France is set for a New Era as Didier Deschamps takes charge of France for the very last time on Saturday in their FIFA World Cup third-place playoff encounter with England in Miami. It brings an end to the legendary coach’s 14-year tenure with Les Bleus.
Deschamps led France to World Cup success in 2018 and to the 2022 World Cup final, losing out to Argentina in a penalty shootout, though their dreams of another global triumph were extinguished by Spain’s 2-0 semi-final win, a performance in which his tactical setup attracted significant criticism.
Now, the French Football Federation is expected to announce the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as Deschamps’ replacement within the next 48 hours.
Three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Zidane, has been the overwhelming favourite to lead the national team since Didier Deschamps’ initial appointment.
It is anticipated he will employ a more attacking system, likely incorporating attacking talents like Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele, while even Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, with whom Deschamps has previously had a falling out, is being discussed as a surprise recall option.
Zidane’s expected first games as France boss would be September’s UEFA Nations League ties against Turkey and Belgium.
