Three things we learned as France sweep Belgium aside in Lyon | OneFootball

After losing two successive competitive matches since 2015 after a 3-1 defeat to Italy on Friday, France bounced back in Lyon, beating Belgium 2-0 to end their international break on a high.

A need to rebuild bridges burned

There were as many boos as there were cheers inside the Groupama Stadium. It wasn’t that the Belgium fans had descended on the Rhône region in great numbers, but more a discontent and a malaise that currently surrounds Les Bleus. There were specific targets of the home crowd’s discontent – some can be attributed to club-based grievances. Former Olympique de Marseille midfielder Mattéo Guendouzi was an obvious target, as was former Olympique Lyonnais winger Bradley Barcola. He has clearly not been forgiven for his move to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, there were other, more surprising targets. Kylian Mbappé, who has come in for criticism for a recent comment where he stated that fan reaction at the Parc des Princes was “the least of [his] worries” and Didier Deschamps, roundly criticised for a perceived negative play-style, were both booed when their names were read out pre-match. Both have bridges to re-build. For Deschamps, the path to redemption is simple – France must return to winning ways and do so proposing a more inspiring play style. The victory over Belgium was a step in the right direction. Mbappé was dangerous but failed to get on the scoresheet. He perhaps has some more work to do – both on and off the pitch – in order to rebuild the burned bridge.

Thuram and Kolo Muani stake claims

Marcus Thuram looked, more than most, lost at Euro 2024. The Inter Milan forward struggled to strike up an effective partnership with Mbappé, however, still out on the left, as he was in Germany, he looked more effective against Belgium and was the most dangerous of France’s strikers in the opening stages. The same issue – finishing – remains but he at least gave Deschamps some food for thought. Although, given that he is now being utilised out wide more often, he may find himself in competition with Mbappé and also Bradley Barcola. He doesn’t offer any more than those two players if they are both on their day.

Randal Kolo Muani’s path into the starting XI is certainly clearer. He is capable of playing centrally, as he did against Belgium, or on the right, where Ousmane Dembélé has sometimes failed to fully convince. He was in the right place at the right time to get his goal. That is his sixth goal for Les Bleus since 2023; only Mbappé has more. Whilst Kolo Muani struggles to find his place in the starting XI at Paris Saint-Germain, he continues to repay Deschamps’ faith at international level.

Koundé consolidates right-back slot

One of the bright sparks at Euro 2024, Jules Koundé continues to impress for France. His lack of attacking upside has long since been a stick to beat him with, however, he is changing that. His defensive work was as solid as ever, and he made two notable important interceptions with composed and well-time tackles, however, it is going forward that Koundé is showing the most improvement. He now has the capacity to find the space out wide, but also pick out the right pass. Bar Manu Koné, who had an exceptional first start for Les Bleus, Koundé was the best player on the pitch.

Deschamps has constantly complained about his options at right-back, but whilst it may have taken time, Koundé is now showing himself to be the outstanding candidate to hold down that position. On the other side, Lucas Digne had a positive night in what was his first match for France in over two years. However, the route to the starting XI looks more blocked for the Aston Villa full-back.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle