Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid and France defender Raphael Varane is confident Les Bleus have the right mixture of youth and experience to lead them to victory on home soil at Euro 2016.
Varane, 23, is one of a number of talented younger players including Juventus’ Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial of Manchester United and Atletico Madrid rival Antoine Griezmann who will carry French hopes of replicating their success of winning the Euros and World Cup at home in 1984 and 1998 respectively.
However, Varane believes their experience of dealing with the relentless pressure of playing at Europe’s top clubs will help them deal with the expectations of a nation.
“There is a mix of youth and experience which is quite interesting and the players are playing in the biggest European clubs. We regularly face that pressure,” Varane told AFP on Tuesday.
“This is a team that is able to unsettle anyone. At the moment we have potential and anything can happen.
“Despite the youth of the group we can do it. We have a group that is capable of beating anyone, who can claim to compete with the best teams. For me, our youth is a strength.”
Varane is expected to be France coach Didier Deschamps’ first choice in central defence for the Euros.
However, he has endured another season of highs and lows at Real as he has again struggled to dislodge captain Sergio Ramos and Portuguese veteran Pepe as the preferred defensive partnership despite the arrival of compatriot Zinedine Zidane — who recommended his signing from Lens as an 18-year-old — as coach.
Varane, though, is confident of regaining his best form in time for France’s opening game of the tournament against Romania on June 10.
“To experience a Euros in France is hugely motivating,” he added.
“I hope to be able to give the best of myself.”
Varane has another huge game before heading to the Euros, however, as he could be tasked with stopping Griezmann when Real face Atletico in the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons in Milan on May 28.
Real ran out 4-1 winners after extra-time two years ago in Lisbon, but have won just one of the 10 meetings between the sides since.
And Varane is expecting an extremely tight contest at the San Siro.
“These are two teams that know each other well, who know each other’s weaknesses and strengths.
“It is a game that will turn on the minor details, maybe on a set-piece. In any case, it will not be an easy game for either team and we hope for a happy ending like two years ago.”
