Kylian Mbappe and France, having reached the last two World Cup finals, are on a determined mission as they begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Austria on Monday.
Despite their recent successes, including winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2021 UEFA Nations League, they have faced disappointment in the European Championship in recent editions.
Les Bleus, under coach Didier Deschamps since 2012, have not secured the Euro title during his tenure. They were runners-up as hosts in 2016, losing the final in extra time to Portugal at Stade de France.
The last European Championship in 2020 brought bitter memories as they exited in the last 16, squandering a 3-1 lead and losing on penalties to Switzerland. Notably, Mbappe missed the decisive penalty in that match.
Now 25 and having just signed with Real Madrid, Mbappe aims to make amends and lead France to glory in Germany. France has been European champions twice, most recently in 2000, when Deschamps captained the team to victory.
The current squad, driven by past disappointments, seeks to add a Euro title to their achievements under Deschamps’ leadership.
“Whatever happens, he has left an indelible mark on the French national team,” Mbappe said of Deschamps in an interview with regional daily Ouest-France.
“Now if he wants to make a bit more history we need to do something this summer, because the Euros is the only thing he is missing as a coach.
“After that he will have ticked every box.”
France are strong contenders to lift the Euro 2024 trophy on July 14 in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, where they lost the 2006 World Cup final on penalties to Italy. Following their match against Austria in Düsseldorf on Monday, they will face the Netherlands and Poland in Group D.
Despite their potential, France has shown inconsistency in recent matches, including a goalless draw with Canada last weekend. However, these performances can be attributed to tactical adjustments by coach Didier Deschamps, which require time for the team to assimilate.
Deschamps has been experimenting with player positions, notably with Antoine Griezmann, who is expected to reprise his midfield role from the Qatar World Cup. On the left side, France is likely to feature Theo Hernandez in an advanced full-back role behind Marcus Thuram.
Thuram, an Inter Milan forward, is set to start on the flank, with Kylian Mbappe playing through the middle. Olivier Giroud, now 37, is no longer a regular starter.
As France continues to refine their tactics and adjust to new roles, there is hope that they will find their best form in Germany and live up to their status as favorites for the championship.
Kante Back, Saliba’s Chance
France’s Euro 2024 campaign sees the return of N’Golo Kante, now 33 and playing in Saudi Arabia. Kante, who missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury, has been recalled by coach Didier Deschamps after two years. His experience, along with that of Olivier Giroud, could be pivotal in a squad featuring 11 players aged 25 or under.
Giroud, preparing for his last major tournament, expressed his excitement: “I am full of excitement, nostalgia, and desire. The main objective is to have the best competition possible. The final in 2016 is still on my mind. This is the competition I am dreaming of winning.”
Amid their preparations, French players have been vocal about the upcoming elections in their country, which could see the far-right gain power in the National Assembly. Deschamps hopes his team will remain focused on the tournament, using their platform to unite a divided nation.
France’s squad, led by the electric Kylian Mbappe, has the talent to win the tournament. However, their central defense remains a concern. Arsenal’s William Saliba, after a stellar season in England, aims to solidify his place in the side.
Antoine Griezmann is expected to reprise his influential midfield role, while Ousmane Dembele continues to terrorize defenders on the right wing.
Winger Kingsley Coman stated, “We are all relaxed. Our ambitions have not changed. Just because we are calm it doesn’t mean we are going to win the Euros, but we’ll do everything we can.”
