….. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in his first game since being named France captain as the World Cup runners-up began their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a reverberating win over the Netherlands.
Mbappe, named skipper after goalkeeper Hugo Lloris ended his international career in January, was on target to net France’s third and fourth goals of the 4-0 win in Paris.
According to BBC Sports, the hosts were ahead after just two minutes when Antoine Griezmann curled in from Mbappe’s pass.
Defender Dayot Upamecano made it 2-0 six minutes later as he bundled in.
Mbappe then got his 37th goal for France when he drove in, before powering home his second late on.
The Paris St-Germain striker’s second two minutes from time was a stunning solo effort as he left the Dutch players falling over in an attempt to block his shot before thumping a finish into the bottom corner.
Memphis Depay had the chance of a consolation deep in stoppage time for the visitors, but his penalty was saved.
That capped a frustrating first game for Ronald Koeman in his second spell as Netherlands boss.
France though was kept off the top of their group by Austria, for who Manchester United’s Marcel Sabitzer scored twice in a 4-1 triumph against Azerbaijan.
