Barcola threatens Doué for starting spot in France's attack

Bradley Barcola is on the verge of displacing Désiré Doué from France’s attacking quartet, four days before the opening match against Senegal in Boston. The Paris winger, who came on as a substitute in both warm-up matches, has shown far more drive than his teammate, who started against Northern Ireland on Monday at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Doué had seemed to have the edge to partner Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé since Hugo Ekitike’s withdrawal was announced in March. Rested during the match against Ivory Coast — five days after PSG’s Ligue des Champions triumph — the former Rennes player started the following game. But his performance failed to dispel doubts within the French coaching staff, according to L’Équipe.

It is also a matter of profile. Doué likes to receive the ball at his feet, which brings him stylistically closer to Olise and Dembélé. Barcola, who thrives in the space behind defences, would offer more variety to the French system and appears, in that respect, more complementary to the trio already in place.

Doué’s defensive commitment, honed under Luis Enrique’s tutelage, remains a significant asset. But Barcola has an additional argument: his experience at Euro 2024, where he was one of France’s standout players despite a surprise call-up — his first senior call-up. This experience in a major tournament could weigh on the coaching staff’s final decision.

Meanwhile, Jules Koundé, William Saliba and Adrien Rabiot, all rested in recent days, should be available for the match against Senegal.