Frank Lampard says he ‘fears’ for Ousmane Dembele in France’s attack after Les Bleus missed out on top spot in their Euro 2024 group.
France appeared to be on course for first place in Group D after Kylian Mbappe put them ahead from the penalty spot in their final group game against Poland on Tuesday.
However, Robert Lewandowski equalised from the spot for Poland and France were held to a 1-1 draw. In the other game in the group, Austria ran out 3-2 winners in a thrilling match against the Netherlands.
The results mean that Austria go through to the last 16 as group winners, while France are through as runners-up and the Netherlands qualify for the knockout stage as one of the four best third-placed teams.
France will now play the runners-up in Group E – which will be one of Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine – in their last-16 tie on July 1.
But Lampard, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have all raised concerns over the state of France’s attack as they appear unable to get the best out of Kylian Mbappe.
‘I think the slight issue is maybe not him [Mbappe], we know how brilliant he is, it’s the balance that they’re trying to get in and around him,’ Shearer said during the BBC’s post-match analysis.
‘They tried to [Bradley] Barcola there today on the left side and Dembele on the right. Then they bring [Olivier] Giroud on and then bring [Antoine] Griezmann on, it’s not working at this moment in time.’
Lineker then said: ‘I’ve got a feeling they’ll end up with Giroud again, he’s reliable, he knows how to play in the middle, it allows Mbappe to play on the left.
‘You mentioned Dembele on the right who is a player who has got so much ability but he can be a little bit exasperating at times.’
WHO FRANCE WILL PLAY NEXT AT Euro 2024?
France will face the runners-up in Group E – which will be one of Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine – in their last-16 tie on July 1.
Shearer replied: ‘I think at times it’s his end product, whether it’s finishing or a crossing position when he’s in a really good position and he’s got to pick someone out.
‘One vs one he’s incredibly tricky and he can suck you in and think you’ve got him, then he’s away from you.
‘The slight question mark is the finishing and that final pass into the box for someone else.’
Lampard then added: ‘I think any player who can dribble with both feet, with close control which means they can go either way on you, is a special talent.
‘But I do fear… he’s not a seriously young play any more, when players year after year, watching the Champions League, do not deliver at that end of the pitch.
‘You see the technique of the cross, the lack of understanding of what area he’s got to hit, will that come into his game? You’re not sure, and then it becomes inconsistent.’