According to L'Equipe, France's 4-1 victory over Norway has reignited debate over the team's full-back positions following underwhelming performances from Kounde and Theo.
On the right flank, could Warren Zaire-Emery and Malo Gusto be alternatives to Kounde? On the left, should Lucas Digne challenge Theo for the starting role? France's defensive flanks remain a focal point ahead of upcoming matches. Against Norway, Kounde failed to convince on the right wing. His performance was inconsistent, particularly in possession, where he often lacked technical confidence in key moments.
Defensively, he also failed to show absolute dominance, raising questions about whether an alternative is needed. Warren Zaire-Emery, who has played as a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, is a viable option, and Chelsea's Malo Gusto is also a reasonable alternative. Both players offer different characteristics compared to Kounde. However, these hypotheses should not disrupt the current pecking order for now, as France's coaching staff clearly still fully trusts Kounde.
The discussion on the left flank is more pressing. Theo struggled against Norway: the former AC Milan player conceded a penalty and was outmatched in duels with Oscar Bobb. Such a performance undermines his case for this position, and Lucas Digne could offer a more reliable solution on the left side.
Hugo Delorme, an L'Equipe journalist who covered the French team during the FIFA World Cup, stated that the full-backs' performances could become "a major problem in subsequent matches."
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