5 Key Observations from France's 4-0 Demolition of Estonia

Back in January 2011, when Nike first unveiled its debut collection of France national football team products, former international Christophe Dugarry, a member of the World Cup '98 and Euro 2000 winning sides, took part in an ad campaign for the new line.

"What do we like in football?" Dugarry began by asking the viewer. "It's creativity, pleasure, dribbling and technical movement."

France had gotten away from that type of football during Raymond Domenech's reign. His (mis)guidance created such furor in France that Eric Cantona labeled him the worst "ruler" since Louis XVI.

One look at the uninspired football Les Bleus provided during World Cup 2010 was enough to realize that they needed a change.

Enter: Laurent Blanc, like Dugarry a member of the French sides that enjoyed such remarkable success in the late '90s and early '00s, and who was coming off a very good run at the helm of Ligue 1 side Bordeaux.

Dugarry lent his support to his former teammate, saying that Blanc had "the same ambition," and that "his philosophy is similar to ours."

Some 16 months since that Nike video—and nearly two years into Blanc's reign, it is fair to say that he has been a success.

France are in the midst of an enthralling 21-game unbeaten run, the latest match an absolute attacking masterpiece which saw Les Bleus put four past Estonia in their final warm-up friendly for Euro 2012. (France begin their tournament on June 11 against England.)

Confidence is high heading into the Euros, and rightly so. Here are five reasons why.

Karim Benzema Is on Fire

He had a goal called back for offside in France's first warm-up friendly against Iceland, but Karim Benzema has continued to look dangerous in front of goal.

Everyone expected much of the man who powered 32 goals for Real Madrid in 2011-12, and the former Lyon striker has begun paying dividends for France after so many years of untapped potential at the international level.

A brace—and a superb one at that—against Estonia will have his confidence brimming heading into the European Championships, and given the quality of Benzema's first goal, a terrific curling effort from the left edge of the penalty area that left keeper Sergei Pareiko no chance, he appears primed for a standout tournament.

This is his time; Benzema has alluded to as much in recent weeks. "Today I am a more mature person and player," Benzema said. "[France is] a new team and I'm more experienced."

It is a warning that England will have heard loud and clear. They will not have forgotten Benzema's goal at Wembley in November 2010, and will be well aware and wary of the threat he provides come next Monday.

So Is Franck Ribery

He has always sparkled for Bayern Munich, but Franck Ribery has found the going much rougher with the French national team.

No longer, though. Ribery's goal against Iceland was his first at the international level since spring 2009, but he has entered into another dimension on the wing since then.

Three goals in his last three games (one in each) for France has the pacy No. 7 looking like the danger man fans of the European game have grown accustomed to seeing in a Bavarian kit.

He's found a way to transfer that into the French blue. His goal against Estonia on Tuesday was the latest example—put simply, it was simply stunning.

Playing a one-two with Benzema on the edge of the penalty area, the Real Madrid hit man played Ribery in on goal with a perfectly weighted back-heeled flick. Ribery chested control of the ball, then fired a low shot past Pareiko into the bottom right corner of goal.

It was quick, it was incisive, it was devastating. England's injury-riddled defense will be on alert for that menace.

Alou Diarra Does Well in Place of Yann M'Vila

A favorite of Blanc's since the two were together at Bordeaux, Alou Diarra has overcome an indifferent season at Olympique de Marseille to thrive for France.

He took over for Yann M'Vila after the Rennes midfielder suffered a sprained ankle against Serbia, and has looked calm, composed and precise in his distribution since.

Diarra appeared to hurt his knee early on against Estonia, and was seen with an ice pack attached to the ligament after he was substituted in the 65th minute. The injury does not appear to be a serious one, however.

That's to France's benefit. The next two defensive midfielders Blanc would call upon (M'Vila and Blaise Matuidi) have both been ruled out of the England match.

Questions Remain in Defense

Blanc has staunchly remained with his first-choice central defensive pairing of Adil Rami (left of picture) and Philippe Mexes, despite the latter's uncertain play in the three friendlies.

Tuesday saw the latest blunder from Mexes, who nearly gifted Estonia an early goal with a miscue.

While the scintillating offensive play shifted the spotlight from the defense, it was far from assured. While Gael Clichy has been proposed as a replacement for left-back Patrice Evra, and Laurent Koscielny is a popular choice to take over for Mexes alongside Rami, Blanc will likely opt for the same starting lineup against England that he chose on Tuesday.

France allowed only two goals (both against Iceland) in these three friendlies, but they very easily could have conceded more.

The defense is most susceptible on the counterattack, as was seen in the Iceland match. Evra and Mexes—the left side of the back four—will need to be at their best; England, Sweden and Ukraine will likely have highlighted that side as the area they will key in on for attacks.

Blanc is certainly aware of the problem. "I felt that the defence was not good enough," the France manager told TF1 following Tuesday night's match.

"We got in trouble on some plays and we had to do some tinkering at the break. I'm not worrying, but I am not sure about certain things."

France Are Working Hard to Win Back the French Public

The aforementioned Domenech regime was blighted by the team's alleged indifference towards its fans.

Domenech's popularity (or lack thereof) notwithstanding, the French football players came across as egotistical and indifferent to the crest they sported.

No longer. Following the 4-0 thrashing of Estonia at MMArena in Le Mans, the French players headed to the center circle whereupon they unfurled a banner that read "A l'Euro, avec vous, pour vous" (At the Euros, with you and for you).

It was a brilliant PR move, and the fans who remained behind rose to their feet in rapturous applause.

It has been a long journey, but Blanc has successfully reestablished the national side as a genuine European force, while winning back the respect and admiration of its fans.

His record (15-6-2) is testament enough to his managerial prestige. But his restoration of France football's standing in the public eye may be his most brilliant feat to date.