France superstar set to be dropped from starting XI for Euro 2024 semi-final clash against Spain: Reports
According to L'Equipe, French forward Antoine Griezmann is set to be dropped from the starting lineup when Les Bleus face Spain in their Euro 2024 semifinal on July 9. The Atletico Madrid forward has started four of France's five games at the Euros so far, but was subbed off in the 67th minute of their quarterfinal against Portugal.
The report claims that France manager Didier Deschamps is concerned about starting the team's vice-captain, who has struggled to impact games so far. The Atletico Madrid forward has struggled for form in a misfiring Les Bleus attack in the tournament.
Les Bleus have scored only three goals in five games in the tournament so far, of which only one has come from a French player, Kylian Mbappe's penalty in their group stage match against Poland.
Deschamps reportedly wants to start Ousmane Dembele in attack against La Roja alongside Kylian Mbappe and Randal Kolo Muani. Dembele was electric against Portugal after coming off the bench and won the player of the match award for his cameo.
France head coach defends forward after drab EURO 2024 quarter-final against Portugal
France boss Didier Deschamps defended Kylian Mbappe after the Real Madrid superstar failed to meet expectations against Portugal. Mbappe has struggled at Euro 2024 so far, finding the back of the net only once. He was subbed off in extra-time against Portugal and didn't participate in the penalty shootout.
The Frenchman has been the subject of intense criticism, but still has the backing of his manager, who said (via ESPN):
"Don't you think he has already made enough history, with what he has done so far? He wants to make even more history. We did everything we could with him, with the medical staff, to get him to be here. During the preparation, he had a little back problem, too, but Kylian is here."
Mbappe notably broke his nose during a collision with Kevin Danso in France's Euro group stage match against Austria. He has sported a protective mask in his appearances since then and has claimed that it is not an easy thing to do.