William Saliba faces France uncertainty as former Arsenal defender praises 'tough love'

France boss Didier Deschamps is expected to make changes in his team for tonight's Euro 2024 match against Poland.

William Saliba is likely to start ahead of Ibrahima Konate according to reports in France.

Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has praised Deschamps’ ‘tough love’ approach towards Saliba and says that the Frenchman was always “going to be his main man at this tournament”.

“Deschamps has been very clever with his management of William Saliba,” Gallas told Prime Casino.

“He resisted the urge to put him into the team straight away and has eased him into the team. When he has played in friendly games over the last year or two, he has made mistakes.

“I think it’s excellent management of the player. He’s taken his time, given him some tough love, and now he is ready to start for France. He has been performing very well for Arsenal for the last two seasons – he didn’t miss a game last season – but I also think that Deschamps wanted Saliba to understand there is a difference between playing well for your club and playing well for your country.

“At Arsenal, he doesn’t have the same competition as he does with the national team, he has had to earn Deschamps trust gradually.

“This tournament is William Saliba’s first major international tournament as a starting player. It is a massive test and a massive opportunity for him.

“Everything is in his hands. He needs to perform like he has done for Arsenal all season to keep his place in the starting eleven.”