Didier Deschamps

Les Bleus are preparing to face Spain in the last four on Tuesday, their fourth semi-final appearance in six major tournaments under Deschamps.

Reports in France suggested Deschamps only told his players the starting lineup for Friday's quarter-final against Portugal when they were en route to the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.

It has since been claimed that team news and tactical details were leaked on several occasions throughout the tournament, leading Deschamps to keep his own players in the dark. 

Rabiot confirmed that was the case, telling reporters at a pre-match press conference: "It is more in relation to hiding things from you than in relation to us.

"Inevitably, there is collateral damage. It's difficult for the coach, when he's trying to implement his strategy because the information leaks out when training is barely over. 

"It is not nice to see that when you really work hard on something, that at the end of the session, the media have already caught wind of it.

"It's a shame for us and also for you because when it leaks, it tips off the opponents about things we're trying to work on. We're trying to keep things up our sleeve right until the last minute, right until kick-off.

"The coach has been trying to cover his tracks. He's worked on different formations with us. 

"But even if he changes the formation at the last minute, we know exactly what we need to do in each of these formations. You always must have the ability to adapt."

France are not the only team to have been affected by media leaks while in Germany, with England boss Gareth Southgate lamenting the way the Three Lions' switch to a 3-4-3 formation became public ahead of their quarter-final versus Switzerland.

After England advanced via a 5-3 penalty shoot-out win, a frustrated Southgate said: "Our tactical plan for the game was shared three days before. 

"We live in an amazing world where it's so difficult for us because any element of surprise you might have is gone three days before. It's quite incredible really."

Les Bleus are all but through to the knockout stages of the European Championships, sitting joint-top of Group D with four points, but need to avoid defeat to ensure progression.

Yet France's only goal at the tournament so far has come courtesy of Maximilian Wober turning into his own net in the opening 1-0 victory over Austria, before a goalless draw with the Netherlands on Friday.

France failed to score with any of their 15 shots in a wasteful display against the Oranje as Deschamps went without Kylian Mbappe, who was only fit enough for the bench due to his broken nose.

Asked about Les Bleus' profligate showings, Deschamps responded: "I am not concerned. It is just the name of the game.

"Sometimes you have countless chances and don't hit the back of the net, and sometimes it is the other way round.

"I would be worried if there were not any chances. Efficiency at high-level football is important, and it is something we can work on.

On Mbappe's fitness, Deschamps added: "Everything is going in the right direction; he is recovering from the shock, there is the haematoma part which will diminish each day, he will get used to his mask, which modifies the vision a little. But he is fine."

Poland became the first side to be eliminated from the tournament following France's draw, after they lost their opening matches to the Netherlands (2-1) and Austria (3-1).

They have faced their own problems without Robert Lewandowski, who missed the start of the tournament due to a hamstring injury before appearing from the bench against Austria.

"We are depressed by this result, but we still have one more game in our group, and we need to put our best foot forward and try to win three points," Lewandowski said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

France – N'Golo Kante

N'Golo Kante was a surprise inclusion in Deschamps' squad for the tournament after a two-year absence from the national side, but his performances so far have earned him the Player of the Match award in their opening two games.

The midfielder has made more major tournament appearances without losing than any other European player, with France unbeaten in all 17 games he has played across the Euros and World Cup (W12 D5).

Poland – Piotr Zielinski

Poland may be out of the tournament but will be desperate to go down fighting, with Piotr Zielinski again expected to be key here.

Zielinski has been directly involved in more shots than any other Poland player at Euro 2024 (11 – seven shots, four chances created), as well as completing the most passes for his side (68) across the first two rounds.

MATCH PREDICTION: FRANCE WIN

This will only be the third meeting between France and Poland in a major tournament, and the first at the Euros. Poland won a third-place play-off match 3-2 at the 1982 World Cup, while France triumphed 3-1 in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.

Including all competitions, France are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Poland (W4 D4), since losing a friendly match 4-0 in August 1982.

