On March 19, 2025, Didier Deschamps provided a positive update on the condition of French international Theo Hernandez, stating he is "going in the right direction." This reassurance comes following concerns after Hernandez was substituted at halftime during a match in which his club, AC Milan, clinched a comeback win against Como. Initially perceived as a tactical substitution, it emerged that Hernandez had experienced a calf injury that hindered his performance.
Prior to his recent training with the French national team, speculation arose in Italian media regarding the implications of Hernandez’s quick departure to join the national team camp. La Gazzetta dello Sport described the incident as an “insult” to AC Milan. During these initial days of training with France, Hernandez did not partake in regular drills and instead worked solo to manage his recovery. Deschamps noted that while teammate Upamecano was training normally, Hernandez was taking personalized sessions, indicating careful management of his rehabilitation.
Concurrently, France prepares for a crucial Nations League clash against Croatia on March 20, 2025, where they compete in the quarterfinal first leg match. The French squad recently welcomed back Kylian Mbappe, who expressed his excitement about returning after missing prior national fixtures since joining Real Madrid. This marks a pivotal moment for the team, not just for their current form but also with sights set firmly on the upcoming 2026 World Cup, where Mbappe aims to contribute significantly.
“It’s great to be back with the group. Most of the teammates who are here, we talk to each other almost all the time. I go on vacation with some of them. It’s nice to be here,” said Mbappe, highlighting the unity within the squad.
Meanwhile, Deschamps praised the performance of fellow forward Ousmane Dembélé, who has found form with Paris Saint-Germain, netting 30 goals across all competitions this season. "He’s in great form, reading the game well. He deserves his success," Deschamps stated. He acknowledged Dembélé's evolution as a player, contrasting it with past criticisms about his finishing ability. “You used to criticize him for not being clinical — now he is,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining offensive efficiency against opponents.
France faces Croatia twice in the upcoming days, first in Split and then back in Paris for the second leg. Mbappe, having previously been outside the squad due to his transfer to Real Madrid, stressed the fluid nature of a football career, stating, "A career isn’t linear. You can be up, you can be down.” His words resonated amidst the backdrop of the national team's recent struggles.
Last summer, France endured a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, leading to the retirement of star player Antoine Griezmann, thus marking a significant shift within the team. In a broader sense, Deschamps, who will conclude his long-standing tenure after the 2026 World Cup, now aims to lead a new generation of attackers that includes younger talents like Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué, alongside established stars like Mbappe and Dembélé.
Barcola and Doué have shown immense potential with Paris Saint-Germain, showcasing their abilities on bigger stages consistently as they support the club's quest for Champions League glory. Likewise, Michael Olise is proving to be a valuable asset for Bayern Munich, whose contributions this season include 22 goal involvements, marking him as a key player in his club's success.
Nonetheless, as France gears up for their battle against Croatia, anticipation hangs in the air not only due to their offensive threats but also under the shadow of recent underperformance in tournaments. The lessons learned from past tournaments could serve to strengthen them as they aim for a deeper run in the upcoming World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe, who has returned to form with 17 goals in his last 17 matches, emphasizes the significance of teamwork and chemistry, areas the French squad will need to refine leading up to the World Cup. This cohesive unit of talent could very well represent a resurgence of French football prowess on the world stage.
Deschamps, acknowledging the array of attacking options ranging from Mbappe's speed to Dembélé's skill, remains cautiously optimistic regarding their potential. “It would be a very good thing if they keep their efficiency,” he remarked.
As the team prepares for their essential matches, the weight of expectations remains ever-present. The hope is that this unification of talent and the fire to reclaim their legacy will contribute to a successful campaign in both the Nations League and the World Cup, positioning France among the frontrunners for glory in 2026.
