Amid all the talk of Kylian Mbappé’s absence, France put in a controlled display as they beat Israel in the UEFA Nations League (4-1) to close the gap on Italy in Group A2. Eduardo Camavinga, Christopher Nkunku, Mattéo Guendouzi, and Bradley Barcola got the goals for Les Bleus.
Michael Olise passes up his chance
Given his summer move from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich, there has been a lot of clamour to integrate Michael Olise into this France side. That has only increased in the wake of Antoine Griezmann’s retirement from international football, even if the Bayern Munich forward isn’t an exact match, especially not a match to the Griezmann who finished his career with Les Bleus in a deeper midfield role.
His performances for Bayern Munich have certainly been promising, however, he has been unable to replicate that form in what is admittedly a very young France career. He was the only France player to truly struggle throughout. He ran down cul-de-sacs, looked disconnected from his teammates and lost the ball too easily, frequently. Having lost possession on 22 occasions, it seems unlikely that he will retain his place against Belgium on Monday.
Christopher Nkunku states a case
Unlike Olise, who started as the No.10, a returning role in this post-Griezmann Bleus side, Christopher Nkunku did state his case. The former RB Leipzig forward hadn’t started for France since June 2022 as he grappled with injuries during his debut season with Chelsea. Whilst Nkunku is a player that has always been appreciated by Deschamps, he had never scored at international level, but that changed against Israel.
It wasn’t a game of many chances, but the one that he took, he took emphatically. Beating his name with a neat swivel, and benefitting from a favourable deflection, his finish was a composed one. With seven goals in 11 games for his club, despite not being a guaranteed starter under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, Nkunku may be the lethal finisher that France are looking for.
Randal Kolo Muani has stepped up for Les Bleus but his struggles at Paris Saint-Germain do pose a threat to his place in this side, whilst despite performing consistently well for Inter Milan, Marcus Thuram has never been potent for Les Bleus. Nkunku, both at club level and now at international level, is showing that he can be. Food for thought for Deschamps.
Camavinga takes Tchouaméni’s limelight
All eyes were on France’s midfield against Israel. For the first time, it would be Aurélien Tchouaméni who would wear the armband in the absence of usual captain Mbappé and the retirement of vice-captain Griezmann. The former AS Monaco midfielder made his presence felt, constantly searching for the ball in build-up and making 123 touches on the night. He was tidy in possession, completing 90% of his passes, whilst also winning two thirds of his duels.
However, it was his club teammate, Eduardo Camavinga, who stole the show against Israel. Prior to his substitution in the 70th minute, he was the one that ran the show for Les Bleus. His goal was his first in a competitive match for France and it was a fortuitous one as Omri Glazer spilt the ball into his own net; Camavinga’s celebration was a reflection of that.
However, beyond that, he was a progressive presence in the France midfield, although, handicapped by an early yellow card, he couldn’t afford to be too aggressive out of possession. His turn and pass fed Nkunku for Les Bleus’ second although, due to the goalkeeper’s deflection, he won’t be credited with the assist. On a night that was meant to belong to captain Tchouaméni, it was Camavinga who stole the show in Budapest.
