Zinedine Zidane faces concern over France's full-backs

Zinedine Zidane has identified both full-back positions as France’s main weakness after his first international camp in charge. The coach has already discussed the issue with technical director Hubert Fournier and wants measures introduced to help develop more players capable of operating on either flank of the defence.

Zidane has also contacted France Under-21 coach Gérald Baticle and Under-20 coach Bernard Diomède, asking them to assess players in those roles. Dayann M’ethalie and Ismaëlo Ganiou, who has been used on one side for the Under-21s, are among the possible longer-term options. Adrien Truffert has made the strongest impression on Zidane during the current gathering and has emerged as an early solution.

The concern comes despite a generally encouraging period for France. The team beat Belgium 1-0 in their previous meeting, with Michael Olise scoring late, and will face the same opponents again in the final match of the international break. The four-game camp has allowed Zidane to test several combinations and assess the depth of his squad, particularly in attack.

Zidane also wants France to play with the ambition he sees in Paris Saint-Germain: controlling possession, pressing high and using the ball to create decisive attacks rather than keeping it without purpose. For now, strengthening the wide defensive positions has become the clearest task of his early tenure.