France desperately needs Kylian Mbappé after a goalless draw against the Netherlands

France needs Kylian Mbappe in the worst way. This became apparent on Friday during the goalless draw in the group stage against the Netherlands at the 2024 European Championship.

As a masked Mbappe watched from the bench with a broken nose, his teammates could not find the back of the net despite two golden chances for captain Antoine Griezmann. France had 62.7% of the ball possession and took 15 shots to the Dutch eight, but only put them into the frame three times. It is becoming increasingly clear that France cannot win without its best player.

It’s no surprise that Les Bleus are struggling without arguably the best goalscorer in the world. In 80 appearances for his country, Mbappe has scored 47 times, including eight goals at the 2022 World Cup and four in 2018.

Friday’s draw leaves France and the Netherlands level in Group D with four points each and both are plus-1 on goal difference. A place in the knockout rounds is far from guaranteed for either team as Austria threatens to close on three points.

Mbappe was training on the pitch this week after breaking his nose during France’s 1-0 win over Austria. He warmed up on Friday but did not leave the bench, despite manager Didier Deschamps using two substitutions. Strikers Kingsley Coman and Olivier Giroud received the call via the masked Mbappé.

The 25-year-old superstar striker should be available for the final group match on Tuesday. France will face the already eliminated Poland and will be heavily favored.

In a strange twist, Mbappe has never scored in the Euro tournament despite his prolific goal-scoring prowess. He was held goalless at Euro 2020 (held in 2021) as France won the group, and was then upset by Switzerland in the round of 16. Karim Benzema led the way with four goals, but Mbappé failed to score.

Mbappe will be looking for a breakthrough this time and France will need him if they want to progress in the tournament.