World Cup runners-up France kickstart their quest for the Euro 2024 title on Friday night with a derby against the Netherlands. Speaking ahead of the game, Les Bleus’ manager Didier Deschamps has backed Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, 23, who has struggled to find form since the World Cup. A projectile from way out! Tchouameni draws first blood against England with a stunning strike (VIDEO)Relevo reported back in February that Real Madrid were concerned by Tchouameni’s attitude after the player travelled to watch an NBA game in the United States. He had also been spotted at a number of social events whilst absent from the side. Unlike Mbappe, Aurelien wouldn’t choose Paris over MadridTchouameni has struggled with illness, as well as injury, since the World Cup, meaning that there are mitigating factors behind the player’s post-World Cup blues. The Bordeaux academy product has now received the support of his international manager. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7125709##”He isn’t in the best period for a variety of reasons. He had a very good World Cup. He has felt some after-effects. He has a small muscular worry. There is a lot of competition (at Real Madrid). He has had less playing time. But I have complete faith in Aurelien because of what he is capable of doing. That doesn’t mean that I’m not looking at others (different midfield options),” said Deschamps in a press conference.Tchouaméni & Camavinga in training. 🔵🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/18KTTAgRtA— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 22, 2023 As reported by RMC Sport, Tchouameni is expected to start for France against the Netherlands.EURO 2024 – QualifiersThursday Kazakhstan – Slovenia 1-2 (1-0)/Samodorov 24 – Brekalo 47, Vipotnik 78/Slovakia – Luxembourg 0-0N.Macedonia – Malta 2-1 (0-0)/Elmas 66, Churlinov 72 – Yannick 86/B&H – Iceland 3-0 (2-0)/Krunic 14, 40, Dedic 63/Italy – England 1-2 (0-2)/Retegui 56 – Rice 13, Kane 44 pen/Denmark – Finland 3-1 (1-0)/Hojlund 21, 82, 90+3 – Antman 54/San Marino – N.Ireland 0-2 (0-1)/Charles 24, 55/Portugal – Liechtenstein 4-0 (1-0)/Cancelo 8, Silva 47, Ronaldo 51 pen, 63/Friday 20.00: (2.70) Bulgaria (2.95) Montenegro (2.90)22.45: (1.10) Serbia (10.0) Lithuania (23.0)22.45: (3.35) Sweden (3.25) Belgium (2.25)22.45: (2.50) Czech R. (3.15) Poland (3.00)22.45: (1.90) France (3.45) Netherlands (4.20)22.45: (30.0) Gibraltar (12.0) Greece (1.07)22.45: (2.50) Moldova (3.00) Faroe I. (3.15)22.45: (1.25) Austria (5.80) Azerbaijan (12.0)Saturday 17.00: (1.28) Scotland (5.50) Cyprus (11.0)20.00: (8.00) Armenia (4.50) Turkey (1.42)20.00: (12.0) Belarus (5.80) Switzerland (1.25)20.00: (1.95) Israel (3.40) Kosovo* (4.10)22.45: (1.37) Spain (4.70) Norway (9.00)22.45: (1.60) Croatia (3.70) Wales (6.25)22.45: (15.0) Andorra (6.50) Romania (1.20)*** odds are subject to change ***
