France boss Didier Deschamps was a happy man after Les Bleus beat ten-man Wales 3-0 in their friendly at the Allianz Riviera in Nice - match that saw Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappé continue his superb form with a goal and an assist.
Despite having had just the most meagre of breaks after the end of a 2020-21 season that saw him bag 42 goals in all competitions, Kylian Mbappé was in fine fettle as he lined up for France - alongside club mate Presnel Kimpembe and prodigal France son Karim Benzema - against Wales on Wednesday night.
Mbappé on fire
The 22-year-old converted France's early dominance when he ingeniously poked home (34') after Adrien Rabiot's shot was blocked, handing France the lead they should have taken when Benzema saw his 27th-minute spot-kick - awarded when Neco Williams saw red for handling in the area - turned wide by Danny Ward.
Mbappé then turned provider, producing a deft back-heel to tee Antoine Griezmann up for a delightful curler in to the top corner (48'), before making way for Ousmane Dembélé, who put the icing on the cake as he swept home after Benzema's shot had ricocheted off the post (79').
Deschamps: 'The quality is there'
"This is a good conclusion to our first phase of preparation, with a heavy workload," said Deschamps, whose side are shaping up as favourites in Euro 2021 this summer. "The opponent was very dynamic and aggressive, even if the task was made easier when we went a man up. We had control of the game and many scoring chances. There were some real positives, and things should get even better. The quality is there, we know that. The state of mind is there too."
Deschamps will have plenty of tough decisions to make for Les Bleus' friendly against Bulgaria at the Stade de France on 8 June as he looks to settle on something like a starting XI for Euro 2021, which will kick off against old foes Germany in Bavaria on Tuesday 15 June.
