Maignan at fault, six matches without a clean sheet: France's defence concerns ahead of Senegal clash

France beat Senegal on Tuesday evening, but the defensive performance of the Bleus left much to be desired once again: Mike Maignan conceded an avoidable goal late in the match, extending France’s run to six consecutive matches without a clean sheet.

On Ibrahim Mbiaye’s narrow-angle shot, the AC Milan goalkeeper anticipated too early on a cross attempt. “He anticipates slightly on a cross shot. And ultimately he finds himself a bit ahead of the ball. If he doesn’t anticipate, he just has to put his hands in opposition. It’s a big error, that’s clear,” analysed a Ligue 1 goalkeeper coach for L’Équipe. Maignan had also come close to an own goal just before half-time, after a post hit by Nicolas Jackson, and was fortunate to see another goal ruled out for offside.

In front of him, the central defensive pairing Upamecano-Saliba generally held firm, but the flanks posed problems. Théo Hernandez and Jules Koundé both struggled, the former AC Milan defender proving particularly shaky: caught out of position on Mbiaye’s goal, he was also at fault for a big chance for Ismaïla Sarr just before the break.

The attack, meanwhile, showed a completely different face in the second half. Michael Olise’s repositioning in the centre, decided at half-time, freed up the connection with Kylian Mbappé and proved decisive. The former Monaco player scored a brace that makes him France’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing the historic record. Ousmane Dembélé, moved back to the right flank, was less influential, but Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouameni delivered solid performances in midfield.

The first half had been laborious, with the Bleus struggling to find the expected rhythm and fluidity. The transformation after the break underlines the importance of Didier Deschamps’ tactical choices, but the persistent defensive fragility remains the main cause for concern as the next fixtures approach.