The last time Kylian Mbappe kicked a ball at the European Championship, it sent France out of the competition.

He was the only player to miss in a penalty shootout against Switzerland in Bucharest, and France were eliminated from Euro 2020 in the round-of-16 in a game where they led 3-1.

Mbappe, who received hateful abuse online following the miss, is desperate to make amends at Euro 2024.

“It was a slap in the face when we failed at the Euro,” the 25-year-old striker said earlier this month. “It’s a big stain on my CV in the national team. I'm in a vengeful mood.”

France are in Group D, where they face Austria in Dusseldorf on Monday, followed by the Netherlands on Friday and Poland on June 25.

Austria would typically be no trouble for France but German manager Ralf Rangnick has led a transformation this past two years, with his side imbued with confidence having lost only once in their last 16 matches.

Mbappe, the team captain, was missing from practice at France’s team based in Germany on June 13 but was back training with his teammates the following days.

“He took some rest but he's not going to lose his physical condition just because he missed one or two training sessions,” France veteran Olivier Giroud said.

“He still has the same legs that we all know and the determination to achieve a great competition. So don’t worry he's going to be ready for the first match.”

Giroud said a strong early start in Duesseldorf on Monday could ease some of the pressure in a tournament with quality opposition at every step. Austria have won only one of their last 10 matches against France.

“We tend to say that it is not a decisive match, but it is an important match," Giroud said.

“It can put you in a good position and once again manage the last two matches better... By losing this first match, you are obliged almost to win the other two."

Some commentators argue the biggest threat to France's chances in Germany is themselves, which was evident when they exited Euro 2020.

France were uninspiring in pre-tournament games and Lucas Hernandez being ruled out of the tournament means Deschamps will need to be creative in selecting his defence.

Rangnick has won plaudits for astute tactics and a heavy focus on attack and is expected to stick to his trademark high pressing and counter-attacking that could make things uncomfortable for France.

“We know their style, it's a very solid team,” France forward Marcus Thuram said. “We’re going to have to get out of their pressing.”

Austrian defender Philipp Lienhart said a tough match was ahead but his team was not out to defend the game.

“We have to be very alert because the players are so good,” he said. “But we definitely will not hide.”

While much of the pre-tournament buzz has focused on the attacking riches of a strong England side, France are also favourites, a tag Giroud said should not weigh heavy.

“This must not torment us, it must give us confidence. But not too much,” he said.

Deschamps milestone

When coach Didier Deschamps takes to the dugout on Monday, it will be an opportunity to register a phenomenal 100th win in charge of the team.

The 55-year-old is by some margin the most experienced coach at the tournament in Germany, with his almost 12 years in charge of Les Bleus, and brings with him impressive credentials as a player too.

Monday’s match marks Deschamps’s 154th game as French coach with 99 wins, 30 draws and 24 losses in a glory-filled career, where consistency and calmness have been his hallmarks.

He has been coach of his side more than three years longer than the next most experienced manager at Euro 2024 — England’s Gareth Southgate.

Deschamps has won the World Cup as both a coach and player — first in 1998 on home soil in a star-studded French line-up.