Defending Mbappé: "Done enough"

Two own goals and a penalty goal. That is France's goal tally during the European Championship so far, despite attacking stars like Kylian Mbappé. Don't you think he has already written enough history, says France's national team captain Didier Deschamps in Mbappé's defense.

» Updated: July 16 2024

» Published: July 08 2024

Defending Mbappé: "Done enough"
Photo: Hassan Ammar/AP/TT

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Two own goals and a penalty goal.

This is France's goal tally in the European Championship so far, despite attacking stars like Kylian Mbappé.

Don't you think he has already written enough history, says France's national team coach Didier Deschamps in Mbappé's defense.

Before this summer's European Championship, there were few offenses that were hyped up as much as France's.

With stars like Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Thuram, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud, it was hard to see France becoming a goal-shy team.

But that's exactly what they've become. Only three goals have the Frenchmen scored in their five European Championship matches. One of them came from a French foot – Mbappé on a penalty kick against Poland.

Wants to write more history

The two other goals have been own goals – Maximilian Wöber in Austria and Jan Vertonghen in Belgium both scored in their own net against France.

Especially Mbappé's performances have been questioned. Didier Deschamps doesn't buy the criticism against his star striker.

Don't you think he has already written enough history, with what he has achieved so far? He wants to write even more history, says Deschamps in the TV program Téléfoot before the semifinal against Spain, according to ESPN.

Mbappé has become a regular visitor to the team doctors during and before the championship, with his broken nose from the first group stage match and back problems during the preparations for the European Championship.

Will start

A benching is therefore not an option according to Deschamps. Mbappé will start against Spain.

Even if he's not 100 percent, I know very well that for the opponents, the knowledge that he's playing makes them think twice and forces them to adapt, says the national team coach.

Even the teammates stand behind the newly signed Real Madrid player.

He (Mbappé) has a talent for driving a group. He has so much experience, I think he was born to lead a group forward, says Randal Kolo Muani.

Kickoff in the semifinal between France and Spain is at 21.00 on Tuesday.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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