5 things we learned from France’s demolition of the Netherlands

#3 Kante can be Pogba’s long-term partner in midfield

If Deschamps is to persist with a 4-2-3-1 system, the diminutive Chelsea man seems to have put himself in pole position

Although N’Golo Kante has been a star for Leicester and Chelsea in the Premier League, he has never quite hit the same heights at international level – until just now. There have been questions asked as to whom the ideal partner for Paul Pogba in the heart of the midfield is, and if Deschamps is to persist with a 4-2-3-1 system, the diminutive Chelsea man seems to have put himself in pole position.

Not only did he offer all the energy and industry one would expect of him in the midfield, snapping characteristically into tackles and letting nothing go by him, he showed a capacity to support the attack at times, too.

Indeed, only a fantastic saving tackle prevented him from netting his first international goal as he pulled the trigger six yards out with the goal gaping. It would have been the performance his display deserved.