France's Kante Shines in Loss as Mbappe Absence Dims Glory

N'Golo Kante shines as France edges closer to Euro 2024 last 16 without Mbappe. Kante's comeback boosts team's performance.

N'Golo Kante emerged as the unexpected hero in the absence of Kylian Mbappe as France and the Netherlands inched closer to the Euro 2024 last 16 with a goalless draw in Leipzig.

Kante, who was brought back from a two-year international hiatus, has impressed with consecutive man-of-the-match performances, showcasing his skills as the linchpin of Didier Deschamps' midfield once again.

A key figure in France's 2018 World Cup triumph, Kante's return to the national team seemed unlikely after his move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia last year following a spell marred by injuries at Chelsea.

Deschamps' decision to reintegrate the 33-year-old into the squad has paid off, with the midfielder's energy and ability to drive the ball forward adding a new dimension to the team's midfield.

While concerns were raised about players returning from less competitive leagues like the Saudi Pro League, Kante has proven that a change of scenery can sometimes be beneficial, especially in comparison to those fatigued by demanding seasons in Europe.

Despite Kante's standout performances, France's attack has struggled to find the back of the net, with Mbappe's absence due to a broken nose exacerbating the issue. The team has managed just one goal in their first two games, highlighting the importance of their star forward.

Deschamps acknowledged the impact of Mbappe's absence, noting that the team operates on a different level when the Real Madrid striker is on the field. France's record without Mbappe starting further underscores his importance to the team's success.

As France navigates the group stage, Deschamps remains optimistic that the team will rise to the occasion in the knockout stages, drawing on their experience of reaching three finals in their last four major tournaments.

With Mbappe expected to return with a protective mask, France will look to strike a balance between Kante's work rate and Mbappe's attacking prowess to solidify their position as contenders for the Euro 2024 title.