Les Bleus simply need to avoid defeat to qualify for the knockout stages, and they are unbeaten in their eight games in the group stage at the Euros under Deschamps (W4 D4), with their last such defeat coming on MD 3 versus Sweden at Euro 2012 (2-0), under Laurent Blanc.

Meanwhile, Poland have lost both of their games at Euro 2024 so far but have never previously suffered three defeats in a single group stage at a major tournament.

Poland have lost their final group stage match in three of their four previous appearances at the European Championships, with the exception being a 1-0 win against Ukraine in 2016 – the only time they have reached the knockout rounds of the competition.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

France – 73.9%

Draw – 14.8%

Poland – 11.2%

Mbappe has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the current campaign when his contract at PSG expires, with little sign of the 22-year-old sensation signing an extension at the Parc des Princes.

In an interview with RMC Sport, Deschamps was adamant that he did not suggest that Mbappe should leave the French top flight for another country.

"It's bull***t to say that I said [Mbappe] had to leave France," he exclaimed. "I never said that, neither for him nor for anyone else.

"This is not to denigrate Ligue 1. Compared to the requirements of the France team, which is the top international level, the more they will be used to top level matches in their daily life in the championship or the European Cup and the closer they get to the level of requirement.

"This is not the case at Real [Madrid] when they play other teams in LaLiga. This is not the case for Bayern [Munich] in their league. Kylian will choose, it's his choice. It’s not a problem if he stays in Paris."

Deschamps' own contract situation was also raised, with the 53-year-old giving little away on his long-term future as the national team boss, insisting that it is a decision for French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet. Deschamps' current deal runs out after the 2022 World Cup next December.

"I don't know. In all honesty, I don't know. I don't care," he said. "It's my president who decides. The only person and last to decide is the president. He will decide. I don't have to. I have not extended yet, that's how it is.

"The most important contract is the contract of confidence. The situation is like that and I don't have a problem.

"It's a possibility to continue. Coaching is another job. I'm not going to forbid myself something. I am fulfilled as a coach.... I am at the top level with the best players and the best competitions. It has always been a possibility to continue. I do not close any doors."

The former Juventus and Monaco boss was also asked about the potential for his eventual replacement in charge of Les Bleus to be his former team-mate Zinedine Zidane, who has been heavily linked with the role since leaving Real Madrid at the end of last season.

La Graet indicated in a recent interview that 'Zizou' will be considered as a future candidate to take the reins after Deschamps.

"I took Laurent Blanc's place; someone will take my place," Deschamps added. "It will be Zizou or another. It's not the fact that I like it or not, the conditions have to be met. Zizou has a link with the France team. With him we said that he would be coach when he launched his career. If he wants to and if the conditions are met, so much the better.

"Zidane has been talking about it since 2016 and 2018. It is not the president who spoke about it. He has the right to answer. He can say what he wants, that is not a problem. Whether it is Zizou or another. I'm not going to comment on my president's words but he also said that it was inappropriate to ask about my future."

Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe was one of many to take aim at Le Graet over comments he made after it was confirmed Didier Deschamps is staying on as France head coach.

Le Graet said he did not care whether Zidane, who had been strongly tipped to succeed Deschamps, ended up taking on another job.

The 81-year-old also said he would not pick up the phone if former midfielder Zidane called him to discuss coaching the national team.

Many called for Le Graet to apologise, with Mbappe posting on Twitter: "Zidane is France, we don't disrespect the legend like that..."

Madrid issued a statement on Monday criticising the "unfortunate comments".

Los Blancos also referenced previous remarks made by Le Graet regarding striker Karim Benzema, who recently announced his retirement from international duty.

Madrid's condemnation was swiftly followed by Le Graet releasing a statement of his own in which he attempted a U-turn.

"These awkward remarks created a misunderstanding," said Le Graet, who has been FFF president since June 2011.

"I'd like to present my personal apologies for these remarks which absolutely do not reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he's become."

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid in May 2021, having led Los Blancos to three Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles across two spells in charge.

As a player, Zidane earned 108 caps for France and helped his country win the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship two years later.

The 50-year-old has also been touted as a candidate to take over as head coach of Brazil, while the United States are reported to have made an approach.

France head coach Didier Deschamps called up Martial to the national team for the first time since March 2018 following a stellar season at club level for the Manchester United striker.

The 24-year-old came on as a substitute in the 1-0 victory over Sweden on Saturday and won a penalty that Antoine Griezmann fired over.

With Kylian Mbappe ruled out of Tuesday's Nations League clash against Croatia after testing positive for coronavirus, Martial was handed a start and set up Griezmann to restore parity after Dejan Lovren's opener in Paris.

Martial then saw his effort from Wissam Ben Yedder's cross hit the post and go in off the back off goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, putting France ahead before half-time.

Josip Brekalo equalised 10 minutes after the restart but Dayot Upamecano's header and a penalty from Olivier Giroud gave Les Bleus victory in the replay of the 2018 World Cup final, which they won by the same scoreline.

"It's been a long time since I played for France and it was important to me to have a good match," Martial told TF1. "I managed to score and provide an assist. We won and I'm very happy.

"It was a bit complicated in the front three at the start because we didn't have the ball, but as soon as we managed to combine, we knew how to put them in danger.

"The victory was great. We scored points and that's important."

France laboured to victory over Sweden and Deschamps persisted with the same 3-4-3 formation against Croatia, though he changed seven players in his line-up.

Deschamps hopes to iron out the kinks in the system ahead of the delayed Euro 2020 next year.

"It's a good thing we had difficulties. The formation is new and we don't have all the automatisms. I changed seven players between the two matches, but I'm not looking for excuses," he told TF1.

"We need to be having difficulties now. June 2021 will not be the time for that.

"Everyone can analyse as they please. This system has advantages and disadvantages, but it will be necessary to repeat this system to develop the automatisms."

World Cup winner Mbappe appeared set to move to Real Madrid when his contract expired in June, but opted to sign a three-year extension with PSG.

That denied Madrid talisman Karim Benzema the chance to link-up at club level with international team-mate Mbappe, who insisted he stayed at PSG "because the project had changed" and for sentimental reasons.

Deschamps will have the attacking duo to call upon for the Nations League campaign, starting against Denmark next Friday, and the France coach was delighted to see Mbappe stay in Paris.

"It's his choice. It's obvious that he stays in Ligue 1, it's a very good thing for French football," he told reporters on Saturday.

"He is attached to the club, he said what he had to say but in being French, that can only be a good thing.

"We can grow by staying. Today the objective of PSG is the same as in all the big clubs, and to win the Champions League. It may be necessary one day to go abroad, but that is not an obligation.

"We are not going to speak in other periods when there was a lag compared to France. But today, the choice of players is not the same.

"It is perhaps less of an obligation to go abroad to accomplish beautiful things."

There were reports of tension between Benzema and Mbappe after the former uploaded a photo of late rapper Tupac Shakur that was deemed to be a veiled reference to betrayal.

Benzema has since denied those suggestions, insisting he does not feel betrayed by Mbappe, and Deschamps does not envisage problems between the pair when they arrive for international duty.

"From my position as coach, where I have the players live where I know from A to Z what is going on, the main thing is the group," he added.

"It can lead to misunderstandings. From a situation where we can all draw negative conclusions when they are not necessarily negative... It can turn into a misunderstanding, which does not reflect reality.

"Today with the connected world it can go very very quickly, the slightest photo goes quickly. Even if I'm not on there!"

Christopher Nkunku, Moussa Dembele and Wissam Ben Yedder will also join Mbappe and Benzema in France's attacking ranks, with Olivier Giroud missing out from selection.

Deschamps says he did not call up Giroud as he wanted to offer the likes of Nkunku, Dembele and Ben Yedder a chance to show their worth.

"I said that in relation to the attacking players, who will be supposed to have a little more playing time," Deschamps continued.

"Olivier Giroud is not with us, it's to give playing time to Moussa, Christopher and Wissam, who are with us regularly, who have had playing time and will have the opportunity to have a little more.

"If possible we will make sure to involve everyone, some will play more than others. Through the four meetings, we will make sure that they are active, so that they get stronger, to have more experience. It will give additional information on the final list for the World Cup."

