Didier Deschamps Hails 'Very Useful' Olivier Giroud Despite Fringe Chelsea Role
Nov 15, 2019
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 14: Forward Olivier Giroud #9 of France after his goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier match between France and Moldova at Stade de France on November 14, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Frederic Stevens/Getty Images)
France manager Didier Deschamps has described Olivier Giroud as being "very useful" for the national team despite the player being relegated to a bench role at Chelsea this season.
Giroud, 33, started at the Stade de France on Thursday and scored a 79th-minute penalty winner as Les Bleus came from a goal down to beat Moldova 2-1. France guaranteed their place at Euro 2020 after former Group H leaders Turkey drew 0-0 at home to Iceland.
Deschamps continues to include Giroud in his plans despite the player making only one Premier League start since Frank Lampard took over at Chelsea, and the France coach told reporters:
“Is he indispensable? Because of what he does—whether he's indispensable or not—he's very useful, very effective. His goal didn't give us qualification—we already had that—but it's allowed us to take back first place.
“What he doesn't have at Chelsea, he has here with us. He remains in the starting XI, and it's not just been today or yesterday, it's been a long time. Even when he has periods when he scores fewer goals, he allows the players around him to have opportunities and to score goals, too.”
French football writer Jeremy Smith acknowledged Giroud looked like he was lacking match fitness after failing to feature regularly for his club this term:
FT France 2-1 Moldova France are qualified for Euros, win and finishing top of group now in their hands. But not all good. Big Lenglet error, none of last 6 goals have come from open play, Griezmann low on confidence, Giroud not match-sharp, Mbappe v off-form.
Giroud's strike against Moldova was his 39th in French colours and leaves him just two behind Michel Platini (41), the second-highest scorer in the team's history. Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry is France's all-time leading scorer with 51 goals.
Thursday's goal means Giroud has scored in France's past three successive matches (two penalties), each of which have been crucial to the team's Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.
The former Gunners frontman netted a 1-0 winner from the spot away to Iceland on October 14, days before he bagged the opener in a 1-1 home draw against Turkey.
Giroud has played 20 minutes of a possible 810 over the course of Chelsea's past nine Premier League games.
Goal's Nizaar Kinsella recently highlighted Lampard's growing preference to use Michy Batshuayi as a deputy striker behind Tammy Abraham:
Christian Pulisic will be delighted with a second start in a row but it means Pedro is well out of the reckoning. Similarly, Batshuayi gets to start ahead of Giroud who isn't even in the squad. #CFC#CHEMUN#CarabaoCup
Deschamps has kept the faith in Giroud, who has thus far contrasted well alongside quicker players in attack, such as Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.
Darren Lewis of the Mirror recently wrote Borussia Dortmund are interested in the Chelsea man, and commentator Kevin Hatchard backed Giroud to do well at the Westfalenstadion:
If it happens (I have no idea if there’s any substance to it), I think Giroud would be a smart signing by #bvb. Proper focal point for their talent to revolve around in attack. Don’t know why he gets so much stick. Also in good shape, so age not hugely relevant.
France conclude their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign away to Albania on Sunday, when they'll hope to cement their place atop Group H.
France vs. Moldova: Euro 2020 Qualifying Odds, Live Stream, TV Info
Nov 13, 2019
SAINT-DENIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 14: Olivier Giroud of France celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with team mates during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier between France and Turkey on October 14, 2019 in Saint-Denis, France. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
France need three points against Moldova on Thursday to rubber-stamp their qualification for the UEFA 2020 European Championship next summer.
The world champions are in second in their group, trailing Turkey on goal difference. France have a four-point gap to Iceland in third and will know a win will be enough to secure a spot in the top two ahead of their trip to Albania on Sunday.
Les Bleus shouldn't have any issues at the Stade de France in Paris, with Moldova bottom of the group having taken just one point from their eight matches so far.
The game should be a chance for France's wealth of attacking talent to show off their abilities.
France manager Didier Deschamps would have been disappointed with some of the team's performances in Group H, most notably in the two meetings with Turkey, in which they've dropped a total of five points. However, they are now within touching distance of qualification.
