Top 5 teams after Euro 2016 group stage

Ivan Rakitic of Croatia BORDEAUX, FRANCE - JUNE 21: during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group D match between Croatia and Spain at Stade Matmut Atlantique on June 21, 2016 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport) (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport via Getty Images) /

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(L-R) Ricardo Rodriguez of Switzerland, Moussa Sissoko of France during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group A group stage match between Switzerland and France at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on june 19, 2016 in Lille, France.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

5. France

Although the French have been great hosts and were favorites before the tournament, they have yet to prove why. Granted, their roster is loaded. With Payet, Pogba, Sissoko, Coman, Griezmann and Giroud (lacking Karim Benzema), the French have one of the best attacks in the world. If they can start clicking in the knockout stages and if Pogba can start playing to the best of his ability, they still have a legitimate shot to win this tournament.

But they have yet to click. Payet has had to carry this team with two late goals to win against Romania and to seal the deal against Albania. The French won their group but they didn’t do it in the style that many expected them to.

Payet has been arguably one of the best players in the tournament, but he hasn’t gotten much help. Griezmann was the only other player to score. Giroud has been nonexistent. He’s had his chances but hasn’t taken them. Pogba has been decent, but for his standards, he hasn’t played very well.

The good news for the French is that their first knockout stage game is against an Irish team that they should beat. It might be tough for them to break down the tough Irish defense but they will be expected to win in the end. If they get past Ireland, though, they will probably have to play another team that has yet to play to their potential, England. For now, though, the French have been fifth best at these Euro Championships.

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