Not everything is to be thrown away, but the France team once again experienced a complicated gathering, after that of June. First winners against Austria last Thursday (2-0), the Blues sank Sunday, September 25, in Denmark (0-2). If Benoît Badiashile and Youssouf Fofana took advantage of the first match and the many injuries to stand out for the World Cup, Dayot Upamecano and Eduardo Camavinga lost points against the Danes.
They were convincing
Among the three surprises on Didier Deschamps’ list for this September gathering were two young Monegasques: Benoît Badiashile (21) and Youssouf Fofana (23). And the least we can say is that they made a success of their debut in Blue. The first played the entirety of the two matches. Comfortable against Austria at the Stade de France, he was the least bad of the three central defenders on Sunday in the boiling Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
The immediate future seems blocked at the left axial position but in the event of a physical glitch from Lucas Hernandez or Presnel Kimpembe, as during this rally, Deschamps knows he can count on Badiashile. Fofana has shown him personality. “They exude a lot of serenity, confidence“, Deschamps welcomed after the match against Austria. Fofana has for him, in view of the list for Qatar, the advantage of displaying a good complementarity with his former teammate at ASM, Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The latter has once again proven that he is the new hub of the Blues. From rally to rally, he continues to shine at a high level. Even if he showed bewilderment in marking on corners against Denmark. Another satisfaction among the bosses of the Blues, the level displayed by Raphaël Varane against Austria. “He found peace“, confessed Deschamps. His absence against Denmark was felt on Sunday.
There remains the case of Olivier Giroud. Very good against Austria, he was in more difficulty, like the whole team, in Denmark. His profile and his international experience speak in his favor, but it remains a headache for Deschamps. “I don’t plan that far“, replied Giroud, yesterday, when discussing his potential presence in the November list. The striker, who will turn 36 on September 30, certainly hopes not to have lived his 114th and last selection for the Blues on Sunday.
They were a notch below
Eduardo Camavinga risks biting his fingers. Substitute against Austria, the Real Madrid midfielder found the Blues on Sunday against Denmark, for the first time in almost two years. With a simple objective: to convince Deschamps to retain him for the World Cup. His match finally lasted only 45 minutes, replaced at halftime. “It will be useful for him for the future as it will be useful for others“, explained Deschamps after the match. Interesting at the start of the meeting, the 19-year-old midfielder sank and should hardly see Qatar.
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Same observation for Dayot Upamecano. The 23-year-old defender is a pillar of the great Bayern Munich but fails to win in the France team. Recalled for the first time in almost a year with the Blues, Upamecano completely missed his match against Denmark. Already not very reassuring during his last outings in the tricolor jersey, he certainly did not convince Deschamps.
Among the executives, Antoine Griezmann is not yet at his best level. The striker was decisive against Austria for Giroud but still had little influence on the game of the Blues, especially against Denmark. “Grizou” lived, on Sunday, his first captaincy in the France team but did not achieve his biggest match in selection. While he is going through a particular situation at the club – his contract prevents him from playing all the matches -, “Antoine is psychologically and physically well.“, reassured Deschamps. It remains to show it over time, while Griezmann has not scored for nine games in Blue.
They remain a question
Didier Deschamps should announce his list of 23 or 26 players in early November for Qatar. Some players may still doubt their presence at the World Cup. Like Mattéo Guendouzi, good in June, but who did not play a single minute in the two games of this gathering, like Jordan Veretout.
Jonathan Clauss for his part showed good things but his international level is still in suspense. Just like that of Christopher Nkunku, who is still looking for himself in this attack and who has had little playing time to show himself. Two years after his last selection, Ferland Mendy experienced neutral performances. Perhaps enough to convince Deschamps to make him the understudy of Theo Hernandez.
As for Benjamin Pavard, his presence in the list is beyond doubt, but in what position? The 26-year-old defender plays full-back for Bayern, but started as a booster against Denmark on Sunday. His shortcomings in this position were once again seen. Better at the position of right axial, he could not show enough things to ensure that he started in place of a Jules Koundé, injured against Austria.