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“It’s me, I’m a defensive coach so I play defensively,” said France manager Didier Deschamps, laughing. Many a true word is spoken in jest. Ironically, in response to a question about his team’s defence, Deschamps went on the attack, ardently advocating his methods. The 55-year-old is fully aware of the criticism he faces: boring, risk-averse, defence-first and functional style of play.
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Despite having an array of attacking talent at his disposal, not one of Deschamps’ players has scored a goal from open play during Euro 2024. And yet his team are through to a semi-final against Spain having beaten Portugal on penalties 5-3 following a 0-0 draw after extra time.
For all of France’s offensive woes, they make up for it with the best defence of the tournament. They have conceded just one goal, a penalty against Poland (twice taken by Robert Lewandowski), in five games and are yet to go behind. Les Bleus have faced Romelu Lukaku, Lewandowski, Memphis Depay and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have a combined 344 international goals, admittedly some in better form than others.
In the lead-up to this tournament there were doubts about France’s defence, especially following the international retirements of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and centre-back Raphael Varane. AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan arrived at France’s pre-tournament training camp with a finger injury but in Hamburg he was the “shining part”, according to Deschamps, making his mark with crucial saves.
In the second half “Magic Mike”, as he is known, got down well to his right to deny Bruno Fernandes and pulled out a reflex save to block Vitinha’s shot before getting to his feet quickly to close down Ronaldo’s attempted back heel.
His intelligent distribution quickly unleashed players on the wings and although he did not save a penalty, his imposing presence, standing 6ft 3in (191cm) tall, was clearly felt.
“Unbelievable,” said his team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni. “He is one of the best in the world… we have a goalkeeper who makes the difference.”
As for those in front of Maignan, Deschamps selected Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano as his centre-back pairing in the first friendly against Luxembourg last month. But both had patchy form last season with Liverpool and Bayern Munich respectively. There were instead calls for William Saliba, who had an impressive season for Arsenal, to start but Deschamps seemed uncertain to trust the 23-year-old.
“The defence that was supposed to happen is not today’s defence,” Deschamps said after the win over Portugal. “Some asked me, ‘What is Saliba missing?’ Well today, he’s not missing anything.”
The centre-back, who admitted he did not expect to start France’s first game and is playing in his less comfortable position on the left rather than the right as he does with Arsenal, is growing with confidence.
He glides smoothly like a Rolls-Royce but has the ability to niftily turn out of trouble, Mini Cooper style. He outran Ronaldo, shielding the ball and recycling possession calmly under pressure as well as putting his body on the line for crucial blocks. The relatively inexperienced centre-back partnership of Saliba and Upamecano have only started seven games together but have registered five clean sheets. Upamecano positioned himself well to thwart Portugal’s cut-backs and the duo are strong in duels. France have the highest duel win percentage (55.6 per cent) and the fourth-highest aerial duel win rate (59.5 per cent) in the competition.
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The pair represent their team’s astute defending overall, taking care of the ball when they regain possession and staying disciplined. France have committed 51 fouls compared to Spain’s 74 and do not have any suspensions for the next round, while Spain will be without centre-back Robin Le Normand and right-back Dani Carvajal.
Flanked by right-back Jules Kounde, praised for his offensive qualities and a worthy man of the match against Belgium, and Theo Hernandez on the left, they offer attacking threats while putting in last-ditch tackles. It was fitting that both converted their penalties — Hernandez sealing the deal with the fifth and final one.
“The three midfielders help in their solidity too,” added Deschamps. Although lacking a creative spark in Paul Pogba, Deschamps’ midfield of Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot (suspended and replaced by Eduardo Camavinga against Portugal) and N’Golo Kante are all built in the image of their manager, a former defensive midfielder.
Kante’s passing was wayward at times but the 33-year-old, recalled after a two-year absence and having played last season in Saudia Arabia, tidied up well, made key interceptions and protected the ball despite his small stature. He now has more games unbeaten in World Cups and Euros than any other European player in history.
“We are solid and exemplary,” Deschamps said. “That is essential in a major competition.” He’s right. Teams with better defences, especially in knockout rounds, are more likely to win tournaments.
The question is whether France’s defence, given their attack is misfiring, will be able to withstand the impending Spanish onslaught.
(Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)