On June 20, France played a fifth consecutive match without conceding a goal. However, since then, their defense has now let in goals in 13 consecutive games. This is alarming.
It was surprising to see France concede a goal against the Netherlands on April 18. The Dutch team did not pose much of an offensive threat, with only two shots on target and barely 35% possession of the ball. Despite historically reliable defense, the French team has been struggling for months, conceding a goal on an apparently harmless play.
Even though the attack also struggled, the toughest blow came with the opening goal just before halftime. Unfortunately, the French team failed to maintain a clean sheet, conceding a very avoidable goal and dropping two points. This happened even though Thiniba Samoura had just entered the game and made a positive impact by winning many duels towards the end of the match.
Since June 2025, regardless of the players on the field, things have not been working for France. Coach Laurent Bonadei has mostly stuck to a back four formation, which at times looks disorganized on the wings or centrally, and seems to lack some character. Additionally, goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, who is not a regular starter at her club, adds to the defensive concerns.
In 2020, the French national team kept clean sheets in 89% of their games. However, in 2021 it dropped to 72%, then to 61% in 2023, and further declined since then. Under the management of Hervé Renard and Laurent Bonadei, the percentage of games without conceding goals drastically reduced to 27% in 2024 and 31% in 2025. This year, they are yet to keep a clean sheet.
Despite a promising start to the Nations League campaign in early 2025 with five clean sheets in six matches, the defensive solidity has since vanished. The defensive line has been getting younger month by month.
In their latest match on April 18, coach Laurent Bonadei even tried a three-at-the-back system towards the end of the game after making a substitution. However, regardless of tactical changes or player rotations, mistakes continue to haunt the team, and confidence seems to be dwindling. The question remains – can the French team tighten their defense in the upcoming crucial qualifiers?
By Jérôme Flury Photo by Mathilde Durney/Footeuses
