Deschamps targets French improvement

France coach Didier Deschamps believes his side ‘can do better’ following their 0-0 draw with Switzerland at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday.

The stalemate secured Les Bleus’ place at the top of Group A, following victories in their opening two matches of the competition against Romania and Albania.

France could have achieved their third straight victory in Lille, after hitting the woodwork on three occasions, but despite their relatively smooth progression, Deschamps acknowledges that they need to improve ahead of the knockout stages.

“We were there to secure first place and we did it, so it’s mission accomplished,” He told reporters. “Had we been a bit more clinical or had more luck, we could have won. I’m not blind, I do realise that we can do better.”

The tournament hosts will not play their next match in the competition until June 26 in Lyon, where they will face the third-place side in Group C, D or E, and Deschamps believes the extra preparation time will benefit his side. He added: “Now a new competition is going to start for us next Sunday.

We have a long week ahead of us and that will give us time to prepare.” France are available at 4.50 to go all the way in the competition, as they bid to seal their third European Championship crown following their successes in 1984 and 2000.