In their previous match they were held at home by Turkey, with Kaan Ayhan's goal cancelling out Olivier Giroud's opener:
While Deschamps' pragmatic approach was key to France winning the FIFA World Cup in 2018, the decision to field Corentin Tolisso, Blaise Matuidi and Moussa Sissoko in a home game raised eyebrows.
With that in mind, it's perhaps not surprising that Deschamps has been asked about attacking alternatives in the buildup to the game, including Karim Benzema and Dimitri Payet. French football writer Jeremy Smith can understand why the duo continue to be left out:
Feel sorry for Deschamps. Reigning World Cup-winning coach and still having to field tiresome questions about Benzema (such a well-trodden path) and Payet (after one decent match in two years).
In attack, there are question marks over a number of players who have been key to the team during Deschamps' tenure.
Antoine Griezmann has long been the man to knit together France's play in the final third, but he's struggled since making a transfer from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona in the summer.
So far, he's found it hard to link up with Blaugrana icon Lionel Messi:
In addition, Giroud has fallen a long way down the pecking order at Chelsea. Frank Lampard has been rewarded for his faith in Tammy Abraham, with the youngster starting the campaign in red-hot form, while Michy Batshuayi has been the regular go-to option off the bench.
Deschamps said he's hoping the striker can find a way to get more minutes on the field:
DD on Giroud vs Chelsea transfer chances: It's up to Giroud and Chelsea. It's tough that he's not got much say at moment - down to Lampard choices. Not ideal for him or for us. I've told him it's better if he plays. I hope the situation changes, whether at Chelsea or elsewhere.
The match should be routine for France regardless, as Moldova don't have the defensive talent to halt their opponents' attacking play. Deschamps will be hopeful those players who have been toiling at club level use the game as a chance to reestablish some confidence in front of goal.
With Kylian Mbappe back in the squad following his injury layoff earlier in the season, the French attacking play should have a refreshed edge to it. A long night is in store for Moldova as a result.
Prediction: France 5-0 Moldova
France vs. Turkey: Euro 2020 Qualifying Odds, Live Stream, TV Info
Oct 13, 2019
France's forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates after the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier Group H football match Iceland v France in Reykjavik on October 11, 2019. (Photo by Jonathan NACKSTRAND / AFP) (Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)
France are set to host Turkey in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday, with the pair going head-to-head to top Group H.
Les Bleus overcame Iceland with a 1-0 win in Reykjavik on Friday, while Turkey beat Albania by the same scoreline courtesy of a 90th-minute Cenk Tosun goal.
Both sides sit on 18 points heading into the clash at the Stade de France.
Turkey have enjoyed an impressive qualifying campaign, recording six wins from their seven matches, including a 2-0 win over France in June. They have scored 15 goals in that time, conceding just twice.
As for France, they have shipped four but scored 20. The world champions find themselves behind Turkey as a result of their head-to-head record, but they have the chance to rectify that here.
Although they only won 1-0 courtesy of an Olivier Giroud penalty, football writer Jeremy Smith was pleased with France's performance against Iceland on Friday:
France, with 5 starters out and 2 strikers having to play their way into form during the match, inflicted Iceland's first home qualifying defeat in 6 yrs, beating a team who defended deep, v physically and in numbers, with defence barely troubled. Not sure why so much negativity.
France were without the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Hugo Lloris, while N'Golo Kante was a late withdrawal from the matchday squad. Manager Didier Deschamps isn't sure the Chelsea midfieder will be able to feature on Monday:
🗣 Didier Deschamps after N'Golo Kante was scratched for France on Friday with an adductor injury:
"I do not think it's too serious for [Kante], but I do not have an answer [to whether he'll play against Turkey on Tuesday] tonight." pic.twitter.com/mwwfnutLFk
Kante's energy and ball-winning capabilities will be a boost to the French if he does manage to play. If he is absent again, Deschamps will likely turn to Moussa Sissoko and Corentin Tolisso again after the pair did well against Iceland alongside Blaise Matuidi in the middle.
