France’s latest international window left a clear impression beneath the autumn lights: several young players have pushed closer to the centre of Zinédine Zidane’s plans, while a handful of established names have failed to turn opportunity into authority.
Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise remain secure among the leading figures of the squad. Upamecano was close to immovable at centre-back before his red card against Italy, the one blemish on an otherwise commanding spell. Olise, his Bayern Munich team-mate, was the standout attacking force, producing four goals and two assists across four matches. His influence has made him look like France’s most in-form player, and both men appear certain starters for the biggest fixtures.
Camavinga gives Zidane a midfield argument
Eduardo Camavinga returned from the break with his position strengthened after missing the World Cup during the summer. The Real Madrid midfielder began his individual preparation early and his sharpness was evident, particularly in the two meetings with Belgium, when he started both games.
Camavinga brought energy, accuracy in his long passing and a willingness to recover ground after turnovers. He won seven balls in Monday’s match against Belgium, two more than in the first encounter. The France staff and Zidane hold him in high regard, and he could have a genuine route into the midfield if injury problems stay away.
A role at the base of midfield is a realistic possibility, given the profile Zidane wants in that position. Camavinga must now carry that level back into his club campaign with Real Madrid.
Doué, Cherki and the new defensive options
Désiré Doué also enhanced his standing. He was France’s best player in Belgium and is already viewed internally as an important part of the international set-up. There has been discussion about making him a regular starter regardless of the exact role, even if that means adjusting his position.
His ability to beat opponents, his technical quality, striking ability and work rate all impressed. His substitute appearance against Belgium, which brought one goal and two assists, reinforced the feeling around him rather than changing it.
Zidane acknowledged Doué’s positional flexibility while stressing that players should ideally operate where they are most comfortable. “I do not really like the word versatile,” the coach said. “A player must be able to express himself in his own position. With the national team, he should play in his best role. But Désiré can play well in two or three positions.”
Rayan Cherki ended the camp on a more positive note after another influential contribution from the bench against Belgium. Used in midfield, a significant tactical decision, he made a quiet start in Turkey but his technical talent is valued by Zidane. There had been doubts over his defensive contribution, yet the overall assessment has been encouraging.
The staff had gathered information before calling up Cherki, including on the position in which he could be most effectively used. His gesture towards David Bettoni after scoring was another indication of his connection with the coaching group.
In central defence, Jérémy Jacquet delivered two strong performances before withdrawing from the Belgium match. The Liverpool player absorbed the instructions quickly and is expected to return to the group in November. Lenny Yoro was also convincing on his debut and will seek to build on it at Manchester United.
Truffert and Kalulu move ahead
A clearer full-back order may be emerging. Adrien Truffert has moved ahead of Andy Diouf on the left after neat, energetic displays and positive attacking involvement. The Bournemouth defender has continued the form he has shown at club level in an area where France have relatively few established options.
The next question will be whether Truffert can form a productive partnership on that flank with Kylian Mbappé. On the right, Pierre Kalulu also finished the fortnight with greater credit. He has been reliable defensively and keen to get forward, although there is still room for improvement in his attacking output.
Dembélé struggles despite Zidane’s backing
Ousmane Dembélé was the most disappointing of the senior players. Entrusted with major responsibility by the new staff, the Paris Saint-Germain forward was used in his preferred central attacking position and handed the captaincy in Mbappé’s absence.
Yet the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner ended the window without a goal or an assist despite starting three times. His play lacked the consistency he has produced for Paris, with imprecise attempts, wasted possession and too few decisive actions. Zidane also started him on the right against Italy before taking him off after an hour, without a notable improvement.
The coach nevertheless defended his captain after Monday’s match. “I thought Ousmane was very good, especially at the start of the game and also early in the second half,” Zidane said. “He was very lively on his side. There is no issue there. We are used to seeing him in different positions and he is good everywhere. I am pleased with what he did. Our captain was exemplary with the rest of the group.”
Maghnes Akliouche, Dembélé’s PSG team-mate, received unusual exposure with two starts against Belgium after Warren Zaïre-Emery withdrew. But he did not fully take the opening. Often unable to speed up France’s play, he appeared too restrained and slow in execution compared with the other midfield options.
Andy Diouf endured a difficult spell at left-back, a role he does not play for his club. He struggled particularly on Monday and does not yet have the habits required of a full-back in a back four. Jules Koundé, France’s vice-captain, was solid enough on the opposite side but too conservative in possession. He knows he must improve that aspect or risk being overtaken by Kalulu.
Estéban Lepaul also had two starts without making a decisive case. His movement was willing and intelligent at times, but his technical level occasionally fell below the standard around him.
