championship and two after their disastrous showing in Korea it is hard to gauge how the French will fare in the defence of their title. Zinedine Zidane's form is a concern as is the age profile of the defence and the ability of Fabien Barthez to make match-losing contributions. All in all they don't quite look quite up to it anymore.