“He is a waste”, “Looks underwhelming” - Fans slam ‘washed’ France attacker despite reaching Euro 2024 quarter-final with 1-0 win over Belgium

France striker Marcus Thuram came under fire for his poor showing in their 1-0 win over Belgium at the Euro 2024 on Monday, June 1. An own goal from Jan Vertonghen in the 85th minute proved to be the difference-maker in a close encounter of few chances.

Returning to the starting lineup after being on the bench for the entirety of their draw with Poland last Tuesday, Thuram started against Belgium but was not very effective.

The 26-year-old failed to muster a single effort on target in 62 minutes of action. Further vindicating his substitution was the fact that his replacement Randal Kolo Muani forced the winner off Vertonghen.

All four attempts by Thuram during the game were off target, most notably in the 51st minute when he headed over a cross by Jules Kounde.

Fans certainly weren't impressed with his showing and made their frustrations known on X. One user by the name RM tweeted:

"Lilian Thuram was in the stadium today watching his washed son, I feel bad for him."

Joel Levfevre tweeted:

"It’s the bench that wins the game for them too Kolo Muani much more creative and decisive than Thuram!! He should be in the 11 in the quarterfinals."

Another user echoed the sentiment:

"They're so lucky. Thuram looks underwhelming even though he keeps scoring against Lakaka's team (CMIIW) but today. Mbappe as well."

Another X user tweeted:

"And why isn’t Giroud playin he’s so much better than thuram."

A similar comment was made by a handle called IceyFresh, who wrote:

"Giroud was benched for “thuram” btw."

Some more reactions to Thuram's performance:

"Thuram is a waste," wrote @AgoraLibra.

"MARCUS THURAM IS THE REAL MEANING OF MY FATHER SAID LET ME PLAY OR ELSE" wrote one fan.

Thuram's poor finishing was criticized too:

"Thuram so bad with finishing for a CF," wrote one user.

Ryan Sparrock tweeted:

"No more Thuram starting, he will benefit more coming off the bench."

"Thuram really offers nothing," he also tweeted.

France play either Portugal or Slovenia in the last-8 on Friday.

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France must go for Randal Kolo Muani or Olivier Giroud in striker's role from last-8

France v Belgium: Round of 16 - UEFA EURO 2024

As long as France remain active in Euro 2024, head coach Didier Deschamps would be better served to star either Randal Kolo Muani or the more experienced Olivier Giroud. Both seem like good options over Marcus Thuram right now.

In three appearances, the Inter Milan forward failed to score while struggling to contribute anything meaningful going forward. His best moments so far have only come in bits and parts.

For the kind of chances that he blew today, France cannot afford to be so wasteful going forward, as the stakes are set to get higher. Kolo Muani might get a chance in the quarter-finals for his heroics today, with Giroud playing the role of an impact substitute.