Euro 2024: Austria vs France tips and predictions – Les Bleus to underline title credentials

Seb Sternik
14 June 2024

European Championship, France - Germany, preliminary round, Group F, 1st matchday in the EM-Arena Munich. Coach Didier Deschamps

Top title contenders France kick off their European Championship campaign with a potentially tricky clash against an inspired Austrian side this Monday night (2000 BST).

Former Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick returns to the spotlight as he looks to pull off a big shock with the Austrian national side.

The German may have endured a disappointing run at Old Trafford, though he has quickly shrugged off his Manchester blues and is making a big impact on the international stage.

The Austria manager has turned a struggling national side into a dangerous outfit which is capable of pulling off a few shocks at the Euros.

France could certainly be on the receiving end of one of these shocks. Austria are in tremendous form, entering the tournament with a seven-match unbeaten run under their belts – six of those victories.

Rangnick masterminded a 2-0 win over Germany and a 6-1 thrashing of Turkey in recent encounters. In fact, his side have only endured one defeat in 16 games.

France will be wary of the Austrian threat, but you can forget about Les Bleus being intimidated in any way.

Didier Deschamps’ side are the World Cup runners-up and they head into the Euros as one of the main favourites for the title.

A star-studded squad, a winning mentality coupled with a strong recent run – it’s hard to see who can stop this French side from lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy.

While Austria are likely to put on a valiant display, we’re backing the French to turn on the style in their tournament opener and win convincingly.

Backing Les Bleus in the handicap market is the way to go.

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Team news

France are facing questions marks over Kylian Mbappe after a virus broke out in the camp. The newly signed Real Madrid star missed training alongside Kingsley Coman.

Austria, meanwhile, will be missing the injured David Alaba.