Football News Update: Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, Women’s World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations Standings, Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup
Despite their various experiments at Euro 2024, France are yet to hit their usual form. Manager Didier Deschamps is being forced to make relatively major structural changes due to poor performances, injuries, and imbalances in his team. The results, however, have not varied greatly.
Deschamps’ experiments have included switching to a lopsided 4-2-3-1 against the Netherlands, dropping the previously undroppable Antoine Griezmann against Poland, and even considering a diamond formation before the last-16 tie against Belgium. However, France’s unconvincing performances have continued, with a lack of incision, creativity, balance, and an applied handbrake.
“Doing the bare minimum has taken them this far and could yet take them to the final.”
- Didier Deschamps
Gareth Southgate, another disciple of the Deschamps ethos, is also guilty of the same issues, though France have recent success to justify their uninspiring approach. Deschamps has pushed back against the criticism, highlighting the performances of players like Jules Koundé and Randal Kolo Muani.
The central issue remains the midfield, which was solid and functional out of possession against Belgium but lacked the tools to trouble the opposition when in possession. Aurélien Tchouméni and N’Golo Kanté, both brilliant players, may not be the ideal pairing.
Upfront, Kylian Mbappé is yet to click into gear, with the striker struggling to adapt to his mask, calling the experience an “absolute horror.” Alongside him, Marcus Thuram is providing few assurances, raising questions about his role as the heir-apparent to Olivier Giroud.
Despite their underwhelming performances, France have become the first team in Euros history to reach a quarter-final without any of their players scoring from open play, benefitting from two own goals and one Mbappé penalty. Deschamps acknowledges that “doing the bare minimum has taken them this far and could yet take them to the final.”
As the tournament progresses, Deschamps will need to find solutions to France’s ongoing problems, with further adjustments necessary to unlock their potential and bring their usual level of play to Euro 2024.
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