Outclassed by Germany, timid against Chile: the French team did not attack the year 2024 in the best way. In full preparation for the next Euro, the Blues were not inspired during the two matches in March. France’s version of Didier Deschamps has always been more comfortable in tournaments than in friendly matches. But the face shown for these two performances was far from satisfactory for a team which is aiming for a first continental success since 2000.
A busy schedule and players who want to preserve themselves
The coach did not want to be alarmist after the success against Chile (3-2) by recalling the particular context of this international break. Before the quarter-finals in the Champions League, some wanted to save themselves, like Kylian Mbappé, far from being at his best level. “There is an end to the season which can be very busy, be careful,” warned Deschamps. I know that players have deadlines and objectives to achieve, one and the other. There will be a need at the end of May or beginning of June for all the necessary freshness physically and psychologically too. Congratulations to the whole group, even if we didn’t do everything well. But at least we won this one. »
Didier Deschamps on the defeat of the France team against Germany (0-2)
“Our start to the match was indicative of what was going to happen to us. We lacked determination and aggression.” pic.twitter.com/khtS2X0o4o
— Téléfoot (@telefoot_TF1) March 24, 2024
Announced among the favorites for the upcoming Euro in Germany with England, Portugal and the host country, the France team will have to cross their fingers that Antoine Griezmann is 100%. Deprived for the first time of his number 7 since November 2016, Didier Deschamps was able to measure the extent to which his collective is dependent on the Atlético Madrid player. For a selection that is often advertised with an unlimited and quality pool, this is a stain.
A Euro for the strong
And when we see the renewal of talent among competitors, this inevitably raises fears for the future of the Blues, beyond the upcoming deadline in June. Germany can count on the Musiala-Wirtz duo, England relies on an impressive armada with young Bellingham, Saka, Foden and Mainoo while Spain will rely on the revelation of the season, Lamine Yamal. With Italy, Spain, Croatia and Belgium also present in Germany, France will face very heavy challenges to win the third Euro in its history.
However, the Blues may prefer to abandon this status of sole favorite. When France is unanimously acclaimed, with a major example of Euro 2021, the Blues hit the wall by failing against Switzerland in the round of 16, despite the Mbappé-Benzema-Griezmann trio. In Qatar, a year and a half ago, after a cascade of injuries and numerous uncertainties, Deschamps’ men started this tournament as an outsider only to go behind until the final, to everyone’s surprise.
After having won everything as a player and almost everything as a coach, Didier Deschamps knows the recipe for putting the Blues in the best conditions in major tournaments. And with Kylian Mbappé who left his mark during the last World Cup, like his hat-trick in the final against Argentina, France can rely on a major asset that all countries envy.
