France players involved in bizarre mid-tournament friendly ahead of Euro 2024 clash with the Netherlands... as one star nets a hat-trick during dominant 7-0 victory

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France players were involved in a bizarre mid-tournament friendly ahead of their Euro 2024 clash with the Netherlands. 

Didier Deschamps' side kicked off with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Austria, with Max Wober putting the ball in the back of his own net from a Kylian Mbappe cross.

They next face the Netherlands on Friday in what could be a decisive match to decide who finishes top of Group D.

Didier Deschamps is determined to keep every single player in his France squad as fit as possible, even if they don't play a minute during this summer's tournament.

So those players that did not feature in the win over Austria, played a friendly against German second division side Paderborn's U21s - with Les Bleus picking up a convincing 7-0 victory. 

France were involved in a bizarre mid-tournament friendly against Paderborn's U21 side

Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick in a 7-0 victory, sealing his treble with a brilliant solo goal 

He knocked the ball around one defender, before running down the middle of two players

Barcola then chipped the keeper, in a match where those who starred were the same that didn't feature against Austria

France play the Netherlands on Friday in a game that could decide who wins the group

The star of the show was Paris Saint-Germain youngster Bradley Barcola who netted a hat-trick during the game.

He opened the scoring with an individual effort from the left flank where he cut in and scored from an acute angle. 

Some sloppy play at the back allowed Randal Kolo Muani to tap home, before Barclona netted his second.  

Kingsley Coman saw a long-range effort deflected into the back of the net before Barcola scored arguably the best goal of the game. 

Facing two defenders, he knocked the ball around the outside of the player on the left, squeezed between both of his opposing players before chipping the goalkeeper. 

Youssouf Fofana added a sixth before Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate finished off the scoring with a powerful header. 

It was a dominant victory as expected, but France can expect a much tougher match when they face the Netherlands on Friday.

One player they might not have at their disposal for the match is Mbappe, with reports that he could miss the next game after breaking his nose against Austria.  

Kingsley Coman (centre) is congratulated after his long-range effort was deflected in

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate scored a powerful header to wrap up a comfortable victory

Kylian Mbappe is a doubt for the clash with the Netherlands after breaking his nose

Former France team doctor Fabrice Bryand told L'Equipe that Mbappe would be sidelined for 10 days at a minimum - ruling him out of the rest of the group stages.

France later revealed that Mbappe did not require surgery as first thought and would have a mask made for him to ensure he could play again at this tournament.

Mbappe was pictured feeling his nose during a training session but still took part and could be seen striking a shot at goal.

Elsewhere he was in good spirits, clasping his hands and cackling at something amusing.

In another photograph Mbappe was snapped deep in conversation with manager Didier Deschamps and another member of staff.