Northern Ireland set for glamour summer friendly against Kylian Mbappe's France
Northern Ireland legend Aaron Hughes insists “this is exactly the level of challenge we want” after confirmation of a glamour summer friendly against two-time World Cup champions France.
The fixture will be played at the Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille Métropole on Monday, June 8 and is a development which will be welcomed by the Green and White Army faithful.
Northern Ireland will act as opposition as France ramp up preparations for the World Cup – a competition they last won in 2018 before reaching the final once again four years later, losing out to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
They’ve a star-studded squad with the likes of Real Madrid talisman Kylian Mbappe and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele in their ranks.
France currently sit top of FIFA’s world rankings, leapfrogging Spain and Argentina in the most recent international window after beating Brazil and Colombia.
They’re currently enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run and went undefeated throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign.
It’ll mark the latest example of Northern Ireland coming up against top European opposition – Michael O’Neill’s side were beaten 2-0 by Italy in a recent World Cup play-off semi-final.
Hughes, who now serves as Irish FA Technical Director, said: “This is exactly the level of challenge we want. France are one of the top sides in world football so it’s a great test for our players.”
The two teams haven’t met since France picked up a 1-0 victory in Belfast back in August 1999 – Northern Ireland have drawn two and lost four of their six previous matches against Les Bleus.
France will take on Ivory Coast four days before facing Northern Ireland and Irish FA president Conrad Kirkwood admits it’s a fixture which everyone is looking forward to.
Kirkwood said: “This fixture marks 10 years since UEFA Euro 2016 when our brilliant fans created such special memories so it’s a fitting occasion as we look forward.”
The France game will be the second of two friendly matches for Northern Ireland in June – the date, venue and opponent of the first is yet to be announced.