Didier Deschamps applauds France’s record victory in mauling of 10-man Gibraltar

Les Bleus had already qualified as winners of Group B and showed no signs of letting up against Gibraltar, who suffered a nightmare start.

Defender Ethan Santos scored an early own goal before then being sent off in the 18th minute for a late tackle on teenage France debutant Warren Zaire-Emery.

𝗔 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆!Les Blues' biggest ever win, 14-0 #FRAGIB | #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/uglr3aSyia

— French Team (@FrenchTeam) November 18, 2023

France were relentless as they scored seven goals in each half. Captain Kylian Mbappe grabbed a hat-trick, with Kingsley Coman netting twice and substitute Olivier Giroud hitting a late brace.

Zaire-Emery had become France’s youngest post-war debutant, aged 17 and 255 days, and he got on the scoresheet in the 16th minute to make it 3-0.

Santos was then shown a red card following a VAR review for his over-the-top tackle on Zaire-Emery’s ankle as he tucked the ball in at the near post, with the Paris St Germain midfielder soon substituted.

AC Milan striker Giroud came off the bench to see one effort ruled out for offside by VAR before then scoring two late goals as France set a new national record and also eclipsed Germany’s 13-0 qualifying win over San Marino in September 2006.

France are now set to be among the top seeds for the Euro 2024 finals draw, which will take place on December 2.

“Tonight is a perfect evening, except for Warren’s injury,” Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1.

“It’s not very serious. The information I have, the exams are reassuring. There is no fracture, but a big sprain.”

Deschamps continued: “In the preparation, we wanted to win this match in style. Either by doing it well or very well.

“Already at 11 players it was hard for them, but at 10 it was harder. We knew how to respect the opponent, and 14 goals is not bad.

“Through the moves and combinations, I liked the right side. Usually, it’s the left side that is more lively and tonight, it was the opposite. Kingsley (Coman) showed quality in possession and on crosses, Jonathan (Clauss) too.”

France finish their Group B campaign away to Greece in Athens on Tuesday. Deschamps insists there can be no let up from his squad.

France's biggest-ever win The biggest win in EURO qualifying history #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/euxsoSRz1I

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) November 18, 2023

“We had to win two points with the two remaining matches, so as not to find ourselves in a situation that we had less control over (in the draw for the finals),” he said.

“We were able to see this during the last Euro where we found ourselves in the same group as Portugal and Germany.

“It is also about setting higher objectives and not being satisfied with what we have.