France play mid-tournament friendly against German second division side ahead of Euro 2024 clash with the Netherlands

France played a puzzling mid-tournament friendly against German second-division side Paderborn's Under-21 side ahead of their crucial EURO 2024 clash against the Netherlands on June 21. The players involved in proceedings were the ones that didn't feature in the starting lineup in their opening game - a 1-0 win against Austria.

Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps wanted every single member of the squad to stay match-fit even if they didn't feature throughout the competition. The quality of France's reserves was on full display, as they picked up a thumping 7-0 victory over their hapless opponents.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) youngster Bradley Barcola was the main man for France, scoring a spectacular hat-trick. He cut in from the left wing and struck from an acute angle to open the floodgate of goals for his side.

Marksman Randal Kolo Muani profited from some careless defending to score the second. Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga then played Barcola through for the third.

Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman had a long-range shot deflected into the net. Barcola then showcased his full skill set to score arguably the best goal of the game. Faced with two defenders, he played the ball to the left of them, ran through between the pair, and chipped the ball over the rushing goalkeeper.

Youssouf Fofana and Ibrahima Konate scored the sixth and seventh to round off an incredible evening for the French.

The possibility of Kylian Mbappe being ruled out for the all-important clash against Netherlands due to a nose injury suffered against Austria is looming large. The Real Madrid forward did return to first-team training. However, the match-sharpness of the reserves is an encouraging sign for Deschamps in the eventuality of his absence.

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"He will have to do it" - France manager Didier Deschamps provides update on Kylian Mbappe's surgery

France manager Didier Deschamps has provided an update on the surgery that Kylian Mbappe might have to undergo for a broken nose. He suffered the injury in their 1-0 win over Austria.

Deschamps claimed that the injury was quite severe and that they will have to monitor it every day. While he said that Mbappe might not have to undergo surgery immediately, he will definitely need to have it done down the line.

The 55-year-old said (via Mundo Deportivo):

"This Wednesday there will be more tests to see his evolution. It was a major shock. After the tests, the medical staff did everything necessary to reduce it as much as possible. Even if there is no immediate surgery, he will have to do it."

France will take on the Netherlands on June 21 at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, in a clash that could decide the fate of Group D.