Standing over fifteen feet tall, Paris’ new statue depicting that headbutt is a symbol of the passing of French football’s old guard. The hopes of a proud footballing nation were extinguished in that moment, but they would appear to be returning at last. It is easy to forget that out of five major tournaments between 1998 and 2006, France won two and reached the final of another.
During that period and until now, England were in possession of a self-proclaimed ‘golden generation’. Unfortunately the gold was of the fool’s variety, as has been shown all too many times in recent years. That is not to dismiss the talents of stars such as Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard, but so many players including these two promised much and delivered little. The stalwarts are ageing, and whilst some talented youngsters have emerged, even the most ardent England supporter would give the current crop little chance of lifting trophies any time soon.
French football fans, though, can look ahead with great optimism. This is surprising when you consider the successive crises that have beset les Bleus since that night in Berlin. Idiosyncratic manager Raymond Domenech presided over a series of farcical episodes. Successive group stage exits from the Euros and the World Cup were bad enough, but France’s off-field issues made England’s pale in comparison.
The team’s walkout in South Africa was the nadir for a beleaguered national side. So how can France really have a bright future after all this turmoil? In fact, there are several reasons to be optimistic. It truly seems that French football is experiencing a renaissance under the leadership of legendary former captain Didier Deschamps.
He is arguably the final piece of the puzzle. His predecessor in the job was an old team-mate of his, Laurent Blanc, who had further discipline issues within the squad this summer. Deschamps is not the sort to accept dissent from players, which is exactly what France need now. This is because the one element that has not been in doubt is the amount of talent France have to draw upon.
It may be unfair to say that England has not produced good players in recent years, but a comparison reveals that even the best would struggle to make France’s first eleven. When you consider the stature of the French players currently gracing the pitches of the Premier League this is to contest. The way Samir Nasri, Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa and others have illuminated the Premier League in the last season or two commands attention. Karim Benzema is one of the finest strikers in the world at Real Madrid, and Franck Ribery has at last become the player he always promised to be.
France’s stars have long moved abroad due to the perceived second-tier status of Ligue 1. However, the much publicised takeover of Paris St Germain has galvanised Ligue 1, with more players being tempted back or persuaded to stay. Even the mercurial Jeremy Menez is recovering some kind of form after his transfer from Roma to PSG. Carlo Ancelotti’s team do not only boast global superstars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but also excellent home-grown players including Menez, Mahmadou Sakho and a slew of classy midfielders. To compete with the big-spending Parisians, other clubs have produced a large number great prospects, including Yann M’Vila and Moussa Sissoko.
Having well renowned players, coveted by Europe’s giants, is all very well but does not guarantee success. This is where Deschamps fits in perfectly. For him, the national team is everything. He expects the same attitude from his players, and so far this attitude seems to be working. He has fashioned a strong team out of the old and new players at his disposal and snatched a hard-fought victory away to Italy.
France’s potential was shown when they grabbed a justified draw in Madrid against the all-conquering Spanish side who succeeded them as the dominant team in world football. Could les Bleus be set to retake this mantle? Perhaps. Spain remain strong and Brazil are also growing, but for a team rising from such a dire situation, France look quite a prospect. At least compared to England.