‘It was a catastrophe’ - 1998 World Cup winner rips into France after loss to Germany

France’s approach in Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Germany at Groupama Stadium has been criticised by an ex-player.

Didier Deschamps’ team fell behind after seven seconds to Florian Wirtz’s 30-yard strike and conceded early into the second half to Kai Havertz’s goal, taking the Arsenal man to six goals in his last five games for club and country.

France are co-favourites for this summer’s Euro 2024 finals to be held in Germany, and Saturday’s loss to the tournament hosts in Lyon saw the 2018 World Cup winners falter in their opening game of 2024.

This led to criticism from Frank Leboeuf, a centre-back in the 2000 side that won the European Championship.

The ex-Chelsea centre-back was reacting to a question from Dan Thomas on ESPN FC’s daily show after France’s latest performance.

“That was a catastrophe,” a dismayed Leboeuf said. “We saw nothing, and I was so appalled. I wasn’t expecting to see that.

“We saw nothing. Defensively, Upamecano and Pavard had so many problems. If Samba wasn’t in goal, it’s easily 4-0. Up front, we saw nothing except Ousmane Dembele a little bit in the first half otherwise nobody existed.

“Let’s say it’s an accident and a one-off. I still think France are the favourites with England but they have to prove to the fans that they can play better football and very soon.”

Les Blues seek a response to Saturday’s loss in Lyon when they host Chile at Marseille’s Orange Velodrome to close out March’s international break.

Deschamps is keen to win the Euros as a manager, having made it to the 2016 final before losing to Portugal and suffering a disappointing round of 16 exit to Switzerland at the previous tournament.