"They have been pragmatic and boring" - Chris Sutton predicts winner of France vs Belgium in Euro 2024 Round of 16
BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has predicted France to defeat Belgium 1-0 in their upcoming Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash on Monday, July 1. Sutton also criticized Les Bleus for their uninspiring group-stage performance but still backed them to win the tournament.
France have struggled to get going at Euro 2024 and finished second in Group D, with five points from three games. They drew twice against the Netherlands (0-0) and Poland (1-1), and have failed to score from open play so far. Out of their two goals to date, one was an own-goal while the other was a Kylian Mbappe penalty.
In contrast, Belgium haven't fared any better. They scraped their way into the Round of 16, finishing second in Group E after all four nations ended with four points. Moreover, they have scored just two goals as well.
Both nations will have a point to prove as they aim to reach the final eight. This will be their 76th encounter on the pitch, with the French being the heavy favorites as they have won all four of their previous matches against Belgium at a major tournament. From these four games, they have scored 13 goals and conceded just three.
Sutton wrote (via BBC Sport):
"Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco has been getting as much stick as Southgate after the way they have started this tournament. France have been a big disappointment too, in that they have been pragmatic and boring to watch, and they only finished second in their group. They often start slowly, though, and I am not changing my mind now about them going on to win the whole thing."
Sutton's Prediction: 1-0
Didier Deschamps accuses France legend of lacking commitment at Euro 2024: Reports
According to French outlet L'Equipe (via METRO), France head coach Didier Deschamps has privately questioned Olivier Giroud's commitment to the team at Euro 2024.
Giroud suffered a minor injury to his right adductor after coming on as a late substitute in France's 1-0 win against Austria. Despite Kylian Mbappe missing their next fixture against the Netherlands due to a broken nose, Deschamps opted not to start Giroud in their following two group-stage fixtures.
Deschamps has allegedly spoken with Giroud, admitting he is unsure of the latter's fitness levels and commitment to play a big role for his side at Euro 2024. This has reportedly left the former Arsenal forward extremely frustrated behind the scenes, but he has decided to undergo an additional fitness regime to regain his spot in the starting XI.
Giroud remains Les Bleus' highest goalscorer of all time, garnering 57 goals and 16 assists in 136 appearances across all competitions.