France’s Euro 2024 is already over. Whilst there was no shame in being knocked out by the best team in the competition, Spain, there was disgruntlement regarding Les Bleus’ performances over the tournament and a call for change.
There certainly won’t be a managerial change, with Didier Deschamps receiving assurances from the FFF president that he will lead France at the World Cup in 2026. However, there is a generational shift afoot. Olivier Giroud has confirmed his international retirement, Kingsley Coman could make a shock retirement, according to L’Équipe, whilst players such as N’Golo Kanté and Antoine Griezmann aren’t getting any younger.
Deschamps, naturally, has an eye on the next generation of players. RMC Sport understands that the France manager is particularly attentive to the performances and development of four young players: Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Mathys Tel, and Désiré Doué.
Olise will play in the UEFA Champions League next season following his move from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich, where he will link up with Tel and perhaps even Doué, who is the subject of a rejected offer from the Bundesliga giants. They may be joined in the German top flight by Cherki, who is nearing a move from Olympique Lyonnais to Borussia Dortmund.
All four are being tracked closely with a view to being integrated before the next major tournament. The France squad could have an increasingly German flavour in the months and years to come.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle