France are almost certain to reach the last 16 at Euro 2024, but they are eagerly awaiting the return of Kylian Mbappe and a revival of their goal-scoring form when they face Poland in their final group game on Tuesday.
As one of the tournament favorites, France has accumulated four points from two Group D matches but has only scored one goal, courtesy of Austrian defender Maximilian Wöber's own goal. This secured a 1-0 win against Austria in their opening match in Düsseldorf, followed by a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands in Leipzig on Friday, with Mbappe absent.
Mbappe, the new Real Madrid signing, missed the game against the Dutch as he recovers from a broken nose sustained late in the match against Austria. He will need to wear a protective mask when he returns to action. However, he trained on Sunday at the French team's base in Paderborn, and his teammates are hopeful to have their captain back against Poland.
"I think everyone knows he is really eager to play in the next match. That won't surprise anyone," said midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. "As for the mask, I think he is starting to get used to it. Of course, he would rather not wear it, but I think if you ask the doctor, he would say there is no choice. But that won't change anything for him. We know that when he is on the field, he will bring a lot to the team."
Mbappe's cross led to Wöber's own goal, France's only goal so far at the Euros, making him the team's most significant attacking threat available to coach Didier Deschamps. Marcus Thuram led the line against the Dutch but has only scored twice in 22 appearances for his country. Antoine Griezmann has netted just twice in his last 30 caps, while Ousmane Dembele's only goal for France in the past three years came against Gibraltar.
Kingsley Coman is still regaining fitness after missing the end of the season with Bayern Munich due to injury, and Randal Kolo Muani is coming off a challenging campaign overshadowed by Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain.
"It is frustrating but nothing to be alarmed about," Griezmann said after the Netherlands game, referring to his own missed chances. "The defense and midfield are doing a remarkable job, we are leaving very little to the opposition, but we must improve in attack and be more deadly."
ALMOST THROUGH
That defensive solidity is crucial and could carry them far, even if goals remain scarce.
The center-back pairing of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba has impressed in front of goalkeeper Mike Maignan, while N'Golo Kante has been outstanding in midfield on his return to the international stage after a two-year absence.
"It is important to underline how solid we have been defensively because I think that is vital when you are trying to win titles," insisted Tchouameni.
"Obviously, we will need to score goals to win matches. That will make things a little easier, but we are not doubting our ability to do that.
"The most important thing is that we are creating chances, so we just need to start converting them."
France only need a draw against a Poland team already eliminated after two defeats to secure a spot in the last 16.
Even a loss won't prevent their advancement, as long as Austria does not beat the Netherlands.
However, the 2022 World Cup runners-up need to better the Netherlands' result against Austria—or at least win by a wider margin—to take the top spot.
While their final group position may not drastically affect their potential last-16 opponents, it could impact their path in the quarterfinals and beyond.
Poland's veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, now 35, will hope to start after returning from injury as a substitute against Austria.