France are held to a SHOCK goalless draw by Canada – despite a late cameo appearance from Kylian Mbappe – in Les Bleus’ final warm-up game before Euro 2024

  • France were held to a goalless draw by Canada in their preparation for Euro 2024
  • Kylian Mbappé came on as a substitute on Saturday, despite missing training
  • click here to follow the Mail Sport Euro 2024 WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and updates from Germany

France were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Canada in their final warm-up match ahead of Euro 2024.

Kylian Mbappe came on for Les Bleus in the 74th minute despite missing Saturday’s training due to a minor back injury.

Mbappe was expected to miss the match, but his involvement will be a big boost for Didier Deschamps.

Despite the result, Deschamps believes France can still take positives from the match.

Deschamps told TF1: ‘We had good counters with intensity, we had some good chances in the first half, especially in the first half hour because the end of the first half was more difficult.

Kylian Mbappe came on as a substitute as France were held to a goalless draw by Canada

Didier Deschamps believes France can learn from the match despite the result

Didier Deschamps believes France can learn from the match despite the result

“Secondly, we pushed, even though it is not ideal with all the changes made, but it was important to divide the playing time between these two preparatory matches. There are other countries that are going to play the European Championship and have had difficult friendlies. We will use this match to prepare for what awaits us in Germany.”

N’Golo Kante and Marcus Thuram both had attempts saved by Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau in the first half.

Olivier Giroud made his final home appearance for France after announcing his retirement from international football after Euro 2024.

Olivier Giroud made his final appearance on home soil for France ahead of the 2024 European Championship

Olivier Giroud made his final appearance on home soil for France ahead of the 2024 European Championship

The 37-year-old Giroud is France’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals. He received a standing ovation from fans in Bordeaux.

France is in Group D at the 2024 European Championship and will face Poland, the Netherlands and Austria.

Deschamps’ side defeated Luxembourg 3-0 in their previous friendly, with Mbappé among the goalscorers in that match.