Didier Deschamps to continue as France manager despite poor display in UEFA Euro 2024

The head of France's football federation commended Didier Deschamps for guiding the team "in the best possible way" throughout the European Championship, and Deschamps will continue in his role as coach.

After losing 2-1 in the semifinals to Spain yesterday night, Kylian Mbappé and his teammates' disappointing tournament came to an end. Nonetheless, Philippe Diallo stated in a Wednesday interview with the French daily L'Equipe that Deschamps reached the semifinals and will continue as coach, fulfilling the pre-tournament goals. Deschamps, who joined the team following Euro 2012, is under contract till 2026.

Diallo spoke about the future of current France manager Didier Deschamps as he said, “I don’t see any reason to question his contract. The results of the past speak in his favor and the objectives have been achieved. Didier will continue his mission.The balance is generally positive insofar as the objective set for the semifinal has been achieved.”

With Randal Kolo Muani's header against Spain serving as the team's initial and sole goal from open play from a France player throughout the tournament, France faced harsh criticism for their pragmatic style of playing at UEFA Euro 2024.

Under Deschamps, France finished second in the 2016 European Championship final and won the World Cup in 2018. They also advanced to the tournament's final in 2022.

France striker set to retire from International football

Olivier Giroud, the leading scorer for France, quietly ended his international career on Tuesday with a late cameo in their 2-1 European Championship quarterfinal loss to Spain. Compared to any other striker for France, Giroud played 137 games for Les Bleus and netted 57 goals.

However, being benched after only 56 minutes of play in four substitute cameos and two shots on goal dashed hopes of a final farewell in Germany. Before the competition, Giroud, 37, declared his departure from international football in order to complete his transfer to Los Angeles FC after concluding last season at AC Milan.