Deschamps backs Dembele for Ballon d'Or 'without hesitation'

The French national team are fully focused on their Nations League semi-final against Spain. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Deschamps denied any talk of revenge: "I don't like to speak about revenge. A year is a long time. I won't bring up that match.

"Spain were the better side. The squads won't necessarily be the same. We want to be in Sunday's final," he said.

One of the biggest talking points is the Ballon d'Or battle between Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele: "I'm with Ousmane. These debates are fun for you. I don't think about them. The Nations League can have a say, just like the Club World Cup. If I had to choose, I'd pick Ousmane without hesitation. Whether he wins this Final Four or not, with the season he's had, he deserves it.

"He's had a great year, he's been decisive for us. If he's at his best tomorrow, even better. He's very demanding of himself. He's raised the bar a lot this season. He still has big goals ahead," Deschamps added.

The coach also avoided comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Desire Doue: "It's difficult. Lamine Yamal is at Barcelona, he's very young—much younger than Desire. He ended the season very well, making his mark in the Champions League. I know Desire well. He's very clear-headed. It's his own merit that he's come this far. We want to live moments like this."

Finally, Deschamps confirmed that Mbappe is in much better shape now than during the Euros: "With his injury, which could've ruled him out of the Euros altogether, he wasn't at his best. Throughout the season, he's improved and now he's in great shape, with much more to give.

"He'll play centrally, but they could rotate in attack," he concluded.