1 Didier Deschamps (France) There’s a reason why France are favourites to lift the trophy in Germany and it’s because, over the period of 12 years, the hugely talented Deschamps has created one of the most consistent teams in world football. As a player he was nicknamed ‘the water carrier’ for the way he steadily ran midfield, but he’s been far more than that as a coach, using his calm, thoughtful and diplomatic style to great effect. He’s reached two World Cup Finals, winning of course in Russia against Croatia (which made him only the third man in history to win a World Cup as both player and manager) and then coming agonisingly close against Argentina in Qatar before losing on penalties.

He’s also lifted the Nations Cup and reached a Euro final, narrowly missing out in extra-time against Portugal in Paris in 2016. What’s remarkable is that he has achieved all that at the age of 55, which in managerial terms gives him plenty of time to go (and his current contract runs until 2026). Over the years he has been flexible with his tactics and with the current France team he switches between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, with Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann the key men.

There’s a willingness to give young players a chance, for instance Eduardo Camavinga in midfield, but the fact that he’s stuck with striker Olivier Giroud for so long also hints at loyalty to players who show consistency. Giroud, who will bow out after this tournament, is France’s all-time top goals.