France starts post-Griezmann era amid Mbappé controversy
France's Kylian Mbappe reacts during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Belgium at the Groupama stadium in Decines, outside Lyon, France, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Laurent Cipriani]
Antoine Griezmann has retired from France duty. Kylian Mbappé is absent, nursing a minor thigh injury in Madrid. Ahead of Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium, France’s leadership is scarce. France coach Didier Deschamps admits, “The lack of experience doesn’t help.” Mbappé is the usual France captain while Griezmann, who surprisingly announced the end of his international career last month, was the vice-captain. Together, they led France to the 2018 World Cup title and were Deschamps’ most influential players in recent years.
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FILE - Antoine Griezmann of France waves to fans after losing during a semifinal match between Spain and France at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Ebrahim Noroozi