Arsenal have a number of key players in action at Euro 2024 this summer (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal star William Saliba has ‘seduced’ France staff at Euro 2024 and is set to continue as their No.1 left-sided centre-back, according to reports.
Despite becoming such a key player for the Gunners in the last two seasons, Saliba has struggled to break into the France XI under Didier Deschamps.
Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano are the usual starters in central defence but Deschamps decided to make a change for France’s first game at Euro 2024.
Instead of Konate, Deschamps handed a start to Saliba, and the Arsenal defender produced an impressive showing which has left France’s staff in awe of him.
France produced a 1-0 win over Austria on Monday and French outlet L’Equipe report that Saliba’s performance has ‘seduced’ the nation’s backroom team.
Saliba will now keep his spot in their XI going forward, with France’s next match seeing them take on the Netherlands today (Friday, June 21) at 8pm UK time.
That news comes despite Saliba missing first-team training on Wednesday, sitting out of that session after complaining about minor pain in his right ankle.
France will be through to the round of 16 as Group D winners if they beat the Netherlands at 8pm and Poland do not beat Austria in their 5pm match.
Speaking on Thursday, France boss Deschamps produced a key injury update on superstar striker Kylian Mbappe, who suffered a broken nose against Austria.
‘I can confirm that Kylian Mbappe is feeling better and all is evolving well to see him available [against the Netherlands],’ Deschamps said.
William Saliba will keep his spot in France’s XI going forward at Euro 2024 (Picture: Getty)
‘It’s moving in the right direction. He will be playing in a mask, you don’t need to know any more details about this mask.’
France reached the most recent World Cup final in Qatar and are among the favourites to clinch the Euro 2024 title this summer.
Their final match in Group D sees them face Poland, which kicks off at 5pm UK time on Tuesday.
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