Deschamps backs hat-trick hero Olise to shine for France at World Cup

Michael Olise starred alongside Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue in 3-1 win against Northern Ireland.France coach Didier Deschamps challenged forward Michael Olise to make his mark at the World Cup, after he hit a hat-trick in a 3-1 win against Northern Ireland in his team’s final World Cup warm-up.The Bayern Munich winger and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe were joined in a fearsome attack by Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele for Monday’s match. The Paris Saint-Germain pair had been rested for the previous friendly – a loss to Ivory Coast – after winning the Champions League.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Can sub-Saharan Africa outdo noisy neighbours from north at World Cup?list 2 of 4Too hot to handle? How the heat could affect players at the World Cuplist 3 of 4What time are World Cup 2026 matches in my time zone?list 4 of 4FIFA U-turns on water bottle policy in US, Canada stadiums after backlashend of listBut Olise shone brightest, drilling home rebounds just before and after half-time before curling in a superb shot from outside the area to finish off the visitors after Patrick Kelly had pulled a goal back.“We’ll need a Michel Olise at that level,” Deschamps said. “Michael stands out because of the season he has had at Bayern and with us.”“He has achieved some really great things, he is full of confidence. He also has the ability to put in the effort, which is remarkable,” Deschamps said.Another Champions League finalist, Arsenal’s William Saliba, showed he has shaken off an injury scare as he returned to give France a look similar to how they could line up for their World Cup opener against Senegal in New Jersey on June 16.The French, though, were frequently disjointed in attack, with skipper Mbappe, who needs one goal to equal Olivier Giroud’s team scoring record, often lacklustre.Yet they still pressed the packed Northern Irish defence, forcing desperate blocks and loose clearances.Although the Lille stadium roof was kept closed on a chilly and damp evening, play was stopped for drinks breaks in the middle of each half to help Les Bleus prepare in every detail for the World Cup.