7M - Dembele And Doue Set To Start For France National Team

France manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain duo Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are highly likely to start in the team's final warm-up fixture against Northern Ireland. The match, taking place at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, serves as the final test for Les Bleus before they travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Both attackers were left on the bench as unused substitutes during France's recent 2-1 friendly defeat to Ivory Coast. Deschamps chose to give them extra rest following their demanding Champions League final victory with PSG. With the World Cup approaching, the manager wants to integrate them into the lineup to solidify his starting eleven for the tournament.

Deschamps spoke highly of the 21-year-old Doue, praising his versatility, dribbling skill, and high work rate, noting that his presence provides an extra layer of quality to the squad. While France made ten changes in the previous match against Ivory Coast, Deschamps stated he will make fewer substitutions against Northern Ireland as he refines his tactical objectives ahead of their tournament opener against Senegal on June 16.