The Paris Saint-Germain forward suffered a hamstring problem against Nantes on October 31 and has not recovered in time to feature for his country in Lisbon. 

Mbappe had already missed the friendly defeat to Finland earlier in the week, while it remains unclear if he will be ready for the upcoming Nations League clash with Sweden on Tuesday. 

France boss Didier Deschamps had named the 21-year-old in his initial squad despite doubts over his fitness, though insisted at the time there was no conflict between club and country. 

PSG had announced on Friday that Neymar will return from the Brazil squad to continue his recovery from a groin injury. Moise Kean is also back at the Ligue 1 club after being released from duty with Italy. 

Thomas Tuchel's side are next in action on November 20, taking on Monaco, then host RB Leipzig four days later in the Champions League.

Pogba, who last featured for Les Bleus in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Andorra 16 months ago, was due to be included in France's squad for games against Sweden and Croatia in September, but tested positive for coronavirus.

Rennes teenager Camavinga was a surprise replacement, and went on to make his debut in a 4-2 win over Croatia on September 8.

The 17-year-old has once again been selected by Deschamps, who was able to welcome back Manchester United star Pogba.

"He knows the place he has in the group," Deschamps said of Pogba in a news conference on Thursday.

"He had a very complicated last season. I prefer to have him there, available."

Camavinga also drew the praise of France's World Cup-winning coach.

"He has the ability to do things very well. Especially in the use of the ball," Deschamps said. "He is not at all rushed on the ball. He has everything going for him."

France face Ukraine in a friendly on October 7, before a Nations League double-header against defending champions Portugal and World Cup 2018 runners up Croatia.

Deschamps, however, insists he has no complaints over a pile up of fixtures after a 10-month absence from international football due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm not going to say that there are too many games. We went 10 months without a game," Deschamps added. "There will be rotation. All the players will have a longer playing time."

Also included in the squad is Lyon playmaker Houssem Aouar, who also tested positive for coronavirus prior to the September fixtures.

Aouar has been strongly linked with Arsenal, with Deschamps acknowledging the youngster may not join up with the squad on Monday – or could leave the camp – if a deadline day move is being pushed through.

France squad in full:

Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Mike Maignan (Lille), Steve Mandanda (Marseille); Lucas Digne (Everton), Leo Dubois (Lyon), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Clement Lenglet (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid); Eduardo Camavinga (Rennes), N'Golo Kante (Chelsea), Steven Nzonzi (Rennes), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich), Houssem Aouar (Lyon); Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Olivier Giroud (Chelsea), Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona), Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Kylian Mbappe (PSG).

Les Bleus beat Portugal 1-0 in Lisbon, gaining a small measure of revenge after losing the Euro 2016 final to Santos' side on home soil and advancing to the Nations League Finals at the expense of the holders.

Although Anthony Martial had a series of early chances and finished with five shots, the sole goal in the Group A3 fixture came courtesy of N'Golo Kante.

Cristiano Ronaldo was wasteful at the other end, failing to hit the target with five of his six efforts, but it was out wide where Santos felt France gained the upper hand.

Kingsley Coman started up front in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe, but Didier Deschamps stationed the winger mainly from the right, directly up against left-back Raphael Guerreiro.

Guerreiro – a key player in attack for Portugal – created three chances but only one in the first half, with six minutes played.

The versatile Borussia Dortmund man and Coman, who was replaced after 59 minutes, largely nullified each other as neither completed a dribble while making one tackle apiece.

However, Coman's dangerous 10th-minute warning shot, which Rui Patricio saved, posed a problem for Portugal, Santos conceded.

"France were better during the first half," the Portugal coach said. "They did what we wanted to do.

"We wanted not to leave them any spaces, not to let them play. We know that it's a team that is capable of getting players in front of goal.

"We managed to do it for 10 minutes and then we had a lot of difficulties. We retreated and France took advantage.

"Placing Coman always on the right was perhaps one of the first causes of our difficulties. This prevented Guerreiro from having the same influence.

