CORNERFLICK
Didier Deschamps has praised Kylian Mbappé and stressed France must stay focused as they prepare to face Sweden in the World Cup last 16 on Tuesday night.
France reached the knockout stage with three straight wins as group winners, but Deschamps said nothing would be easy from here. He also returned to camp after taking a few days away following the death of his mother.
Deschamps said France have only conceded two goals but have still allowed opponents too many chances, and added that the team must be effective without the ball while keeping their threat in attack. He described Sweden as a physically strong side with quality in attack, naming Elanga, Isak and Gyökeres, and said their heavy defeat to the Netherlands looked harsh.
The coach also backed William Saliba, saying the defender’s pace, intelligence and strength in duels help the rest of the back line. He said Marcus Thuram will miss the match with a minor muscle issue, while N’Golo Kanté remains a doubt. On Mbappé, Deschamps said France are lucky to have him, pointing to his goals, leadership and work in training.