France hotshot Kylian Mbappe has returned to training ahead of their all-important World Cup quarter-final tie against England on Saturday.
The 23-year-old was absent from France's session on Tuesday due to recommendation from the team doctor. It is understood Didier Deschamps had a long discussion with the medical expert prior to the training session getting underway, but it was decided that Mbappe should work alone in the recovery room instead.
Despite returning to full training on Wednesday, Thursday's session was the first one the press could watch since Mbappe's return to fitness ahead of Les Bleus' clash with England. The Paris Saint-Germain star trained with the rest of his teammates at the Al Sadd SC Stadium in Doha, with no fresh injury concerns reported from the French camp. So, with that in mind, here are five things noticed from the latest France training session.
Mbappe makes a return
After missing Tuesday's session, Mbappe looked in a delightful mood as he training alongside his French teammates as they prepare to take on England. There is no surprise the forward was in happy spirits, however, with Mbappe the tournament's top scorer on five goals from four matches.
His two goals against Poland encapsulated what Mbappe was all about, running in behind before showing excellent composure to find the back of the net. Mbappe is also playing with a smile on his face, and is enjoying his football again after previously demonstrating his frustration about where he was playing at Paris Saint-Germain.
But French star also cuts a 'lacklustre' figure
Although he looked in good spirits, Mbappe appeared to be off the pace in training as he gets back to full fitness after a session away. Mirror Football's man on the ground in Doha, David McDonnell, described Mbappe's display as 'lacklustre' as he prepares for the game.
Mbappe is renowned for his sharpness but didn't seem up to top speed at the beginning of the session. It was also spotted that Mbappe was the last French star to take to the field and appeared reluctant to take part to take part in the stretching exercises. France will be hoping he can be at his best when they try and progress through to the semi-finals, with Mbappe clearly Les Bleus' main man.
France focus
It is a huge game for both sides on Saturday and the France team looked in full focus when doing certain drills in training, with Mbappe eyeing another goal. Deschamps' men were performing a ball-type drill when Mateo Guendouzi, Mbappe and Jules Kounde amongst others seemed to concentrated on the task in hand.
Deschamps made the France players dribble in a box with the ball to ensure they kept close control as he tries to re-focus his team ahead of the England clash. There is immense pressure on Les Bleus at the tournament given they are the reigning champions but Deschamps has tried to keep them grounded to perform again at this one.
Coaching staff in deep discussion
There has been some talk about whether France will stick to their usual 4-2-3-1 shape ahead of the game against England, or move to a more pragmatic system given the Three Lions' attacking threats. Currently, Les Bleus play with a front four of Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.
But France could decide to drop one of them and play another defensive-minded midfielder instead to match up with the Three Lions. Southgate's men play with three midfielders in Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, and then three forwards. Deschamps was spotted in a deep chat with the rest of his French coaching staff and his system could be something they were walking about.
Griezmann working hard
Griezmann hasn't been in the greatest form for Atletico Madrid so far this season, but he has returned to his best for France at the World Cup. The 31-year-old is an integral part of the Les Bleus side and was pictured working hard in training, mainly with the ball at his feet.
He is an excellent technician but has been training hard to improve his game as he tries to win his second World Cup. Griezmann was spotted dribbling in the session and taking part in a series of passing challenges.
