Mbappe on target as France hit 3 past Luxembourg in Euro warm-up

France cruised to a 3-0 victory over Luxembourg in a pre-Euro 2024 friendly in Metz on Wednesday, with striker Kylian Mbappe netting a goal and providing two assists.

Forward Randal Kolo Muani put France ahead just before halftime, heading in off a precise Mbappe pass, before Jonathan Clauss' thunderous strike from outside the box doubled the lead in the 70th minute.

Mbappe added a third 15 minutes later with a low, first-time shot from close to the penalty spot, his 47th goal for Les Bleus.

The 25-year-old, who completed his highly anticipated transfer to Real Madrid on Monday, has now been involved in 80 goals for France in 78 games.

"(Mbappe) is a formidable leader ever since he's been with us," said manager Didier Deschamps.

"He did a good job today... his head and body weren't used to playing very much these past couple of weeks, so some juice was missing... but he decided he wants to win everything, it's gotten way better for him. He has been a good example all week."

The World Cup runners-up had Luxembourg pinned back inside their own half for much of the first 45 minutes, but the visitors' disciplined defence held firm to thwart their attempts.

Luxembourg, ranked 87th, missed out on what could have been their first major tournament after losing 2-0 to Georgia in the Euro 2024 qualification playoff semi-final.

Goalkeeper Anthony Moris denied Mbappe from close range before the half-hour mark, but Kolo Muani found a way in two minutes before halftime.

Little changed after the break as France, who are among the favourites to win Euro 2024, continued to dominate, with substitute defender Clauss increasing their lead with another Mbappe assist before the striker wrapped up the scoring.

Forward Bradley Barcola, who set up Mbappe, made his France debut by replacing Marcus Thuram in the 81st minute.

"It's a source of pride, I was really looking forward to this match to show what I can do," said the 21-year-old.

"I'm happy, I made an assist and we won 3-0. No pressure, it's a friendly match, (but) I gave everything."

France play Canada in Bordeaux on Sunday in their final warm-up match before Euro 2024 begins on June 14.

France, who were eliminated from Euro 2020 in the last 16 on penalties by Switzerland, will face Austria on June 17, the Netherlands on June 21, and Poland four days later.

SportsLigue