Didier Deschamps will look to sharpen his edges with the two friendlies before Euro 2024, as France take on Luxembourg in the first one.
France, who face Luxembourg this midweek, will enter another significant tournament as one of the heavy favourites, with Didier Deschamps eager to get over the line in the continental championships. After 24 years since Deschamps lifted the Euros as a captain, he could write history to become the only living player and manager to win the World Cup and the continental championship in world football.
Moreover, Deschamps will look to correct the wrongs of the Qatar World Cup as his side faltered in the final in a penalty shootout against Argentina. France have not fared exceptionally well in the Euros, although they did reach the final of the 2016 edition when Portugal nicked it as a surprise winner.
Heading into the tournament in Germany, Deschamps probably has a small opportunity to gauge his players before making the final squad selection. A few of those players in danger of the axe might feature in the Luxembourg clash, as some may find it challenging to make the cut.
Luxembourg will have no competitive element in this game, as they will finish their international duties and return to home comfort to watch the Euros from their couches. However, Luc Holtz’s men will have to play for the pride on the line ahead of their trip to France.
They can still come into this game with some confidence despite their dismal record against France. However, despite losing 16 of their 18 games against Les Bleus, Luxembourg did end a massive 14-game winless run when the two sides met in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifications, with the match ending in a draw.
Team News & Tactics
France
The surprise addition to the provisional squad has been that of N’Golo Kante, who has seemingly put behind the many injury issues that plagued him and kept him out of the World Cup in Qatar. The upcoming two friendly games will help Didier Deschamps gauge the former Chelsea star properly, as the midfielder has had a productive and injury-free season with Saudi Arabia side Al-Ittihad.
Similarly, Deschamps will also be able to gauge Bradley Barcola, the only uncapped player in his provisional squad, as there’s a chance the PSG winger gets used extensively. Among a fitness concern, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has affirmed he will be fit for the Euros after missing the Champions League Final against Borussia Dortmund.
In the aftermath of that Wembley Final, France will not have the services of Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga, with the pair given more time before they join the national team squad. Other than that, Deschamps will be expected to utilise as many players as possible in this Luxembourg friendly, as these are the games where he can make decisions on his final cut for the Euros.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1)L Maignan; Kounde, Pavard, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Luxembourg
Luc Holtz will not have midfield star Leandro Barreiro for this game, or rather the entire month, as he takes his Luxembourg side to play against France and then Belgium. However, the long-serving manager will be able to take most of his recognised names along, as they will want a good end to this round of international friendlies.
Sebastien Thill, who will be remembered for his stunning strike against Real Madrid for Sheriff Tiraspol in a 2021 Champions League match, will be part of the travelling party, as Holtz will rely on the experienced 30-year-old midfielder. They will also have winger Gerson Rodrigues, who happens to be Luxembourg’s all-time top scorer with 21 goals.
Captain and Defender Laurent Jans, who played in the German third tier, will wear the armband and sure to start against France. Should he take the field, he will overtake 102-cap man Mario Mutsch and become his nation’s highest appearance maker of all time in men’s football.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Moris; Bohnert, Chanot, Mahmutovic, Jans; Sinani, S. Thill, Olesen, Martins Pereira, Dardari; Rodrigues
Key Stats
- France have scored 22 points from a possible 24 in their Euro Qualification campaign.
- France have not lost back-to-back home friendlies since 2013.
- Luxembourg have lost 16 of their last 18 games against France in all formats.
- Luxembourg’s draw against France in 2017 halted a 14-game wun of defeats.
Player to Watch
N’Golo Kante
The former Chelsea midfielder has returned to the France squad. Once he had a good enough season, even in Saudi Arabia, Didier Deschamps brought him back into his plans. Kante has been a player of great importance to the French manager, and there’s a big chance the midfielder will start for his side in the Euro 2024 finals.
Kante missed the Qatar World Cup with an injury, and while France did make it to the Final without him, they missed him for the energy he packs on the field. Deschamps could once again count on him, and against Luxembourg, Kante has a big chance to show why he remains one of Deschamp’s most trusted options.
Prediction
France 3-0 Luxembourg
Luxembourg have a big task of ensuring France loses back-to-back friendly games on home soil for the first time since 2013. While it is a monumental task, there’s no chance Didier Deschamps’s men will want to begin preparations for the Euros with a defeat.
Hence, with home comforts to boot, France are the clear favourite to win, as our prediction points towards a 3-0 win. Should Deschamps decide to sharpen the edges of some of his forward players, then the result could be far more damaging for Luxembourg.