Olivier Giroud (37) has struggled to impact EURO 2024 with the veteran striker largely limited to appearances midway through the second half of France’s three group games. His entrance has followed a pattern with the striker coming on just as Les Bleus need someone capable of putting a finishing touch to the attacking movements, someone, with an exquisite sense of timing and position.

Since 2012, Giroud has offered that option either from the bench or more frequently as a starter, but there is a sense that after a long season with AC Milan, the striker has struggled to reach the right level physically to perform adequately at this tournament. And with that, there is a fear that his final appearance at an international competition risks ending not with a bang but a whimper.

France’s top goal scorer has not escaped criticism from his manager, with L’Équipe reporting that in private Didier Deschamps has challenged the striker for lacking commitment to the national team. The manager has also allegedly told his inner circle that he does not believe Giroud is capable of lifting the group.

L’Équipe further reports that Giroud was annoyed at how he found out that he was not going to start against the Netherlands, but has allegedly expressed in private that he will not put his personal grievances above the group. The French outlet further states that this situation has motivated Giroud to put in extra physical training as he tries to push himself to the level that Deschamps expects of him.