Progress report: France coming together nicely
Friday, October 9, 2015
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After watching France power to another friendly win, David Crossan says the hosts will be a among the favourites at UEFA EURO 2016 – even with some defensive frailty.
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France are bubbling up nicely ahead of UEFA EURO 2016 and, having watched Didier Deschamps' men dispatch Armenia on Thursday, reporter David Crossan reckons they will be a force to be reckoned with come next summer.
Forward thinking
Much of the talk in the French press in the build-up to the Armenia friendly centred on Karim Benzema's failure to replicate his Real Madrid goalscoring on the international stage.
Top scorer in the Liga this season, Benzema hadn't scored for his country in 12 months. His double against in Nice on Thursday were well timed, and he now has 27 goals in 81 caps.
Antoine Griezmann's first-half strike was his first for Les Bleus since November 2014 as he built on an outstanding showing against Serbia last month.
Competition for places
Lassana Diarra's impressive return after a five-year international absence has enhanced Deschamps' already enviable midfield options. Paul Pogba's absence through injury was not felt and Diarra playing the holding role gave Yohan Cabaye license to stride forward and net his fourth France goal.
In a well-honed 4-3-3, the midfield should be France's strength next summer thanks to Pogba's class and Blaise Matuidi's boundless energy.
In attack, Anthony Martial's fleet-footed cameo – featuring an assist for Benzema's second – and his form for Manchester United provides Deschamps with food for thought. Whether as a starter or used as an impact sub, the teenager is set to play a major role next year.
Captain marvel
France have kept two clean sheets in three games, yet the defence remains a cause for concern. Les Bleus are prone to conceding from set pieces and Deschamps is still searching for the right combination in central defence.
Laurent Koscielny's injury allowed Mamadou Sakho to reprise his FIFA World Cup partnership with Raphaël Varane. Generally assured, the occasional lapse leads to the pair giving the ball away in dangerous areas.
Fortunately for France they have Hugo Lloris in goal. Excelling as a sweeper-keeper, the skipper transmits confidence to his team-mates with his calm authority. He leads by example.
Eyes on the prize
France have recovered from a poor summer, bouncing back from losses to Belgium and Albania with three straight wins and playing with renewed confidence.
Lloris confided: "Last season finished badly. We spoke amongst ourselves and we've started the new season well. We must keep on this path, no let up, and have that winning culture in every match."
So can emulate the heroes of 1984 by winning the competition on home soil? Armenia defender Gael Andonian, who plays in France for Marseille, is convinced: "They're among the favourites and they're at home. If you look at their squad, they are definitely strong enough to lift the trophy."