A point would secure qualification for both sides if Iceland lose at home to Andorra, but that seems unlikely given Andorra's only win came at home to Moldova.
Whether it happens on Monday or not, both sides are in strong positions to qualify, so their clash will likely determine who wins the group.
France should still be capable of coming out on top even without some of their key players, but it's unlikely to be an easy night for them.
Kingsley Coman Goal Leads France to 3-0 Win vs. Andorra in Euro 2020 Qualifying
Sep 10, 2019
France won for the fifth time in six qualifying matches for UEFA Euro 2020 after beating Andorra 3-0 in Group H on Tuesday. Kingsley Coman, who scored twice during Saturday's 4-1 win over Albania, found the net again, while Clement Lenglet also headed in for Les Bleus at the Stade de France.
Substitute Wissam Ben Yedder added some gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time.
It might have been a more emphatic victory, but Antoine Griezmann saw a penalty saved by Josep Gomes, who made a number of fine stops in the Andorra goal. Griezmann had also missed a spot-kick against Albania and failed to find the net for a second match running.
Victory keeps the 2018 FIFA World Cup winners ahead of Turkey on goal difference in the group and seemingly a lock to qualify for next summer's tournament.
Coman picked up where he left off against Albania by netting his third goal in two matches after 18 minutes. The Bayern Munich winger profited from an astute through pass by Jonathan Ikone, who made his senior international debut as a goalscoring substitute during the win over Albania.
Another newcomer catching the eye was Lyon right-back Leo Dubois. His raiding runs and pinpoint deliveries were causing havoc among the visitors' defence.
Surprisingly, neither Griezmann nor Giroud were able to capitalise on Dubois' crosses before the break. Griezmann also couldn't make good after Moises San Nicolas felled him in the box after 27 minutes.
The Barcelona forward saw his effort from 12 yards rebuffed by impressive Andorra goalkeeper Josep Gomes. He had already produced a spectacular stop to deny Giroud's low, left-footed drive toward the bottom corner.
2 - Antoine Griezmann has missed his last 2 penalties attempted with France after scoring each of his first seven. He is the first France player to miss two penalties in a row over the last 10 seasons. Oops. pic.twitter.com/GwQ1Sht15R
Griezmann, who also fluffed his lines from the spot against Albania, did make amends seven minutes into the second half when he guided a free-kick onto the head of Lenglet for Les Bleus' second.
Coman might have sealed his brace with 20 minutes to play, but instead he crashed his effort off the bar after more good work from Everton left-back Lucas Digne, who was matching Dubois for industry and enterprise.
France continued to press, and Griezmann was denied by Gomes after fine work by Corentin Tolisso at the tip of midfield. Meanwhile, the forward-thinking Digne pulled a shot wide from distance.
There was still time for Monaco striker Ben Yedder, who entered the fray in place of Giroud, to convert from inside the box. His goal put a flourish on a routine, workmanlike performance.
France can play better, and coach Didier Deschamps will want to see Griezmann back among the goals at this level soon. Even so, Les Bleus look to have enough quality in forward areas to continue bossing this group.
What's Next?
France are away to Iceland on Friday, 11 October, while Andorra will host Moldova on the same day.
Kingsley Coman's Brace Leads France over Albania 4-1 in Euro 2020 Qualifier
Sep 7, 2019
France's Kingsley Coman, left, celebrates his second goal with France's Olivier Giroud during the Euro 2020 group H qualifying soccer match between France and Albania at the Stade de France in Saint Denis, north of Paris, France, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
France are top of Group H of the qualification campaign for UEFA Euro 2020 after beating Albania 4-1 at the Stade de France on Saturday.
Kingsley Coman bagged a brace, while Olivier Giroud and substitute Jonathan Ikone also found the net. Those goals gave Les Bleus all three points and kept the 2018 FIFA World Cup winners ahead of Iceland on goal difference.
Sokol Cikalleshi scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time, but it was little consolation for the away side.
There was a delayed start to the match after the visitors were left aggrieved when the wrong national anthem was played:
Kick-off delayed in the France-Albania game after the wrong anthem was played for Albania. Suggestions it may have been Andorra’s. Or Montenegro’s. Albania refused to play until the correct anthem had been played.
Farcical scenes at Stade de France. Kick off delayed after they played Andorra’s national anthem instead of Albania’s. Announcer just apologised for the delay but he apologised to... Armenia!
Despite racing to an early lead, Les Bleus struggled to build on the momentum. Things were static at the heart of midfield, where Coman's Bayern team-mate Corentin Tolisso and Juventus workhorse Blaise Matuidi struggled to muster genuine creativity.
It meant Coman and Thomas Lemar were left to supply Antoine Griezmann from wide areas. The latter posed a considerable threat with his pace and perceptive movement but was rarely able to time his runs just right to avoid the offside flag.
Quality from the flanks was the key to France's second goal when left-back Lucas Hernandez got free on the overlap. He pulled the ball back for Giroud, who made no mistake from inside the area.
Giroud isn't starting for Chelsea, but goals have rarely been a problem for the skilled target man at international level:
Good move sees the ball played out to Hernandez - his cross is simply finished by Giroud. 2-0. Goal 36 for Giroud for France - just 5 behind Platini. #FRAALB
Hernandez continued to give Albania problems, and he won a penalty nine minutes before the break. Griezmann stepped up but crashed his effort off the bar.
Griezmann made amends when he teed up Coman for a second goal in the 68th minute. A brace was a worthy haul for the 23-year-old, who had been the most influential player for the hosts in the final third.
Coman's performance was aided by the experience and technique of those around him:
Interplay between Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud & Antoine Griezmann in particular tonight has been exquisite - Les Bleus lead Albania 3-0 courtesy of a Coman double & Giroud’s effort.
Giroud's clever touches and Griezmann's awareness of space helped France overcome the lack of guile in the middle of the park. Coman was the beneficiary, but he made way for international debutant Ikone on 77 minutes.
The Lille No. 10 made his first international appearance an occasion to remember by finding the net with a smart finish five minutes from time.
There was time for Cikalleshi to score from 12 yards after Hugo Lloris' reckless challenge, but Albania were well beaten. France had scored four times and eased through the gears in attack without being in peak form.
With some creativity in midfield, Les Bleus would be a lock for Euro 2020 and the strongest team headed into the tournament proper.
What's Next?
France host Andorra on Tuesday, September 10, while Albania will be at home to Iceland on the same day.
Paul Pogba Withdraws from France Squad with Injury; Replaced by Matteo Guendouzi
Sep 2, 2019
Manchester United's Paul Pogba leaves the pitch at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, England Saturday, Aug, 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has pulled out of France's squad with an ankle injury and will be replaced by Arsenal's Matteo Guendouzi.
Get French Football News reported the news on Monday:
Breaking | Matteo Guendouzi called up to the French national team for the 1st time! Paul Pogba pulls out with an ankle problem.
Pogbahas endured an inconsistent 2019-20 campaign so far with United. He assisted twice in the 4-0 win over Chelsea, but he missed a penalty in the draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers and cost his team dearly in the loss against Crystal Palace. In the final minutes of that contest, he lost the ball to spark a counter-attack that led to the winning goal.
Transfer speculation surrounding the Frenchman dominated the summer after he told reporters he was ready for a new challenge in June.
A move never materialised, to the dismay of at least one fan:
France will face Albania and Andorra at home inUEFAEuro 2020 qualifiers and are expected to cruise past both opponents. They're tied with Turkey and Iceland at the top of Group H, with all three teams on nine points after four matches.
Albania have earned six points from their four matches, losing to Turkey and Iceland, and Andorra have yet to score a goal or collect a point.
France Top Brazil in Extra Time to Reach 2019 Women's World Cup Quarter-Finals
Jun 23, 2019
LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 23: Players of France celebrate Amandine Henry's goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between France and Brazil at Stade Oceane on June 23, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
France reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup after Amandine Henry scored an extra-time winner to beat Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16 on Sunday.
