"Will not be tuning in", "Zero creativity" – France fans fume as experienced star is benched for Euro 2024 clash against Poland

France fans have expressed their apprehension on social media as Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann is benched for Les Bleus' UEFA Euro 2024 contest against Poland.

Didier Deschamps' side, who faced their Euro 2020 exit at the last-16 stage, are in second spot of Group D of the Euro 2024 with four points from two matches. They defeated Austria 1-0 in their opener and recorded a 0-0 draw against Netherlands earlier last Friday.

Ahead of the start of France's final Euro 2024 group-stage match, fans have been left frustrated due to Griezmann's exclusion from the lineup.

A football fan shared his thoughts in a post on X, writing:

"So not starting Griezmann was [for real]? Me and my people will not be tuning in."

Another supporter doubted Deschamps' recent decision, posting on X:

"Zero creativity without Griezmann 😵‍💫"

Here's how other supporters reacted to Griezmann not playing:

Griezmann, 33, started both of France's Group D games in a number 10 role. The ex-Barcelona star shouldered most of the responsibility of creating chances for his fellow forwards in Les Bleus' last two games.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner helped Atletico Madrid seal a fourth-placed finish in the 2023-24 La Liga table. He recorded 24 goals, including 16 in the league, and laid out eight assists in 48 games last term.

France starting XI vs Poland: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde; Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, N'Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Bradley Barcola

Poland star warns France's Kylian Mbappe about wearing mask in Euro 2024 contest

Earlier on June 17, France captain Kylian Mbappe picked up a minor injury during his side's 1-0 Euro 2024 win against Austria. Due to a broken nose, he sat out Les Bleus' dispiriting 0-0 draw against Netherlands.

With Mbappe set to return to action with a face mask this Tuesday, Poland captain Robert Lewandowski warned the Real Madrid attacker of the challenges he could face. He said (h/t GOAL):

"When I had to wear a mask myself, it wasn't nice. It's quite annoying, especially in the penalty area, I had problems, I didn't react, I couldn't see, my field of vision was hampered... It's a few milliseconds but it can slow down a player."

Lewandowski, who played with a mask in the 2014-15 season, added:

"It's a challenge, it's not pleasant, but of course a player's health is more important. For a competition, emotions are very high and everyone wants to play at all costs. I understand the difficulties he faces."

Mbappe, 25, is yet to score a goal in one Euro 2024 game so far.