Didier Deschamps

“He will replace Deschamps, whose tenure began in 2012 and ended earlier this month after France finished fourth at the World Cup.”

“France coach Didier Deschamps told French TV channel M6 that the first-half display had been "catastrophic", urging his men to show pride.”

“"I'm immensely proud of what we've achieved in difficult circumstances. If anything, it has given us even more desire, hope and ambition," Deschamps said.”

“France, meanwhile, will expect their gilded attacking line-up to pose questions of a steely Spanish defence that only conceded its first goal of the tournament in Friday's win against the Belgians. There is also a tangible sense of purpose driving a united French squad towards a second World Cup title in three tournaments under Deschamps, who will step down at the end of the finals.”

“France are looking to reach a third consecutive World Cup final in their last tournament before long-serving coach Didier Deschamps stands down.”

“France coach Didier Deschamps said he was unconcerned by the appointment of Argentine officials to oversee the match, with a repeat of the 2022 final still possible.”

“It is difficult to see any team keeping Didier Deschamps' men quiet, given their embarrassment of riches in attack, including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and the wonderfully creative Michael Olise.”

“While Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele were struggling to influence the game, Deschamps opted to remove Bradley Barcola and put Doue on the left wing in his place.”

“France coach Didier Deschamps promised Friday his team would be able to adapt to the potential impact of extreme weather on their World Cup last-16 tie against Paraguay on Saturday as a brutal heatwave hits the northeastern United States.”

“Coach Didier Deschamps has been warning for months that France's biggest enemy is probably over-confidence.”