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Horse Racing Talking Football With... Mikael Silvestre: Southgate's Approach Is Proven, England Are Amongst the Favourites
After two games in the World Cup, we sat down with Mikael Silvestre once again to discuss how things are going. We quizzed the former France defender on how Les Bleus are progressing after securing their place in the knockout stages. Silvestre was also asked about England after their 0-0 draw with the USA. The pressure is growing on Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate but for Mikael, it’s not a time to panic.
Two games, two wins and a berth in the knockout stages. What has impressed you the most about this French side so far?
“The most impressive thing is the way the players with fewer caps have been able to reach the level of the veterans – the Griezmanns, the Mbappes.”
“It’s good for the French side because that was one of the main questions, will they be able to fill the shoes? And they’ve done that, so for me, that’s the most important.”
“Tchouameni, Theo Hernandez, Kounde and also Dembele. He hasn’t played a lot for France. Upamecano as well. Two games in a row now.”
“Those players for me have been the most satisfying because the others, we know what they’re capable of.”
Between the injuries and the form, France looked vulnerable heading into this World Cup. Have they proved people wrong so far?
“Yeah they’ve answered the questions, especially after the Denmark game which was a tougher opponent than Australia. Especially having a bad record against Denmark. It is not an easy team to face, so two games, two wins is convincing, in many ways.”
“We have no doubt that this team is equipped to go far and they could win it.”
France got over their bogey team Denmark. How important is that for Didier Deschamps and France in this competition?
“It was very important to beat Denmark for two reasons.”
“To be able to qualify after the second game. It’s always best to go down this road than wait for the last game.”
“To increase the confidence, the build the momentum and also to prove the point that the team is ready for bigger things in the tournament and can go on and continue because Denmark is a team that can beat a lot of other teams in the World Cup.”
What has not been impressive from this French side?
“Not really. I think we are very strong in all departments. Right after two games, I can’t see anything that I’m worried about, specifically.”
Which French players do you think have the potential to give more in this tournament?
“No I don’t think we can ask for more from the players. The ones who’ve come on from the bench also have done well. I’m happy with what I’ve seen.”
Of course, there’s a lot of talk about Kylian Mbappe but let’s pay our attention to Theo Hernandez. He’s provided assists in back-to-back games. Do you think he is France’s surprise package at this tournament?
“The people who follow Italian football and AC Milan, they know that that’s what Theo Hernandez does.”
“He goes up and down the field. He’s good defensively and offensively, he’s a real asset for AC Milan and he’s been able to replicate that in the national team. Good combination with Mbappe and others, going forward.”
“He’s been excellent and we are lucky to have him in the squad as a backup for his brother.”
What are your expectations from France vs Tunisia?
“Didier Deschamps will have the opportunity to rotate. Give some players a rest and give some game time so they are ready for the next phase in case they have to play.”
“We have to beat Tunisia, that’s for sure. Keep winning in the same way, keep the concentration level and performance level.”
Do you think Didier Deschamps should rotate the XI for this one? Maybe give William Saliba a chance?
“I would think that Varane would continue and I’m afraid for Saliba, that Upamecano will also continue.”
“The pair did well against Denmark and they need to work more together to get used to one another. Unless we start playing with three at the back, which could be an option for the next round but I doubt it.”
“So, in the central defence, I do not expect any change. That’s not where you run the most so I think they (Varane and Upamecano) can play two-three games in a row. So it would make sense for them to start against Tunisia.”
Despite a solid start against Iran, England had to settle for a goalless draw against the USA. Do you think that will dampen the spirits in Gareth Southgate’s locker room?
“I don’t think the spirit of the English national team will be affected by their draw against the USA. They played okay but obviously they didn’t create that many chances. The USA were very strong physically, but I’m very confident that they will manage to beat Wales and go through to the round of 16 quite easily.”
Do you agree with the belief that England should play a more attacking style of football? Or have they proven in the last few years that it is successful at international tournaments?
