Supervisor Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Ousmane Dembélé and Need Douai are each more likely to begin for France of their ultimate sport in opposition to Northern Eire earlier than the World Cup.
France completed their World Cup preparations on the Stade Pierre Mauroy on Monday, with Les Bleus hoping to bounce again from a 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast.
The defeat ended France’s nine-match unbeaten run, however they’ve solely misplaced 3 times in a row beneath Deschamps, the final time coming in September 2024.
Dembélé and Douai didn’t characteristic on this sport for France after being concerned in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal.
Nonetheless, Deschamps has confirmed that the pair will begin if they’re obtainable, with the France coach aiming to get a greater concept of who will likely be in his beginning squad for the World Cup.
“Sure, however there are different gamers right here. He (Douet) is a really younger participant who has simply celebrated his twenty first birthday. He’s decisive for the membership and for us,” Deschamps informed reporters.
“He has versatility, however I believe he has extra of a consolation aspect.
“This potential to get rid of in excessive quantity performs, dribble and create change, that does not essentially apply to offensive gamers. It offers us extra high quality gamers.
“In the event that they (Douye and Dembele) can be found, they are going to be prepared to start out.”
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— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) June 7, 2026
Deschamps mentioned after the loss to Ivory Coast that the consequence could possibly be useful if it prevents his gamers from turning into complacent earlier than the event begins.
Michael Oliseh and Rayan Cherki have been each given probabilities to shine early on, with the latter placing France forward with a positive aim within the forty fifth minute.
France made 10 modifications for the sport, with Magnes Akurioch, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Manu Coene all eligible, however Deschamps has revealed he won’t make too many modifications for Michael O’Neill’s aspect’s go to.
Deschamps added, “It is a preparation sport, so there’s a risk of modifications.”
“However the targets are a little bit totally different so we’re not going to attain 5 targets at half-time like we did final sport. However clearly we will make modifications to handle sure gamers.”
France have performed extra video games with out dropping in opposition to Northern Eire than another workforce, successful 5 of their final eight (D3).
Northern Eire have additionally gained solely one in every of their final 11 away video games in all competitions (D3 L7), however have conceded 23 targets (2.1 targets per sport) in that point.
Nonetheless, Deschamps was cautious of their risk, saying, “This Irish workforce has a whole lot of good gamers who play in England, and we even have younger gamers.”
“They’ve verticality of their sport. It is clearly essential for us to complete our preparation with a win.
“Thanks to Northern Eire for his or her acceptance between America and groups who need to play at house and groups who don’t need to play us.”
