“Needs to stop,” “Always blow up my mind” – Fans unhappy as 28-year-old named ahead of Camavinga in France line-up against Netherlands
Group B leaders France are set to face their toughest group rivals, Netherlands, in an important match in their Euro 2024 qualifiers in Amsterdam. France manager Didier Deschamps has come under the spotlight for a selection choice for Les Bleus in the match.
With five wins on the bounce to start the qualifiers, France are in the perfect position to consolidate their dominance of Group B. The 2022 FIFA World Cup finalists are six points clear of Netherlands, who have already lost one game in the qualifiers.
France manager Didier Deschamps opted to go with a lineup which includes Juventus star Adrien Rabiot in midfield, leaving out Eduardo Camavinga. The decision has not gone down too well with the country's fans, who have questioned the manager's selection for the clash.
Real Madrid midfielder Camavinga certainly plays at a much higher level than his 28-year-old countryman these days in Europe's biggest team. Bayern Munich man Kingsley Coman was also listed as a starter, with Ousmane Dembele ruled out through injury.
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their views regarding the decision to start Rabiot ahead of Camavinga.
A number of fans questioned why Rabiot was selected for the match while Camavinga was left out.
A number of fans lamented Camavinga's absence, implying that the team would benefit so much more from him starting.
France also started with Randall Kolo Muani up front in place of record goalscorer Olivier Giroud, who had to make do with a spot on the bench. Both Hernandez brothers start in defence, as does Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate.
France keen on qualifying double over Netherlands
France will be all but qualified for the Euros next year if they defeat the Netherlands in Amsterdam, as it would take them nine points clear of the Dutch. Les Bleus began their qualifying campaign with a 4-0 demolition of the Oranje, with goals from Antoine Griezmann, Dayot Upamecano, and a Kylian Mbappe brace.
The Netherlands have a number of absentees through injury, including Barcelona ace Frenkie De Jong, Memphis Depay, and Jurrien Timber. They have won all of their matches in the group since losing to France and would be keen to exact revenge on the French.
France also have injury worries of their own, with Dembele missing alongside Jules Kounde, Axel Disasi, and several others. They are expected to claim maximum points from the match due to their superior squad compared to the Dutch.