Inter Milan ace Marcus Thuram will start the upcoming EURO 2024 semi-final tie between Spain and France on the bench.
According to RMC Sport via FCInterNews, Didier Deschamps has decided to drop the Inter forward out of his starting line-up for Tuesday’s blockbuster contest in Munich.
Marcus Thuram has not had an eye-catching tournament thus far.
Like the rest of the underperforming French squad, he hasn’t been able to translate his formidable club form to the grandest continental stage.
Yet to get on the scoresheet, one of the architects of Inter’s sterling Scudetto run in 2023/24 will start Tuesday’s game on the bench.
Paris Saint-Germain duo Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele will partner up with Kylian Mbappe up front.
That’s perhaps Deschamps’ last-ditch attempt to reinvigorate Les Bleus’ misfiring frontline in the most significant game of the tournament.
Deschamps Relies On Paris Saint-Germain Trio At The Expense of Inter Milan Ace Marcus Thuram
Mbappe is the only French player to score at EURO 2024.
Opposition defenders have netted their two remaining goals, making France the only team in Euros history to reach the semi-finals without scoring from open play.
Despite creating several decent chances against Portugal in the semi-finals, Deschamps’ side progressed on penalties.
Aware that another tame performance could prove costly against Spain, the France boss will reshuffle the deck.
However, the question remains whether benching Thuram is a wise choice.
Les Bleus have notoriously struggled in front of goal, and dislodging an out-and-out striker could be counterproductive.
To his defence, Deschamps hasn’t seen much from the dynamic Inter forward.
Although the 26-year-old has done well in the link-up play, he hasn’t laced up his scoring boots in Germany.
Perhaps coming off the bench could be a catalyst to reignite Thuram’s scoring instincts.
He was lethal for Inter last season, and he might be Deschamps’ second-half saviour if the conditions require his introduction.
