Johan Bakayoko is biding his time. He came on for the last 33 minutes against Slovakia (0-1), but only came back into play for 13 minutes against Ukraine (0-0). The Dutch champion, who shook up RC Lens’ defense in the Champions League, is champing at the bit in the national team, in favor of Leandro Trossard (Arsenal, two starts) and Dodi Lukebakio (FC Seville). The latter was suspended for the last group match against the Ukrainians (0-0) and should start against France on Monday.
“I am focusing on the Euros and the possibility of receiving a chance to play thereexplains the right winger of PSV Eindhoven targeted by Paris-Saint-Germain last summer, according to the Belgian press. Anyway, I’m good at PSV and I never considered leaving last season. My progress still went through this club. I couldn’t find a better environment. And it paid off. For the moment, I am not thinking about a transfer. »
“I do not agree with the criticism he is receiving. He (Romelu Lukaku) scored three times (all disallowed by VAR). He’s strong enough to react to that.”
The right winger also observes his elder brother, leader of the group, Romelu Lukaku, and his apparent calm after three goals refused by the VAR. “ I don’t agree with the criticism he receives, Bakayoko believes. He scored three times. He’s strong enough to react to that. We created plenty of chances. There is no reason to change. With a little more luck, sometimes you score more. »
In 2018, Bakayoko was fifteen years old. He remembers very well the World Cup semi-final lost (0-1) in Russia by his country against the Blues. “I had a lot of pain, like all Belgianshe admits. We could and should have won. But that’s another debate. Being part of the team that has the chance to play against France again is great. There will be no favorite. »