Valerie Gauvin had put the hosts in front after 52 minutes in Le Havre, but Thaisa's equaliser three minutes after the hour mark meant extra time was needed. Henry's winner means France await the winner of Monday's last-16 tie between Spain and defending champions the U.S.
BR Video
A drab and dour first half was short of chances and quality, but France thought they had taken the lead whenGauvinheaded in off the post. However, not for the first time in this tournament, video assistant referee played the deciding role and ruled the goal out.
#FRA thought they had took the lead... but VAR had other ideas.
The scant moments of class during the opening 45 minutes came courtesy of Marta. Her quick feet and close control helped fashion a couple of shooting opportunities, but the 33-year-old was uncharacteristically inaccurate.
Things improved after the break as France put together a slick move to take the lead. The breakthrough came eight minutes after the restart whenGauvinslid in to get her foot to a low cross from KadidiatouDiani.
France had struggled to get Eugenie LeSommerinvolved in the attack, butGauvinwas proving a lively presence.
Brazil responded well to going behind. Marta again showed her quality by lofting a free-kick onto the head ofCristiane. It took a superb save from SarahBouhaddito tip the ball away.
OFF THE CROSSBAR!
Almost the immediate response from Brazil, but Bouhaddi gets a fingertip on Cristiane's header. Great save! #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/KjhCqGuliJ
The chance showed Brazil still carried a significant threat, and it was no surprise when they were level in the 64th minute.Debinhawas released on the left wing, and her well-timed run sent her clear before her cross forced Wendie Renard into a weak clearance.
Thaisagot the loose ball first and finished superbly on the turn.
France should have retaken the lead, but LeSommermissed a free header on the box when attempting to meet a smart free-kick from Henry.
LesBleueswere still looking dangerous, thanks largely to the efforts ofDiani, who was experiencing plenty of joy on the right flank. Her pace and trickery meant she began to attract a crowd of Brazil shirts whenever she received the ball.
As well asDianiplayed, Brazil looked to have grabbed the winner whenTamiresslotted in three minutes from time. It was VAR time again, though, and the review system cancelled the goal.
OFFSIDE! Brazil find the back of the net again, but Tamires was clearly in front of the second-last defender when she was played through.
France did most of the running during the first half of extra time but couldn't connect with many of the best deliveries into the box. When the chance came,Dianiheaded straight at Brazil goalkeeper Barbara from close range.
At the other end,Debinhathought she'd won it when she broke clear and poked the ball underBouhaddi. Fortunately for France, GriedgeMbockBathyslid in to clear from in front of an open goal.
LesBleuesmade the reprieve count when they flicked in the winner two minutes after the restart.
AMANDINE HENRY! 2-1 FRANCE! 🇫🇷
Big players come through in big moments, and France's captain just gave the hosts the lead in extra time. #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/EzYzdSnsrO
The classy midfielder had stood out for a France side becoming adept at finding ways to win even when not quite clicking in attack. Meanwhile, Brazil's artistry deserted them during an extra time when several players appeared to tire.
What's Next?
France will face either Spain or the U.S. on Friday.
1 Year On: Path from World Cup Summit Brings France Stars to Crossroads
Jun 13, 2019
France's forward Antoine Griezmann (L) France's midfielder Paul Pogba (C) and France's forward Kylian Mbappe observes their national anthem before the friendly match between France and Bolivia at La Beaujoire stadium in Nantes, Western France on June 2, 2019. (Photo by Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS / AFP) (Photo credit should read SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Almost 12 months on from France's triumph at the 2018 World Cup, nothing has changed, and yet nothing is quite the same.
In terms of team selection, Didier Deschamps has kept faith with the players who took France to glory in Moscow, sticking as close to the starting XI that emerged during the tournament as injuries and suspensions have permitted.
But at club level, many of France's players find themselves facing critical periods in their careers. For a few, including a number of the most high-profile names in the squad, the next few weeks will be crucial. Some players are on the verge of major transfers, some have already settled on new destinations and some know that when next season eventually begins, their very status as international footballers will be on the line.
