"We will go with a lot of ambition," assured AFP the coach of the France Espoirs team Sylvain Ripoll, after the draw for the Euro, which has placed his team in the pool of England , Romania and Croatia.
The draw has reserved a shock of entry with England ...
It's a big piece right from the start, that's for sure. But given the formula and the very high level, we knew that there would be no right to the error. We will prepare, we now know our opponents. England is world champion last year with the U20 in Korea. Croatia is also very strong and is riding on the same dynamic as team A (vice-champion of the world, ed). And Romania is very solid, it is the team that has conceded the fewest goals in qualifying (four, ed). These are three opponents difficult to maneuver. But we have our card to play and we will go with a lot of ambition. The goal, as for all teams as there are no intermediate stages, it will already be out of the pool and go to the semifinals.
Euro Espoirs 2019. France in the group of England with Romania and Croatia
Despite a beautiful qualifying round, you always talk about progress to be made. What are they ?
We have to progress a little in all areas, but our course has also shown that we had many qualities. We still cashed too many goals in my opinion. It will be necessary to be ready right away because England arrives quickly. We will be well prepared, we have very high level friends in March and we will then attack the preparation.
You will play in Cesena and San Marino. Do you already know what to expect?
I watched the stadiums. We knew the three options but we waited for the draw to clarify the program. Tomorrow, we will be hard at work to see what we can get as working conditions so that they are the best possible.
Theoretically, players like Mbappé, Dembélé, Pavard or Hernandez could participate in this Euro. Is it an option?
Theoretically as you say. Perhaps. But what we think and what we say from the start, it is priority to A. It is normal. We will take stock, but the France A team will also have goals and it is always up to the Espoirs team to adapt. It's a logical operation. And then there is also a group that has been seeking its qualification and it is important not to forget it.