How Didier Deschamps manages third group games at World Cups and Euros | OneFootball

Under Didier Deschamps, the third group game is often handled differently. Selections reflect qualification status, rhythm and recovery to the last 16.

L'Équipe notes that France are already assured of a top-two finish in Group I before their third match, a familiar scenario that could lead to rotation. He had already made five changes in the 3-0 win over Iraq, handing minutes to Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki. The last such victory was Togo 2-0 in 2006, without Zinédine Zidane.

In 2014, still short of mathematical certainty, six changes preceded a 0-0 with Ecuador, with Karim Benzema kept and Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann restored. At Euro 2016, five changes delivered a 0-0 with Switzerland as Pogba and Griezmann again returned.

In 2018, a draw secured first place and a flat 0-0 with Denmark followed after six changes, four days before Argentina 4-3. At Euro 2021, a 2-2 with Portugal sealed top spot after only three changes in taxing heat, five days before Switzerland’s shootout win after 3-3.

In 2022, only unlikely permutations threatened and, despite a 0-1 loss to Tunisia, heavy rotation still brought first place, with only Aurélien Tchouaméni and Raphaël Varane kept. At Euro 2024, after Austria 1-0 then Netherlands 0-0, he made only two changes, including Kylian Mbappé’s return, drew Poland 1-1 and finished second before Belgium 1-0.

Source: L'Équipe