Joachim Low was full of compliments for France‘s defensive strength after his Germany side lost to the world champions in their Euro 2020 opener.
Karim Benzema‘s return to accompany Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann has seen the attacking trident dominate most of the headlines, but the reality is that France are a success because of their strength at the back. Until this run, France hadn’t gone five games without conceding in 13 years.
In 2018, with the exception of that crazy 4-3 win over Argentina, France were excellent defensively, led by Benjamin Pavard, Lucas Hernandez, Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane.
Despite most purists dreaming of this France side making the most of their attacking talent, it’s hard to see them, under Deschamps, channelling the spirit of the old team led by Michel Platini. Deschamps‘ approach is clear – nobody can afford to not defend for the team.
The squad have followed a very specific plan so far and Lucas Hernandez acknowledged how tough it was, but the results are showing.
They want to defend well and trust that goals will come because of the talent they have. That was seen against Germany.
France defend from the front. Benzema won the ball back five times against Germany, while Mbappe and Griezmann do dirty work out wide.
N’Golo Kante recovers the ball more than anyone, while Paul Pogba and Adrien Rabiot have three lungs in midfield and can play too.
At the back, Umtiti has been replaced by Presnel Kimpembe to do that same job, while Hugo Lloris offers a lot as captain in goal. So far, France‘s wall is showing no signs of crumbling.
