Deschamps feels France have started to find rhythm

Deschamps feels France have started to find rhythm

by Joseph Anthony
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Despite not making more of their dominant possession and shot count, Deschamps was happy enough with the end result after what was a 100th match for Les Bleus at Stade de France

France manager Didier Deschamps feels his side have started to find their rhythm again after the world champions saw off Andorra 3-0 in Saint-Denis to stay on course for Euro 2020 qualification.

With Turkey also winning, 4-0 away in Moldova, Les Bleus are kept off the top of Group H on head-to-head record.

However, after Iceland were beaten in Albania, there is now daylight between them and third place ahead of a trip to Reykjavik next month.

Deschamps made four changes to the side which had beaten Albania at Stade de France on Saturday, with Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko and Lille forward Jonathan Ikone both starting.

France made a bright opening to take the lead in the 18th minute through Kingsley Coman, with Antoine Griezmann then seeing a penalty saved before the break.

Defender Clement Lenglet headed in his first senior international goal soon after the restart, but a third did not arrive until substitute Wissam Ben Yedder tapped home during stoppage time.

Despite not making more of their dominant possession and shot count, Deschamps was happy enough with the end result after what was a 100th match for Les Bleus at Stade de France.

โ€œThe score could have been wider and we could have had better efficiency, that is right,โ€ Deschamps said at a press conference.

โ€œBut we still scored three goals anyway and left nothing for the opponent, who were more compact than Albania.

โ€œWe have found solutions. Obviously, the more efficiency we have, the better.

โ€œBut we scored seven goals in two games โ€“ these are things which did not happen before.โ€

France were without the likes of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba because of injury.

Deschamps, though, feels the squad showed plenty of depth.

โ€œIt is good that those who were involved could show what they can do, even if I prefer to have everyone available,โ€ the France manager added.

โ€œI hope that will be the case at future gatherings. The desire is there, the pleasure of playing together too.

โ€œFrom the bench also, I enjoy watching them evolve. There is a common thread, and this is a very interesting idea.โ€

After heading to Iceland, the French will host Turkey in what could be a decisive Group H fixture.

France captain Hugo Lloris, the Tottenham goalkeeper, told reporters afterwards: โ€œEven though we had a lot of absentees, it is still important to feel strong as a group.

โ€œIt was important to take those six points, and to position ourselves for the two decisive matches in October.โ€

Press Association

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