France are one of Europe’s great football nations and Didier Deschamps’ men will have the opportunity to create history as they look to win the European Championship on home soil. After winning both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 competitions, France have failed to make a lasting impression at major tournaments but their ‘golden generation’ could take Les Bleus back to the top of the international stage. And if nothing else, one thing is for sure, Arsenal’s French stars will be central to their aspirations this summer – especially in defence and attack.With both Mamadou Sakho and Karim Benzema set to miss out on France’s 23-man squad, the stage is set for Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud to grab plenty of attention as Deschamps’ men seek another European Championship crown. At the time of writing, France are 7/2 in the early Euro 2016 betting markets and they are looking exceptionally strong – both individually and as a team. They have plenty of talent in their ranks but Arsenal’s main men could be the guys to lead France to a much-needed major title in front of their passionate home supporters.

And while France have an exceptional squad, Koscielny may well feature on a regular basis this summer. The Arsenal centre-back could provide some much-needed assurance, organisation and, most importantly, experience alongside young star Raphael Varane. French fans will be excited at the prospect of this duo teaming up throughout the competition. On his day, Koscielny is one of the best defenders in the Premier League and his commitment and passion to the sport will certainly stand him in good stead to make a positive impact on Deschamps’ side.

Giroud has struggled to inspire confidence in recent months but he may up his game on the international stage. If truth be told, Giroud has failed to cope with the intense pressure on his shoulders at the Emirates Stadium this season and Arsenal would have stood a much better chance of winning the title with the Frenchman as their main supporting striker. Giroud isn’t quite in that bracket of world-class strikers and while he faces stiff competition from Anthony Martial and Alexandre Lacazette for the starting role this summer, Deschamps is a big Giroud fan and the Arsenal man may get the nod.

Arsenal’s French duo will both have key parts to play for their country this summer but they aren’t necessarily guaranteed a place in Deschamps’ starting line-up. On current form, it would be difficult to select Giroud over Martial or Lacazette while Koscielny’s stake for a place in the team for France’s opening fixture against Romania looks solid. If Arsenal’s representatives can make a positive impact in the early stages of the competition, then both men may play their way into the squad on a regular basis. And, with a bit of luck, the Gunners might even lead France to another major title.