France boss Didier Deschamps has made the decision to start with a centre-back pairing of Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate for France’s Euro 2024 opener against Austria, instead of William Saliba.
Despite Saliba’s impressive form for Arsenal, Deschamps has opted for Upamecano and Konate, who have more international experience.
Saliba will likely start on the bench, but could be called upon if either Upamecano or Konate suffer an injury
Saliba, 21, had a stellar Premier League season alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at Arsenal, contributing to the team’s best defensive record in the division.
However, Saliba has not yet secured a regular starting spot at the international level. Deschamps prefers Upamecano and Konate, and has openly criticized aspects of Saliba’s game.
Despite being included in France’s 26-man squad for the European Championships and earning a rare start in a warm-up game against Canada, where he was named man of the match after a solid performance, Saliba still hasn’t fully convinced Deschamps.
He also played 45 minutes in France’s previous match against Luxembourg, contributing to a clean sheet in their 3-0 win.
According to Le Parisien, Saliba’s impressive displays will not be enough to earn him a starting spot for France’s Group D opener against Austria on Monday.
It seems Saliba will start on the bench as France, European champions in 1984 and 2000, aim for a strong start in Dusseldorf. Upamecano and Konate, capped 20 and 16 times respectively, are expected to start in front of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The report suggests Saliba is Deschamps’ third-choice center-back and would be the first substitute if Upamecano or Konate were injured.
Former France World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf has criticized Deschamps’ handling of Saliba, expressing confusion over the defender’s exclusion.
When asked about France’s weakest area ahead of the Euros, Leboeuf told ESPN: ‘I would say defence right now. It used to be strong. But it’s like Didier Deschamps is wondering who is the best duo at center-back.
‘In the middle of the park, we have a list of fantastic players. How they will gel is a question mark, but the talent is there. The midfield names for France are incredible.
‘Didier has to find the right four players for defense. When he does, we will be very strong.’
