France Ireland TchouameniGetty
Tom Hindle

France player ratings vs Ireland: Aurelien Tchouameni is the future of the French midfield! Real Madrid star leads Les Bleus to comfortable victory

The Real Madrid star scored France's opener and controlled the game from midfield against the Republic of Ireland.

Aurelien Tchouameni scored a wonderful goal and turned in a complete performance as France took another step towards Euro 2024 qualification with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ireland. In an otherwise drab game, Tchouameni shone, turning in a complete showing that offered immense promise for a France side that will surely be one of the favourites next summer.

After a rather poor start from the hosts, Tchouameni opened the scoring — and did so in style. The Real Madrid midfielder pinged an effort into the net from outside the box, curving the ball around two defenders and past a helpless keeper.

France had the ball in the net on a second occasion just before half time, but substitute Marcus Thuram was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up to Kylian Mbappe's effort.

Thuram made up for his mistake early in the second half, though. Mbappe saw a shot deflected, and Thuram pounced on the rebound, firing the ball into the roof of the net to give France a 2-0 lead. There could have been more for the home side as the half wore on. Ousmane Dembele rattled the post. Tchouameni almost had a second. Mbappe, for his part, tried everything to find the back of the net — only to be left frustrated. Still, France remained in control, comfortably seeing off an inferior side.

GOAL rates France's players from Parc des Princes...

  • France Ireland Lucas HernandezGetty

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Mike Maignan (7/10):

    Made an impressive stop at 2-0 to prevent Ireland from getting back in it.

    Jules Kounde (6/10):

    Reprised his right-back role with Barcelona, to mixed results. He covered well against counter-attacks, but wasn't always speedy in the build up.

    Dayot Upamecano (7/10):

    Had very little to do except circulate the ball — which he took care of comfortably.

    Lucas Hernandez (6/10):

    Lined up alongside his brother for the first time in nearly a year, and was solid — if rather scrappy.

    Theo Hernandez (7/10):

    Did his bit getting forward, and connected with Mbappe well. Probably would've had an assist if the France finishing had been more effective.

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  • France Ireland Tchouameni MbappeGetty

    Midfield

    Aurelien Tchouameni (9/10):

    Opened the scoring with an exquisite strike from outside the box — one that evoked memories of his wonder goal against England in the World Cup. Would've had a second, if not for an excellent save. Controlled the game expertly. Was still putting in tackles in the 95th minute.

    Adrien Rabiot (7/10):

    Solid without being spectacular in central midfield, which is sort of his thing. Doesn't play a starring role, but is immensely effective.

    Antoine Griezmann (7/10):

    Wonderful in the No.10 role, even if he didn't score or assist. Mbappe is the star, but Griezmann is the driving force of this ever-improving France side.

  • Kylian Mbappe France Ireland Euro Qualifying

    Attack

    Ousmane Dembele (6/10):

    Some good moments — including a shot that rattled the post — but was mostly dealt with by the Irish defence. Still hasn't really convinced for his country.

    Olivier Giroud (5/10):

    Went off injured after making a bright start to the contest.

    Kylian Mbappe (6/10):

    Lacked sharpness in the early goings, overhitting a few crosses. Had the ball in the net, but saw it chalked off for offside. Not his night, but there will be others.

  • Deschamps France Ireland Euro Qualifying

    Subs & Manager

    Marcus Thuram (6/10):

    Brought on for Giroud midway through the first half. Scored France's second to provide valuable separation.

    Kingsley Coman (6/10):

    Didn't have time to make an impact. The fact that he comes off the bench shows how deep this side is.

    Benjamin Pavard (N/A):

    Only played for five minutes

    Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):

    Will be disappointed not to start. At least he wasn't forced to play left-back.

    Didier Deschamps (7/10):

    Has a wealth of talent at his disposal, and his only real point of controversy was sticking with Giroud over Kolo Muani. It didn't really matter; his side dealt with Ireland fairly comfortably.