Milan, Theo Hernandez has taken France: but what a mistake not to take him to the European Championship | First page

A catchphrase of these months, especially those preceding the European Championship then won by Italy, did more or less like this: France has so many talented players that they can also win by deploying the third choice for each position. Perhaps an exaggeration, but a concept more or less universally shared to explain the embarrassment of choice and abundance for Didier Deschamps. What then, something in the choices, he actually made a mistake in the European Championship. That’s why France is changing and reciprocating, even with difficulty, giving space and opportunities to those who already believed and hoped to be able to participate in the European Championship. An example under the eyes of all at least in Italy was represented by Theo Hernandez. Among the most decisive players of the entire Serie A, among the reasons for Milan’s return to the top, among the most coveted left wards on the entire international market. Yet, closed in the national team, with Deschamps who on that occasion preferred his brother Lucas (disastrous at the Stadium against Belgium) and Lucas Digne, only to end up playing with Adrien Rabiot left back. Among the bad choices of the coach, therefore, that of cutting out the Rossoneri winger. It is no coincidence that Theo’s name then became one of those underlined in red for the new course of France, the debut in September and the first real big chance against Belgium in this Nations League semi-final. Move, yes, apt. Because the ending is all about Theo Hernandez, who after dueling throughout the meeting with Castagne finds the strength, the energy, the clarity to be found in the right place at the right time: sprint, control, unstoppable shot. Goal. Di Theo Hernandez, alla Theo Hernandez. SOLUTION AND REGRET – If Deschamps can turn the page with his France after a disappointing European, it is also because he continues to rely on his phenomena, more Mbappé and Benzema than Griezmann. But also because it was not just a cliché that catchphrase about third choices able to win against any other national team. The striking example is represented by the jewel of Milan, which in this France has inserted itself in an amen going to fill one of the most evident holes that had revealed themselves to the European Championship. By proving to be a solution, Deschamps is unlikely to leave him out from now on. But also a big regret, because yes, not even a couple of months ago could Theo be considered a third choice.
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