With six points, on top of their relatively straightforward group and set on a path into the last 16 that provides a potentially smooth route to the semi-finals on paper, France should be flying. Yet instead the country is fretting after two spluttering performances pulled out of the fire at the last.
Following two group matches in which late goals have delivered points if not performances, Didier Deschamps remains stuck on a puzzle before their final group match against Switzerland in Lille. It is as though the ambiguous atmosphere surrounding this tournament, particularly in the capital, has permeated the hosts, who began as favourites.
Yet they still go into their final group match, against another side that have all but qualified, in a shootout for top spot with Switzerland and aware that none of their main rivals have hit their stride yet either.
Much of the debate has coalesced around Paul Pogba. The 23-year-old midfielder possesses frightening talent and began the tournament gracing the front of L’Équipe as the heir apparent to Michel Platini in 1984 and Zinedine Zidane in 1998, but was poor in the opening victory over Romania at the Stade de France and unhappy to be dropped from the starting lineup for a similarly last-gasp 2-0 win over Albania.
Pogba, so vital to Juventus, has yet to become similarly indispensable for his national side. France’s captain, Hugo Lloris, who will overtake his coach’s record when he leads the side out for the 54th time in Lille, said he was confident Antoine Griezmann and Pogba – both criticised after the 2-1 victory over Romania – would come good.
“It’s only natural there are expectations. They do have big status within the game, they had great seasons with their clubs,” said Lloris. “The competition is very long. I believe the top players will wait for the big moments. Antoine Griezmann made the difference against Albania.”
As for Pogba, Lloris was also positive about his second-half contribution against a dogged Albanian side: “He did a lot better than his first match, he was aggressive and put in a lot of intensity. What is most important is to be part of the team’s plan. The competition is very long.”
France have never lost to Switzerland in tournament football and swept them aside 5-2 in the World Cup group stages in Brazil two years ago. Lloris said he expected a more open game than against Romania or Albania and, as if to try and emphasise that this French squad did not contain the fissures of old and could cope with the expectation heaped upon them, continually emphasised the collective.
“What’s most important is all 23 players are involved, as you’ve been able to see when we celebrate goals. We are a united group. The coach will pick the side,” he said.
But there is one player for whom France has already swooned. Dimitri Payet has taken his stellar Premier League form for West Ham on to the biggest stage, with French fanzones reverberating to the chant that has rocked Upton Park all season.
“He is on top form, he’s really worked hard and he’s been rewarded. As for the saviour, you didn’t necessarily expect Dmitri Payet to be that but he has been that,” said an admiring Deschamps. “In matches, of course, it is individuals that make the difference.”
After several rock concerts in the buildup damaged the surface both sides were asked to train away from the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, which is likely to again have the roof closed on Sunday night, to try to protect it.
Deschamps is expected to rotate his squad again, with the hitherto excellent N’Golo Kanté and Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud potentially dropping to the bench as they have yellow cards to their names. Patrice Evra and Blaise Matuidi may also be rested, with Griezmann and Pogba among those in line for recalls.
However, despite the temptation to rotate, managers of both sides emphasised the advantages of topping the group. “We’ll try to play our football and cause problems for France,” said Vladimir Petkovic, whose Swiss side did just enough to beat 10-man Albania 1-0, then drew 1-1 with Romania, and need a point to be certain of going through.
“We have the chance and will try to do the most to secure top spot which gives you, on paper at least, a slightly easier opponent for the next round.”
Petkovic, who must decide whether to rest Xherdan Shaqiri, was happy to pile the pressure onto the hosts.
“France are still the favourites for our group and for the competition as a whole. In the first two matches we’ve seen the ability of that side and the attributes they have,” he said.
“It’s not been easy for them. We can see how much pressure there’s been on them from the media and French television. The best sides always improve one game after the next and keep progressing.”
If France are to march on into the last 16 when the business end of the tournament can finally begin full flight they will need a performance to excite the public as well as the points to top the group.