"But if we couldn't get down one side, we should have switched to the other and passed between the lines. We did not succeed, unlike what we had done in Paris [a goalless draw].

"France were better. Getting to the break at 0-0 was not quite fair for them. We made a good start in the second half but we conceded a goal.

"It was only then that the team freed themselves. We got three or four chances. But, in general, France deserve their victory."

Varane, who made his France debut in March 2013, made 93 appearances for Les Bleus.

The former Real Madrid centre-back, who joined Manchester United in 2021, played and started in all seven games of France's successful 2018 World Cup campaign.

Despite heading into last year's World Cup with an injury, Varane featured in six of France's matches in Qatar, including in the final against Argentina.

On Wednesday, Varane shared an Instagram post confirming his retirement from the international stage.

"Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life," Varane wrote.

"Every time I wore this very special blue jersey I felt immense pride. The duty to give it [my] all, play my heart out and win every time we went on the field. I've been contemplating this for several months and decided it's the right time for me to retire.

"As a child, I remember following France 98, this team, these players who made us experience indescribable emotions. I dreamed of being our heroes and 20 years later I lived one of the best experiences of my life.

"We brought home the World Cup!! I will never forget it. I still feel every single one of the emotions felt on that day, July 15, 2018. That was one of the most amazing and memorable moments of my life.

"This victory that we won all together would never have been possible without the support of [coach] Didier Deschamps, every member of the management and staff over the years, and my team-mates who have defended our shirt in every game we played.

"But more importantly, this victory would not have been possible without every single one of you supporting us along the way. Even after the defeat in the final last year, you welcomed us as heroes when we returned. To each and every one of you, THANK YOU a thousand times!

"I will miss these moments with you for sure, but the time has come for the new generation to take over. We have a bunch of talented young players who are ready to take over, who deserve a chance and who need you."

Varane, who captained his country 20 times, is the fourth member of France's 2018 World Cup squad to retire from international football, after Blaise Matuidi, Steve Mandanda and former captain Hugo Lloris.

Karim Benzema did not make that squad but was set to feature in Qatar until injury derailed his chances. The Ballon d'Or winner announced his retirement following the tournament.

Deschamps said: "Raphael called me a few days ago to explain to me that he wanted to put an end to his international career. He is an intelligent boy, who knows how to take the time to reflect, weigh the pros and cons before deciding. 

"Without going into the details of our exchange, Raphael believes that he has reached the end of his adventure with the France team. I experienced a situation somewhat similar to his, I understand his arguments and respect his decision even if it may seem regrettable.

"Of course, I cannot turn this page without a certain emotion, given the ties we have forged since August 2012. Like Hugo Lloris, he will have been, barring injury, in all of my squads."

In a winner-takes-all contest in Lisbon, the world champions prevailed 1-0 thanks N'Golo Kante's second-half strike, advancing due to their superior head-to-head record over Saturday's opponents.

Although Portugal - the Nations League holders who will not now defend their title - piled on the pressure in the closing stages, it was a deserved success for France.

Les Bleus had sensationally lost 2-0 to Finland in a friendly earlier in the week, but a much-changed side could have been out of sight before half-time against Portugal.

Rui Patricio was in inspired form in the home goal, although one of his six saves eventually succeeded only in teeing up Kante's decisive goal, leaving Varane to reflect on a standout victory.

"We are very happy with the victory - the way we got it, too," Varane told TF1.

"We saw a lot of solidarity and the state of mind was great. We created great opportunities but were also very solid. Portugal were strong on set-pieces.

"Over the next few months, this will be our benchmark match.

"We saw a lot of good things, we managed to combine well, to work together in defence. We will be able to rely on that to project ourselves towards the next objectives."

While Antoine Griezmann was the star in attack - creating three chances, including the Adrien Rabiot shot Patricio spilled - Varane and his defensive colleagues performed admirably at the other end.

Portugal had 18 shots but only one of Hugo Lloris' six saves truly tested the France captain, while Cristiano Ronaldo hit the target with just one of his half-dozen attempts.