Nobody incarnates the uncertainty facing France's star players better than Antoine Griezmann. A month has now passed since the 28-year-old striker announced his decision to leave Atletico Madrid, but he remains tied to the Wanda Metropolitano for the time being.
On Wednesday, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin told Movistar (h/t ESPN FC) that Griezmann would join Barcelona, but the Catalan club's reported interest has yet to manifest itself, and the player admitted after France's 4-0 win over Andorra on Tuesday that he is eager for his future to be resolved quickly.
Paul Pogba, Griezmann's great friend, could also be set for a tumultuous summer.
After three largely underwhelming seasons at Manchester United, the 26-year-old midfielder must decide whether to put his faith in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's ability to revitalise the club or cut his losses and definitively turn the page on his time at Old Trafford. Zinedine Zidane, back in the dugout at Real Madrid, is a longstanding admirer, and there are also reports of interest from Pogba's former club, Juventus.
The poster boy of France's World Cup success, Kylian Mbappe does not look quite as close to the exit door at Paris Saint-Germain, but his unexpectedly pointed remarks at France's Player of the Year Awards have left him in the spotlight.
In what was interpreted as a warning to the PSG hierarchy that he wants to play through the middle and be treated as one of the team's senior figures, the 20-year-old spoke about wanting "more responsibility," be that at Parc des Princes or "maybe somewhere else with a new project." His subsequentfailure to shut down rumourslinking him with a move to Real Madrid suggests that, as things currently stand, he is happy for his name to appear in the transfer gossip columns.
TOPSHOT - France's Forward Olivier Giroud (L), France's Midfielder Paul Pogba (C) and France's forward Antoine Griezmann (R) react after Turkey's scoring their second goal during the Euro 2020 football qualification match between Turkey and France at the
At the other end of the pitch, Raphael Varane appears destined to remain at Real Madrid, though he was linked with a shock departure earlier this year. But things are not quite so straightforward for his centre-back partner, Samuel Umtiti.
The former Lyon player has struggled with a left knee injury since before the World Cup, which prompted Barcelona to bring in Clement Lenglet as cover last summer. Lenglet successfully supplanted Umtiti in the Barcelona starting XI and is now threatening to do the same with France, having been awarded his first call-up by Deschamps during the most recent international window. If Umtiti cannot win his place back at Barca next season, he might discover that a similar fate awaits him with France.
Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez, the full-backs who flanked Varane and Umtiti at the World Cup, will both begin new stages in their careers at Bayern Munich next season. Two Lyon players who have forced their way into the squad since the World Cup are also likely to be on the move. The enterprising Ferland Mendy, who has emerged as Hernandez's main rival for the left-back slot, has just joined Real Madrid, and Lyon have confirmed they are open to offers for highly regarded central midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.
With Marseille desperate to raise funds after missing out on European qualification, they are expected to try to offload Florian Thauvin, although the 26-year-old winger recently told RTL he is "in no hurry to leave" and is looking forward to working with incoming OM coach Andre Villas-Boas.
Thauvin, who scored his first international goal against Andorra, is one of several attacking players who will need to hit the ground running next season if they are to stand a chance of forcing their way into Deschamps' first XI. Kingsley Coman will hope to finally put his injury problems behind him at Bayern, and Ousmane Dembele will look to build on an encouraging second season at Barcelona.
Despite scoring in a recent friendly against Bolivia, Thomas Lemar has fallen down the pecking order with France after making a slow start to his time at Atletico. Manchester United's Anthony Martial remains an enigma.
After missing almost the entirety of the 2018-19 season due to knee ligament damage, Coman's Bayern team-mate Corentin Tolisso will be targeting an injury-free campaign, as well. Injury also curtailed Presnel Kimpembe's season, but it came almost as a blessing in his case. The left-sided PSG centre-back endured a torrid end to the campaign, conceding the stoppage-time penalty against Manchester United that precipitated the French champions' elimination from the Champions League and producing a succession of disastrous individual performances. Lenglet's emergence means Kimpembe can no longer be sure of a place in the France squad.
