Five years removed from Portugal's coronation just outside Paris, the next European Championship begins on Friday, and with it comes the quest for the 2016 host and runner-up to make amends and follow a World Cup title with another triumph—and for 23 other national sides to do something about it.
France is as good if not better than it was when it lifted the World Cup trophy in Russia three summers ago, and after an extra year's wait due to the pandemic, it's out to confirm its status as the world and region's preeminent team—it's No. 2 FIFA world ranking notwithstanding.