Varane led the way with six clearances ahead of centre-back partner Presnel Kimpembe's four, including one sublime header in front of Ronaldo 13 minutes from time, as Portugal sent in 18 open-play crosses.

Watching on from the touchline, coach Didier Deschamps agreed it was a performance France could use as an example moving forward.

"Taking into account the quality of the opponent as well, of course," he said.

A return to favour for Giroud this week came about after Real Madrid's Karim Benzema pulled out of the squad for friendlies against Ivory Coast and South Africa due to injury.

Veteran striker Giroud has impressed with Milan this season, but the 35-year-old's efforts had not been enough to initially persuade coach Deschamps he should be part of the current group. This late call-up shows the Qatar 2022 World Cup later this year may not be out of reach for Giroud.

With 11 goals, the former Chelsea and Arsenal frontman is the joint-leading scorer across all competitions for Serie A leaders Milan.

His last appearance for France was as a substitute in the 3-3 draw with Switzerland at Euro 2020 last June, which was followed by defeat on penalties and a dispiriting last-16 exit for the pre-tournament favourites. Subsequent exclusion from Deschamps' squads mean there has been plenty to chew over.

"It was not easy, but I digested it and I think it was seen in my performance with AC Milan," Giroud told French newspaper Le Parisien. "It is planned that we will discuss my situation with the coach during the get-together."

Giroud said the call from Deschamps on Saturday to confirm he would be called in "brought me a lot of joy". He sits just five goals behind Thierry Henry in France's all-time scoring charts after netting 46 times in 110 games, and the chance to add to each tally has arisen.

France host Ivory Coast in Marseille on Friday, before tackling South Africa in Lille next Tuesday.

"I feel ready to make my contribution to the France team in the role that the coach gives me," Giroud said. "One thing is for certain: my determination to bring something to Les Blues remains intact."

Deschamps, speaking at a news conference on Monday, spoke of the difficulty that can be associated with status as a footballer, particularly if that long-held status no longer applies.

Where Giroud was once a first-choice pick, that is not now the case.

As a player, Deschamps retired on a high at the age of 31, after captaining France to Euro 2000 glory, two years on from leading the team to the World Cup.

Giroud, a 2018 World Cup winner, is playing on later into life and wants to be clear that he expects no favours, nor barriers placed in his way, based on past achievements.

"It's not because I have a status that it should create privileges or restrictions," he said. "The important thing is to have players who are 200 per cent determined towards a goal."

News came through on Saturday of a new deal for Deschamps that keeps him with France through to the 2026 World Cup.

Had Deschamps been unable to agree terms with the French Football Federation, or elected to walk away after his team's World Cup final penalty shoot-out defeat to Argentina, it seemed Zidane would have been the obvious choice as his successor.

Now, however, he must wait for the chance to coach his country, if it ever arrives, but Zidane should not give up hope of working at the top level in international football.

According to former Brazil playmaker Juninho Pernambucano, coaching the Selecao would be a "perfect" role for the 50-year-old former Ballon d'Or winner.

It has been a long-standing tradition for only Brazilians to be head coach of their national team, but ex-Lyon star Juninho thinks an exception should be made for Zidane.

Tite stepped down after Brazil's World Cup quarter-final exit, creating the current vacancy.

"Football is a democratic sport. Everyone can participate, although the priority will always be a coach from your country, who knows the local football," Juninho told French broadcaster RMC.

"But if today you don't have a name that is unanimous in Brazil, why not look outside? But you can't take someone outside because you're going to propose a huge contract."

Juninho floated the name of Fernando Diniz, who is head coach of Fluminense and "makes his team play in an incredible way".

Unlike Zidane, however, Diniz has yet to win major silverware as a coach.

"I see Zidane as the perfect coach for Brazil," Juninho added.

Speaking in October, Zidane, who has won three Champions League titles as a coach, said he was looking to get back into work.

He had been linked with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, and club opportunities may be presented now it is clear he will not be stepping into the France job.

"Do I miss the coaching suit? No, I'm not far away," Zidane said. "We're waiting, we're waiting a little bit. Soon, soon."