Boston to Dallas, France embrace rare freedom before Spain semi-final | OneFootball

France have eased from their 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco in Boston to humid Dallas, where they face Spain on Tuesday at 21:00, making the most of a five-day gap to decompress with families and friends.

According to L'Équipe, Didier Deschamps granted 24 hours off from Thursday night until Friday 20:00, with players free to head out. Some families returned to New York, others stayed near base to try local restaurants without private bookings, with security keeping a discreet watch.

Morning plans varied, from Bradley Barcola strolling with his baby to Mike Maignan and Manu Koné exploring the city, while Rayan Cherki lunched with relatives. Aurélien Tchouaméni worked in the gym after missing the Morocco game with adductor pain, Kylian Mbappé stayed at the hotel to avoid crowds in the USA, and Désiré Doué and Warren Zaïre-Emery enjoyed a quiet wander.

Back at 20:00 sharp, some gathered in Mbappé’s room to watch Spain beat Belgium 2-1. Reactions were split between those wary of La Roja and others eager to face the team that ended their last Euros run 1-2 in the semi-finals, with confidence intact and no euphoria.

Saturday brought familiar routines, a lively session for non-starters focused on finishing, with Tchouaméni offering encouraging signs. They later watched Norway lose 1-2 to England a.e.t. and Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 a.e.t. Sunday’s morning training preceded a smooth mid-afternoon flight to Dallas, where most families had already arrived.

Ibrahima Konaté reflected that this group can switch quickly from light-hearted training to a winning mindset. On the eve, a video review and run-through at Southern Methodist University complete preparations, before a matchday they intend to make unforgiving.

Source: L'Équipe