France will aim to finish their preparations for Euro 2024 when they take on Canada on Saturday.
As they wrap up their final preparations for UEFA Euro 2024, France face off against Canada in an international friendly on Sunday evening at Stade Matmut Atlantique. Didier Deschamps’s side recently delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Luxembourg, whereas Canada suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands on Thursday.
For France, the path to Euro 2024 has been marked by mixed performances, with an unexpected 2-0 loss to Germany and a narrow 3-2 win over Chile earlier in the year. However, their recent thrashing of Luxembourg has bolstered confidence. Kylian Mbappe, fresh from his announcement as a Real Madrid player, played a pivotal role, assisting Randal Kolo Muani and Jonathan Clauss before scoring himself.
France’s upcoming group stage challenges at Euro 2024 include formidable opponents like the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland. However, Deschamps’s immediate focus is on maintaining their winning momentum. Les Bleus have enjoyed a robust home record, with the Germany defeat being their only loss in their last nine matches on French soil, including a historic 14-0 victory over Gibraltar in the qualifiers.
On the other side, Canada, now under the stewardship of Jesse Marsch, endured a tough initiation against the Netherlands. Goals from Memphis Depay, Jeremie Frimpong, Wout Weghorst, and Virgil van Dijk resulted in a 4-0 defeat, making for a challenging debut for Marsch. Despite the setback, he will be looking to galvanise his squad as they prepare for the Copa America, where they will compete against Chile, Peru, and Argentina in Group A.
This match against France is a rare opportunity for Canada to test themselves against top-tier European opposition. Their only previous encounter was during the 1986 World Cup, where France edged out a 1-0 win thanks to Jean-Pierre Papin. Marsch’s task is steep, as he aims to instill resilience and confidence in his squad ahead of their major tournament participation.
Both teams approach this friendly with distinct objectives: France to solidify their status as Euro 2024 contenders, and Canada to gain valuable experience and build momentum for the Copa America. With France’s attacking prowess and Canada’s desire to bounce back, this encounter promises to be a telling prelude to their respective continental campaigns. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this clash.
Team News & Tactics
France
France continue their preparations for Euro 2024 with a friendly against Canada on Sunday evening as head coach Didier Deschamps faces a potential defensive dilemma. Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano was withdrawn at half-time in their recent 3-0 victory over Luxembourg due to a thigh issue. His fitness remains uncertain, and should he be unavailable, Arsenal’s William Saliba is poised to step in for this weekend’s encounter.
The Luxembourg match did not present any further injury concerns for Les Bleus. The returning N’Golo Kante started in midfield, taking the place of Aurelien Tchouameni, who was sidelined with a foot injury but still made the bench. Real Madrid’s Champions League finalists, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy, were also initially rested. The former, however, made a brief appearance towards the end of the game, ensuring he remains match-fit ahead of the Euros.
In the attacking department, Kylian Mbappe continued to shine, contributing significantly with two assists and a goal. He will aim to continue that hot streak heading into the Euros. Les Bleus are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with AC Milan custodian Mike Maignan in goal. He should be protected by the formidable back four of Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, and Theo Hernandez.
Adrien Rabiot should partner Kante in the double pivot, freeing up the trio of Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe to strike forwards. Fresh from winning Serie A, Marcus Thuram will be expected to lead the attack on the night.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Konate, Hernandez; Rabiot, Kante; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Thuram
Canada
For Canada, there are mixed injury updates ahead of their friendly against France. Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich’s dynamic left-back, successfully completed the full 90 minutes in their 4-0 loss to the Netherlands despite a prior injury scare.
However, Alistair Johnston’s fitness remains a concern. The Celtic star was forced off after 56 minutes due to an unspecified issue against the Dutch. Should he be unavailable, Canada might turn to either Richie Laryea or Dominick Zator to step into the right-back role. Both players provide solid defensive options and can support Canada’s counter-attacking strategy.
In the attack, Canada boast a potent partnership between Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, who are their country’s all-time leading male goalscorers. David, currently with Lille, will have a personal angle in this match as he faces several familiar faces from Ligue 1. His experience in French football could provide valuable insights against Les Bleus’ defense.
The match against France offers a crucial opportunity for Canada to test their resilience and adaptability against one of the strongest teams in international football. With key players like Davies and David in the lineup, they will aim to put up a competitive performance, gaining valuable experience ahead of their Copa America campaign.
Marsch is expected to line his side up in a 4-4-2 formation with Dayne St. Clair in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Richie Laryea, Kamal Miller, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustaquio and Ismael Kone should hold the fort in central midfield, freeing up Jonathan David to do the damage upfront. Cyle Larin should partner him upfront, with Tajon Buchanan and Junior Hoilett.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): St. Clair; Laryea, Miller, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Hoilett; David, Larin
Key Stats
- Both teams have faced off just once, all the way back in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. France won the clash 1-0.
- Canada have never scored against France at the senior level.
- The 2-0 loss to Germany is the only defeat that France have been subjected to in their last nine home games.
- France have never defeated a team that had won the World Cup sometime in their history.
- Canada have faced World Cup winning teams 14 times in their history, losing all 14 by an aggregate score of 32-7.
Player to Watch
Marcus Thuram
The 26-year-old scored 15 goals and 14 assists in 46 games for Inter Milan last season. The Serie A campaign will keep him in fine spirits as he aims to lead the French attack to yet more international success.
With Olivier Giroud set to retire from the international stage at the end of Euro 2024, the time is now for a new French forward to make the first XI spot his own. Thuram is in his prime and has shown he has what it takes to lead the line for a Championship winning side. Having helped France fight back in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, the stage is set for him to announce himself properly in a Blue jersey this summer in Germany.
Prediction
France 4-0 Canada
France are one of the favourites for Euro 2024 and have abundance of quality in depth. Canada are tricky on their day but pale behind Les Blues significantly when it comes to overall quality. Anything less than a convincing win for Didier Deschamps and Co. will be a massive surprise.