France recorded a 3-0 win over Wales despite Karim Benzema missing an early penalty. England’s pre-Euro preparations took a hit as Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off during the win over Austria.
It wasn’t the dream return to the national team Karim Benzema had hoped for. The Real Madrid striker returned to the France fold after missing out on their previous two major tournaments and was drafted straight into the first team by Didier Deschamps. However, Benzema missed a penalty on his return but had his blushes saved by Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.
France were awarded a penalty in the 25th minute of the match after a lengthy VAR check. Welsh defender Neco Williams was adjudged to have handled the ball close to the goal line, which resulted in his sending off. Benzema stepped up to take the penalty, but goalkeeper Danny Ward denied him a goal-scoring return through a brilliant save.
Nonetheless, France still managed to record a three-nil win over Wales. Mbappe opened the scoring for Les Bleus soon after Benzema’s missed penalty. Griezmann then doubled their lead with a well-taken shot from outside the box. Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele completed the rout by adding a third late on. France take on Bulgaria in their second – and final – preparation match before facing Germany in their opening game at the Euros.
England manager Gareth Southgate surprised many by selecting four right-backs in his 26-man Euro squad. However, that number could fall by one should Trent Alexander-Arnold not recover in time for the Euros. The Liverpool defender – who was the talk of the nation pre-selection – was substituted during the friendly against Austria after picking up a thigh injury.
Despite the setback, England managed to record a 1-0 win over their opponents. Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game from close range, after some quick feet by Harry Kane and Jack Grealish. Southgate, meanwhile, handed debuts to Ben White and Ben Godfrey, while Jesse Lingard and James Ward-Prowse were also involved in the game despite being cut from the final squad.
