Former France striker David Trezeguet believes Les Bleus have a ‘little edge’ to win Euro 2024

SINGAPORE – France may have been unimpressive during the group stage of Euro 2024, having finished second in Group D behind Austria and scoring zero goals from open play.

They registered a win and two draws, scoring only twice – an own goal which helped them beat Austria 1-0 and a Kylian Mbappe penalty in a 1-1 draw with already-eliminated Poland, following a goal-less stalemate with the Netherlands.

But former French international David Trezeguet, who was in Singapore on June 28 for an event at Marina Bay Sands’ Hublot boutique, believes that Les Bleus achieved their objective for the group stage and still have a “little edge” over their rivals.

He told The Straits Times via an interpreter that Didier Deschamps’ men know only too well that they must raise their levels during the knockout phase, which will see them face Belgium in the round of 16 on July 1.

The 46-year-old said: “The players are very aware that they have to step up their game and maybe show a different attitude… These players are all capable of having an impact.

“The first step is done – qualification for the next round and that was the most important, to pass this first step. Of course, there are choices to be made, but it is more important to move forward.”

Likening the match against Belgium to a derby, Trezeguet admitted that it is a tough path to the Berlin final for Les Bleus.

He said: “The fact that they ended second in the group makes the journey much more challenging. Because if they can win against Belgium, then it might be Portugal (next), and then it might be Germany. It’s a very difficult journey, so we don’t know what to expect.

“The team have all the competence at the individual level and as a team to be able to go all the way.

“France are really at the highest level now but, of course, there are many other very strong teams like Italy, Spain and England. But I do believe that France have that little edge.”

He should know. At Euro 2000, it was the former Juventus striker who provided that something extra by scoring the “golden goal” winner in the final against Italy.

Trezeguet, who was also part of their 1998 World Cup-winning squad captained by Deschamps, hopes the Euro 2024 final will pit Les Bleus against the Azzurri again.

He said: “It would be great if it was France and Italy. It is a classic and the fans have a lot of expectations for these kind of matches between these two teams, as it was in Euro 2000 and the World Cup final in 2006. So it would be an amazing match.”

His advice for the French players is simply “enjoy football, have fun and have faith”.

Trezeguet also believes that the future of French football is in good hands, with another former teammate Thierry Henry helming their Under-23 squad at the Olympic football competition from July 24 to Aug 10.

He said: “We’re in a transition stage because in a month, there’s the Olympic Games, so there is a new generation coming up with Thierry Henry behind them.

“There’s a lot of potential... a lot of new younger players rising up and so there’s a lot of ambition and prospects to do even better.”