Football

Kylian Mbappé's premature return to action has sparked controversy within the French national team, with head coach Didier Deschamps and his staff expressing outrage. Mbappé, who was expected to be sidelined for three weeks after sustaining an injury against Real Madrid, made a surprise appearance against Lille in the UEFA Champions League just nine days later. He subsequently played 70 minutes against Villarreal on Saturday.Deschamps and his coaching staff are reportedly unhappy with Mbappé's decision to rush back into action, as they believe it was solely motivated by his desire to play for Paris Saint-Germain. They feel that the French captain has "erased himself from the national team" by prioritizing his club commitments over his international responsibilities.France's recent loss to Italy in the UEFA Nations League has further fueled the controversy. The team currently sits in second place in Group 2 and faces crucial matches against Hungary and Belgium in the coming weeks. Mbappé's absence from the squad has raised questions about his commitment to the national team and his ability to lead the team to success.The situation has also drawn criticism from former France and Manchester United captain Patrice Evra. Evra questioned the decision to hand Mbappé the captaincy, arguing that he is not yet on the same level as Karim Benzema. He also criticized the team's decision to give Mbappé preferential treatment, suggesting that it could undermine the team's motivation.Mbappé's actions have sparked a wave of backlash, with many fans and pundits expressing their disappointment. The controversy has cast a shadow over the French national team and raised concerns about Mbappé's future with the team.

France's star forward Kylian Mbappe has been omitted from the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. The decision was made by coach Didier Deschamps to allow Mbappe to rest and recover from a minor thigh injury.Mbappe recently returned to action for Real Madrid after a brief spell on the sidelines. He made a substitute appearance in the Champions League match against Lille, but the team suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat.Deschamps explained his decision to leave Mbappe out of the squad, stating that he had spoken to the player and determined that it was not a serious injury. However, he emphasized that he would not take any risks with Mbappe's fitness."I am not going to take risks, which is why he is not in the squad," Deschamps said.France will face Israel in an away fixture on October 10, which has been moved to Budapest due to security concerns in the Middle East. They will then travel to Brussels to take on Belgium on October 14.The absence of Mbappe is a significant blow to France's hopes of success in the Nations League. The team has three points after their first two outings in Group A2, which is topped by Italy with six points.Deschamps also announced the retirement of vice-captain Antoine Griezmann from international football earlier this week. Griezmann, who has won 137 caps for France, made the decision at the age of 33."He had such an impact that we can't play in the same way," Deschamps said of losing Griezmann. "I am not necessarily going to change the system, but I am not going to look for an equivalent player."Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku, who has not played for France since June last year, has been recalled to the squad. However, midfielder N'Golo Kante has also been left out.

As the European Championship enters its knockout stages, two of the tournament's favorites, France and Belgium, find themselves in an unexpected predicament. Both teams failed to secure top spots in their respective groups, setting up a head-on collision in Duesseldorf on Monday.France's vaunted attack has been plagued by a crisis of confidence. Despite boasting world-class talent like Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema, the French have scored just two goals in their opening three matches, one of which was a penalty. Coach Didier Deschamps is facing a dilemma over whether to restore Antoine Griezmann to the lineup and pair him with Mbappe up front.Belgium's situation is equally concerning. After limping into the next stage with a draw against Ukraine, they were subjected to a barrage of criticism from their own supporters. Captain Kevin De Bruyne has expressed his displeasure with the hostile reaction, and his attitude will set the tone for the rest of the Belgian side.Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's record goalscorer, has yet to find his scoring touch in the tournament. His poor form is a major concern for a team that relies heavily on his goals.Deschamps and Belgium coach Roberto Martinez have some tough decisions to make ahead of Monday's clash. Both teams will be desperate to avoid an early exit and prove that they are still contenders for the title.The winner of the France-Belgium match will face Portugal or Slovenia in the quarter-finals. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9.30 p.m. on July 1.

France celebrated a milestone victory as they secured a 1-0 triumph over Austria in their Euro 2024 opener, marking manager Didier Deschamps' 100th win at the helm. However, the victory was marred by an injury to star forward Kylian Mbappe.France's dominance was evident from the outset, with Mbappe's dazzling dribbling and incisive passing causing constant problems for the Austrian defense. In the 38th minute, Mbappe's brilliance paid off as he danced past three defenders and delivered a pinpoint cross that forced Austria's Max Wober to inadvertently head the ball into his own net.Despite their early advantage, France struggled to maintain their momentum. Austria's relentless high-pressing and aggressive tackling kept them in the contest, and they nearly took the lead before France's goal when Marcel Sabitzer's cross found Christoph Baumgartner, whose shot was deflected wide.After the interval, France regained some control, with Marcus Thuram forcing a fine save from Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz. However, the Austrians remained resolute, and their passionate fans roared them on until the final whistle.Mbappe's night took a sour turn late on when he collided with Austria's Patrick Pentz, resulting in a suspected broken nose. The incident left Mbappe bloodied and bruised, and he was eventually substituted with a yellow card for sitting down on the pitch after receiving treatment.Despite the injury to their talisman, France held on for the victory, thanks in no small part to the masterful performance of N'Golo Kante in midfield. The returning midfielder justified his recall to the squad with a dominant display, breaking up Austria's attacks and providing a solid foundation for his team.France now join the Netherlands on three points after the Dutch beat Poland 2-1 on Sunday. They will face the Netherlands in their next match, while Austria will take on Poland in a bid to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

