France have a lot of work to do if they want to retain the World Cup in Qatar

29-Sep-2022 15:27:35 | The Guardian

Didier Deschamps’ side put up a weak defence of their Nations League title. They look likely to do the same at the World Cup

By Raphaël Jucobin for Get French Football News

With a swarm of controversies plaguing French football, many fans hoped that this international break would offer some brief respite and a chance for a focus on the actual game. But Didier Deschamps comes away from the final international break before the World Cup with more questions than answers.

Fatigue and injuries were factors, as they were in June, when Deschamps turned in his worst international break since taking charge. But the bigger picture for this year is damning: one win in six Nations League fixtures makes for grim viewing. A 2-0 victory over Austria on Thursday night ensured France were not relegated but any newfound optimism disappeared over the weekend when they were beaten 2-0 by Denmark in Copenhagen.