Didier Deschamps defends France star Kylian Mbappe after Euro criticism

Didier Deschamps has defended Kylian Mbappe after the France forward received criticism for his recent performances at Euro 2024.

Real Madrid's newest signing has found the back of the net just once during France's European charge, with a penalty against Poland symbolising his only goal of the tournament so far. Mbappe sustained a broken nose during his side's 1-0 win over Austria and has been forced to play with a protective mask ever since.

His prompt return to the field has seen the striker receive heaps of criticism for his lack of success in front of the net, although Mbappe remains the only Frenchman to have scored in the tournament.

Jumping to his defence, France boss Deschamps has silenced Mbappe's doubters. "Don't you think he has already made enough history with what he has done so far?," he said during French television show Telefoot.

"He wants to make even more history. We did everything we could with him, with the medical staff, to get him to be here. During the preparation, he had a little back problem, too, but Kylian is here.

"Even if he's not 100%, I know very well that for the opponent, knowing he's playing makes them think and forces them to adapt."

Les Blues have scored just three times in total so far in Germany - with two coming from own goals and one from Mbappe's penalty. They become the first team in Euro history to reach the final four without scoring a single goal in open play, advancing to the semi-finals to face Spain on Tuesday.

Their qualification came after defeating Portugal 5-3 on penalties, knocking the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo out of the tournament.

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