France reserves held in 0-0 run-out with New England Revolution youngsters | OneFootball

France's non-starters faced New England Revolution academy youngsters in a one-hour training match at Bentley on Wednesday, the day after the 3-1 win over Senegal, before an evening with families.

According to L'Équipe, it comprised two 30-minute periods and began with a minute's silence for Éric Roy at 17:05. The exercise is a Deschamps staple during tournament finals.

Some starters observed, with Jules Koundé soon heading inside. Others, including Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembélé, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, Désiré Doué and Mike Maignan, jogged or did bike recovery.

Kylian Mbappé drew a stir on arrival in the media stand, alongside his bodyguard and video analysts, and watched the lot. Teams were mixed, three academy players on each side, as Brice Samba organised his side.

Rayan Cherki shot over, N'Golo Kanté surged through midfield, Manu Koné read play neatly and Maxence Lacroix stayed sharp. Lucas Digne showed bite in one-on-ones and Warren Zaïre-Emery held firm in duels.

Chances were scarce and the referee was fussy despite the low stakes. Zaïre-Emery tried his luck from range and goalkeeper Robin Risser, vocal throughout, reacted smartly on a couple of moments. Koné urged for more runs in behind.

Samba praised Malo before he went off injured after a collision with Digne. The whistle blew at 18:30, still 0-0. About an hour later the squad met their families, with Didier Deschamps allowing dinner in town on condition they returned to sleep at the hotel.

Source: L'Équipe