France v Austria Euro 2024 Group D preview

The wait is finally over, and the beautiful game is back! UEFA Euro 2024 is underway, and we're set to witness some thrilling matches, including France's first game of the tournament against Austria in Group D. Les Bleus, one of the tournament favourites, will be looking to make a statement against a sturdy Austrian side.

France, the 2018 World Cup champions, will be eager to make a strong start to their campaign. Didier Deschamps' men have been preparing meticulously for this tournament, and their squad boasts some of the finest talent in the world. Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann and William Saliba are just a few of the superstar players who will be looking to make a significant impact.

Austria, on the other hand, has shown remarkable resilience in the qualifying campaign. Ralf Rangnick's men have been known for their tenacious defending and quick counter-attacks. Despite being the underdogs, they will be looking to cause an upset against the French giants.

France are the heavy favourites going into the game though, but if they don't start quickly, Rangnick's Austria side could cause them real issues, and the odds reflect that.

France are boasting a full fit squad, with N'Golo Kante expected to start in midfield for his country at this summer's European Championship, with Mbappe playing in his favourited left-wing position, hoping to win the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament, both of which he's in the running for.

Austria are without arguably their country's best player, David Alaba, who is missing with a serious injury.

The probable teams for the match are: 

•  France: Maignan - T. Hernandez, Saliba, Upamecano, Kounde - Kante, Rabiot, Griezmann - Mbappe, Giroud, Dembele
• Austria: Pentz - Posch, Danso, Wöber, Mwene - Seiwald, Grillitsch; Laimer, Sabitzer, Baumgartner - Gregoritsch.
  

Ladbrokes has published an article looking at the betting odds for each of the nations competing in Euro 2024, starting with the favourites England and ending with Georgia, who have been priced at 500/1.

A betting tips and predictions piece looking at five of the first round fixtures from Euro 2024 was also released, with picks from Portugal v Czech Republic and more.

View the latest football odds.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.