Kylian Mbappe scored a goal and added two assists in his first outing since his move to Real Madrid was announced, as France cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Luxembourg in a pre-Euro 2024 friendly in Metz on Wednesday.
Randal Kolo Muani put France in front just before the break, heading in from a precise pass from Mbappé, before Jonathan Clauss' thunderous shot from outside the box, following a pass from Mbappé, doubled the lead in the 70th minute. Mbappé He then sealed the victory with a low first shot in the 85th.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, NWSL more (US)
Mbappé added the third 15 minutes later with a low shot from near the penalty spot for his 47th goal for Les Bleus.
The 25-year-old, who finalized his long-awaited move to Real Madrid on Monday, has been involved in 80 goals for France in 78 games.
“[Mbappe] “He is a formidable leader since he has been with us,” said coach Didier Deschamps.
“He did a good job today… his head and his body weren't used to playing a lot these last few weeks, so he was lacking some juice… but he decided he wants to win it all, he's improved a lot for “It's been a good example all week.”
FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
The world runners-up had Luxembourg pinned inside their own half for much of the first 45 minutes, but the visitors' disciplined defense stood firm to thwart their efforts.
Luxembourg, ranked 87th, missed out on what could have been its first major tournament with a 2-0 loss to Georgia in the semi-final of the Euro 2024 qualifying playoffs.
Goalkeeper Anthony Moris denied Mbappé from close range before the half-hour mark until Kolo Muani found a way to score two minutes before the break.
Little changed after the break as France, who are among the favorites to win Euro 2024, continued to dominate and substitute defender Clauss increased their lead with another assist from Mbappé before the striker concluded the scoring.
Striker Bradley Barcola, who assisted Mbappé, made his France debut when he replaced Marcus Thuram in the 81st minute.
“It's a source of pride, I really wanted to get to this game to show what I can do,” said the 21-year-old.
“I'm happy, I gave an assist and we won 3-0. Without pressure, it's a friendly match. [but] “I gave it my all.”
France will play Canada on Sunday in Bordeaux in their final warm-up match before Euro 2024 begins on June 14.
France, which was eliminated from Euro 2020 in the round of 16 on penalties against Switzerland, will face Austria on June 17 before playing the Netherlands on June 21 and Poland four days later.
Reuters reporting contributed to this report.