“I think it’s proven that the approach from Gareth Southgate has worked very well. They reached the final at the Euros and you can’t really do much better than that. Of course, you can’t play at a high pace every game, but we also have to give a lot of credit to the USA. They did really well.”
Should Phil Foden be playing more for England?
“It’s very hard not to like Phil Foden. I really like him as a player and he is very direct both with and without the ball. But you can only play with three or four offensive players at the same time and they have a lot of good players to pick from, so it’s a very tough call to make for Gareth Southgate.”
Should England qualify from Group B, who do you think will join them?
“I’m going to go with Iran. I think they can upset the USA and I believe that their manager, Carlos Queiroz, can make another historical statement with Iran.
Do you still consider England as top contenders for the World Cup?
“I still believe that England are one of the strongest teams at the tournament. They don’t have that many injuries and despite failing to score against the USA, I think they should be progressing towards the quarter finals without many issues.”
“But France, Spain and Brazil are also in the mix of teams that could win the tournament. Of course, Neymar is injured now and he is an amazing player, but I think they are collectively strong enough to overcome the loss of him. But he is a very special player.”
After two rounds, who’s been the best player at the tournament?
“Mbappe must be up there with his overall performance, the goals.”
“It’s funny because he’s missed some opportunities but if he were to score all the chances it would be amazing.”
“He’s been top for France so I put him up there.”
The Golden Boot is still an open race. Who’s your pick for it, at the moment?
“I was going for Benzema before he got injured so now I’m going to Mbappe. I know he’s not playing number 9 but France creates enough chances for him to be in the golden boot.”
Will Brazil get by without Neymar? Is there enough quality in that squad or is he irreplaceable?
“Neymar is no doubt an unbelievable player. Brazil’s strengths I think collectively they can overcome the fact that Neymar is absent. He’s a special player for sure.”
‘With the attacking strengths they have they should be able to qualify without Neymar.”
Surprise defeat for Belgium last night, what did you make of their performance and their chances in the tournament?
“Canada in the first game wasn’t a fair result. A draw would have been fairer. Belgium got away with it in the first game.”
“Yesterday they struggled. It’s not the Belgium of a few years ago. That’s why in many people’s eyes they’re not title contenders. I still think they should qualify but it will take some hard work to reach the semis.”
Most of the big sides have dropped points already. Would you say that only France and Brazil have lived up to their pre-tournament billing?
“Spain were close to winning against Germany. Brazil is playing Switzerland. That won’t be an easy one. It will be interesting to see how Brazil copes with Switzerland’s organisation. The Swiss setup is always frustrating.”
“France and Brazil have shown why they’re highly rated to win it.”
Cody Gakpo has started this World Cup in hot form and he’s a player who’s been on Man Utd’s radar. Should United go all in to get him in the January window? Think he can add something great to the team?
“Right now United aren’t really chasing midfield players. Especially after signing Eriksen and Casemiro. It’s more up front I would say. It’s not an emergency so I don’t anticipate the club to break the bank to sign another midfield player right now.”
“We still have Fred and McTominay.”
“Gakpo is having a very good tournament and a very good season in Holland. I don’t think United are in the market. Especially in January for a midfield player.”
Which Man Utd player has been the most impressive at the tournament so far?
“Nothing special on the players right now. It’s still early doors. We’ll see how Brazil and France progress.”
Not too many minutes for the Arsenal players in this World Cup. Only Xhaka, Partey, Saka and Matt Turner have played a big part. What have you made of their performances so far?
“Saka for England has been excellent. He’s continuing to impress with his form at Arsenal for England.”
“Such a nice player to watch.”
“Xhaka for Switzerland does a job. Doesn’t have the same players around him.”
‘At the Euros he was the leader of the squad and now even more. Today he’s facing Brazil which will be a tough one.”
“Partey had a great game against Portugal. He had a good game. He continues to shine in midfield. Taking ownership. Link up play was very good. Strength, recovery. He continues to the same level he shows at Arsenal.”