Deschamps continues to show loyalty to Olivier Giroud. But for all his exploits in the Europa League, the 32-year-old Chelsea striker will know that another underwhelming campaign in the Premier League (a competition in which he made only seven starts last season) could put his international status under threat. Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette and Sevilla's Wissam Ben Yedder, not to mention Mbappe, are among the players poised to take advantage.
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 25: Coach of France Didier Deschamps salutes Olivier Giroud when he's replaced during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group H qualifying match between France and Iceland at Stade de France on March 25, 2019 in Saint-Denis near P
Faithful to his World Cup heroes he may be, but Deschamps has shown he is not afraid to wield the axe when necessary. World-champion status has not been enough to protect Adil Rami, Benjamin Mendy, Steven Nzonzi and Nabil Fekir from being eased out, and Steve Mandanda's days as automatic back-up to Hugo Lloris beneath the posts now seem to be over.
France's breezy win on Andorra's synthetic pitch was a timely tonic for their Euro 2020 qualification campaign following last weekend's 2-0 defeat against Turkey. Deschamps was only missing Hernandez and N'Golo Kante (both of whom were injured) from his World Cup XI in Turkey, but he saw his players turn in an abject performance that he succinctly described as "un non-match."
He had used similar language to explain last November's 2-0 loss to the Netherlands that fatally compromised France's hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Nations League finals.
Against minnows Andorra, he awarded a first cap to Lenglet and handed full international debuts to Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma, Lyon right-back Leo Dubois and Ben Yedder. With Mendy and Ndombele also starting, it was a sign that whether in possession of a World Cup winner's medal or not, none of his players can afford to rest on their laurels.
France's forward Antoine Griezmann (L) and France's midfielder Blaise Matuidi celebrate at the end of the friendly match between France and Bolivia at La Beaujoire stadium in Nantes, Western France on June 2, 2019. (Photo by Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS / AFP)
Blaise Matuidi remains Deschamps' first choice for the left-wing berth in Les Bleus' 4-2-3-1 system, but there is a feeling in France that, for all the balance the Juventus midfielder helps provide, the team will not be able to reach the next phase in its development without a more dynamic presence on the left flank.
"Matuidi will always do the job if we prioritise a defensive approach. But if we want to develop our attacking potential, Coman, Lemar, Dembele and Anthony Martial have everything to play for," former France left-back Bixente Lizarazu wrote in L'Equipe last week. "Whoever breaks through, or manages to confirm their status, could become the last piece of the attacking puzzle."
While Mbappe played on the left against Andorra, he has generally started on the right under Deschamps, and it is increasingly clear that his future with both PSG and France lies through the middle. In time, Deschamps will have to confront the issue of how to move his most talented player into the position for which he seems destined—and how to configure the rest of his team accordingly.
France's post-World Cup development is only just beginning, and qualification for Euro 2020 remains in the balance. But as Deschamps' players head off on their summer holidays, many of them will be contemplating matters much closer to home.
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Kylian Mbappe Scores as France Beat Andorra 4-0 in 2020 Euro Qualifier
Jun 11, 2019
ANDORRA LA VELLA, ANDORRA - JUNE 11: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates with teammate Antoine Griezmann of France after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualification match between Andorra and France on June 11, 2019 in Andorra la Vella, Andorra. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
France bounced back from their shock 2-0 defeat to Turkey on Saturday as they thrashed Andorra 4-0 in Group H of UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying on Tuesday.
Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Wissam Ben Yedder, Florian Thauvin and Kurt Zouma at the Estadi Nacional in Andorra la Vella secured a third win from four matches in qualifying for Les Bleus and ensured they moved into a tie for first place in their group.
Andorra, meanwhile, remain without a point or a goal in Euro 2020qualifying and are rooted to the bottom of the standings.
