Dembele is fully aware of the immense pressure resting on Les Bleus’ shoulders as they prepare for another deep tournament run, emphasising the need for absolute concentration from his team-mates during the initial phase of the competition. He added: “There are plenty of favourites. You know how it is – that label doesn’t mean anything in football anymore.
“There are many teams who are favourites in this tournament. Plus, we know that the French national team has reached the last two finals, so we will be a team under immense scrutiny. But we remain focused on the objective. Before thinking about the round of 16 or the quarter-finals, we have to navigate the group stage matches properly.”