France, the reigning World Cup champions, embark on their Euro 2024 campaign with a mission to conquer the elusive European Championship title. Led by the prodigious Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus aim to make amends for their recent disappointments in the continental tournament.Despite their World Cup triumph in 2018 and UEFA Nations League victory in 2021, France has failed to lift the European Championship since Didier Deschamps took over as coach in 2012. As runners-up in 2016 and a disappointing exit in the last 16 of Euro 2020, the French are determined to make history in Germany.Mbappe, now a Real Madrid star, is eager to lead his country to glory. "The Euros is the only thing he [Deschamps] is missing as a coach," Mbappe said. "After that, he will have ticked every box."France boasts a formidable squad, with Mbappe as the centerpiece. Antoine Griezmann is expected to reprise his midfield role, while Marcus Thuram and Theo Hernandez will provide attacking threat from the left flank. The return of N'Golo Kante adds experience and stability to the midfield.Despite recent unconvincing performances, Deschamps remains confident in his team's ability to find their best form in Germany. He has made tactical adjustments, including experimenting with Griezmann's position and introducing a more attacking left side.William Saliba, Arsenal's rising star, is poised to establish himself in the central defense. Ousmane Dembele's pace and skill on the right wing pose a constant threat to opponents.France's ambitions are not dampened by their recent struggles. "Our ambitions have not changed," said winger Kingsley Coman. "We'll do everything we can."With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, France has the potential to go all the way in Euro 2024. Their quest for European glory begins on Monday against Austria, as they aim to make a statement and bring a divided country together.

World champion N'Golo Kante will make a surprise return to international football as France coach Didier Deschamps announced Thursday the 25 players that will make up the French squad at Euro 2024. Kante left English side Chelsea last summer to join Saudi club Al Ittihad and has not represented France since June 2022."He played a full season (Kante struggled with injury during his time with Chelsea), albeit not in a European league, as he is in Saudi Arabia," said Deschamps on French TV channel TF1."He's back to full fitness. With his experience, I'm convinced that the French team will be stronger with N'Golo Kante."The 2018 World Cup winner was the big surprise in Deschamps' squad, but the 33-year-old's experience will doubtless be a help to youngsters Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola, who also made the squad after fine seasons at Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.Winger Barcola, 21, is the only uncapped player in the squad but forced his way in with a strong finish to the season, impressing particularly with his performances in the knock-out stages of the Champions League against Real Sociedad and Barcelona.Also making a return to the international fold is Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy, who has not played for France since September 2022, but has been a regular this term for his club who are on course to complete a Spanish league-Champions League double.Star attacker Kylian Mbappe was also included in the squad, as were Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Arsenal defender William Saliba.Mbappe comes into the tournament in fine form, despite uncertainty about where he will play his football next season after confirming he would leave PSG this summer.The France captain has scored 44 goals so far this season and can add to that tally in his team's remaining Ligue 1 match and the French Cup final.After a stunning breakthrough season at PSG, Zaire-Emery earned his first call-up in November of last year, marking the occasion with a goal in a 14-0 rout of Gibraltar."Very happy to be on the list, it's one of the best competitions to play with France and I'm very happy and proud to represent my country," said Zaire-Emery via video link on TF1.The 18-year-old added that he had been granted a special dispensation to sit his final school exams later in order to perform at his best at the Euro during the summer."I asked to be able to do it in September to be calm and focussed on football," said Zaire-Emery.Aurelien Tchouameni, who is a doubt for June's Champions League final, Mike Maignan and Kingsley Coman all made the squad despite currently carrying injuries.PSG's Lucas Hernandez missed out after rupturing his anterior cruciate knee in May.After defeat in the final at home in 2016 and a disappointing early exit in 2021, France come into Euro 2024 among the pre-tournament favourites to win a third European Championship after victory in 1984 and 2000.France will begin their Euro campaign in Germany on June 17 against Austria, before taking on the Netherlands four days later and completing their group-stage matches against Poland on June 25.