It did not take long for France to impose their authority on the hosts as Mbappe netted a milestone goal in the 11th minute:
100 - Kylian Mbappé has scored his 100th goal in all competitions with club (87) + national team (13), in his 180th game played in his career. Centenary. #ANDFRApic.twitter.com/emh6UdwfvI
Antoine Griezmann flicked on from the halfway line to the onrushing Paris Saint-Germain forward, who burst into the left-hand side of the box and clipped a deft chip over the onrushing Josep Gomes.
That effectively scuppered any Andorran plans to frustrate the French, but they showed little ambition to find an equaliser.
Griezmann should have got a goal of his own in the 22nd minute, but he touched heavily into Gomes' grateful hands after wonderful build-up play down the right.
But it wasn't long before Les Bleus had doubled their lead, Ben Yedder sweeping home from the edge of the box just before the half-hour despite Gomes getting a touch.
France's forward Florian Thauvin (L) shoot and scores during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualification football match between Andorra and France at the National stadium in Andorra La Vella, on June 11, 2019. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should
The finish of the match came in first-half stoppage time as Thauvin acrobatically scissor-kicked home Mbappe's looping cross for the world champions' third.
With the points effectively wrapped up after 45 minutes, Les Bleus could have been forgiven for taking their foot of the gas in the second half.
They continued to create chances, though, with Griezmann, Thauvin and Paul Pogba all carving out fine opportunities before the hour.
A fourth was imminent, but it eventually came from an unlikely source as Zouma got his first international goal to complete the rout forDidier Deschamps' side:
Kurt Zouma has scored his first ever goal for the France senior team in his first ever competitive appearance for his nation.
He rose highest at a corner in the 60th minute, and despite seeing his headed effort half-saved, he eventually scrambled it home from close range.
What's Next?
France next face Albania in Euro 2020 qualifying on September 7, while Andorra visit Turkey on the same day.
Andorra vs. France: Euro 2020 Qualifying Odds, Live Stream, TV Info
Jun 10, 2019
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 25: Paul Pogba of France poses before the 2020 UEFA European Championships group H qualifying match between France and Iceland at Stade de France on March 25, 2019 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
France will attempt to get their 2020 UEFA European Championship qualifying ambitions back on track against Andorra on Tuesday.
The world champions lost 2-0 in Turkey in Group H on Saturday, leaving them second in the standings.
The trip to Andorra should not cause too many problems for Les Bleus, but supporters will expect a comprehensive victory.
Odds: Andorra 70-1, France 1-50, draw 20-1 (via Oddschecker)
Preview
The surprise loss in Turkey will have angered the French, and Didier Deschamps' team will want to right those wrongs.
France are now level on six points with Iceland as the Turks claimed top spot.
Les Bleus were second best throughout the contest at the weekend, and Kylian Mbappe produced one of his bleakest performances of his short career, per Get French Football News:
This is up there with the worst performance of Kylian Mbappé's professional career for club or country - very nonchalant, hardly looking up when in possession of the ball.
Andorra are usually also-rans in qualification for major tournaments. They have conceded six goals in their first three games and will likely finish bottom of Group H.
However, it is the French who have questions to answer when they make the short trip to their next Euro 2020 group destination.
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba told L'Equipe he and his France team-mates must respond swiftly (h/t Jack McGraghan of Goal).
"We were ready, we knew it was going to be a high-level match and that the fans would be pushing them [Turkey] on.
"We could not make the simplest passes, so we were not dangerous in front of goal.
"I do not remember the last time we were so bad, we have to think and find the solution or find the answer.
"We need a reaction as soon as possible, from the next match [against Andorra]."
France's Midfielder Paul Pogba (L) vies with Turkey's midfielder Dorukhan Tokoz during the Euro 2020 football qualification match between Turkey and France at the Buyuksehir Belediyesi stadium in Konya, on June 8, 2019. (Photo by Bulent Kilic / AFP)
Pogba has received persistent criticism for his performances for the Red Devils, but his international displays have been good. However, the defeat to Turkey has again placed him under a microscope.
France need a sizeable win in Andorra, and they must wrestle back control of the group as soon as possible.
