The Real Madrid star is eager for a showdown if it comes.
The last time the German and French men’s national teams met, it ended in a 2-0 victory for Germany. With EURO 2024 around the corner and expectations high for both footballing powerhouses, does that mean France is quaking in its boots?
Not at all, according to French star Kylian Mbappé. But the soon-to-be Real Madrid star still has plenty of respect for Die Mannschaft.
“Friendly games don’t count,” Mbappé is quoted as saying in Sport Bild (captured via @iMiaSanMia.) “Jokes aside, Germany has a great team. In general, the Germans are always there when something is at stake. They always come back from setbacks.”
Setbacks are all Germany has known on the international stage for some time now. A fruitful March aside — in two international friendlies against France and the Netherlands — Germany can count Nations League failures, World Cup group stage exits, and a Round of 16 loss to England in EURO 2020 among its sorrows.
But this time, Germany is hosting the European Championships. The stakes have rarely been bigger.
And Mbappé is not counting out an encounter deep into the tournament.
“I would sign that,” he added when asked about the possibility of a France-Germany Final.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on where the German national team stands ahead of its EURO 2024 opener against Scotland? Well, we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show, where we hit on the team’s form, Julian Nagelsmann’s potential starting lineup, and why fans are correct to be at least a little concerned. if you want to check it out, you can get it on Spotify or below: