France’s early exit is a wonderful thing for Chelsea

The 2020 European Championships sure have been incredible, haven’t they? Monday’s two contests treated spectators to a total of 14 goals between them in easily the most exciting day of games thus far. Croatia took Spain to the edge in the early game, but the Spaniards—led by Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta—prevailed with two goals in extra time. Meanwhile, Switzerland stunned the reigning World Cup champions, France, and sent them home via penalties.

Many will be understandably upset that Les Bleus’ exit sees N’Golo Kante’s Ballon d’Or hopes take a hit. Victories in both the Champions League and the Euros would leave little doubt in the mind of voters as to who the world’s best player on the year was. Nevertheless, France has now crashed out in embarrassing fashion after blowing a 3-1 lead in regulation. It leaves a blemish on Kante’s award-winning resume, even though the loss wasn’t on his shoulders. That said, not everything is gloomy in the Blues’ world after the French defeat.

Chelsea largely benefits from France’s loss to Switzerland in the Euros.

Sticking on the topic of Kante, the versatile midfielder will hopefully benefit from his country’s premature European exodus. He’s struggled with injuries over the past few seasons after looking invincible at Leicester City and under Antonio Conte. It was the 2018/19 season that saw a career of non-stop running begin to take its toll. Kante is now 30 years old and although the Blues have alternatives in Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and Billy Gilmour (for now), the Frenchman is an integral part of any big match. France’s departure in the Round of 16 gives Kante an opportunity to finally unwind after a strenuous season.

Another individual who gets to take some time off is Kurt Zouma. Zouma didn’t feature often under Tuchel—nor has he played a crucial role in Didier Deschamps’ side—so rest isn’t exactly what his body requires at the moment. This break gives Zouma a chance to get a mental break though. Perhaps this period will give him some time to recoup and come back to Cobham with a fresh approach. There is nobody in SW6 doubting the 26-year-old’s ability, it’s just a matter of what he needs to get right to get some minutes under the new regime.

There have been few rumors of his departure during the summer transfer window, which is a good sign as the Blues would be silly to sell one of their most talented defensive pieces. Ironically enough, it’s one of Zouma’s compatriots that has been in the news lately, linked to a move abroad.

Olivier Giroud has been the subject of speculation regarding a Serie A move lately. AC Milan has made its intentions clear: the Rossoneri want to sign the veteran striker as soon as possible. Milan has already inked former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori and it is looking at a few more Blues, Giroud being their main target. Les Bleus’ defeat opens the door for the striker to sort out his future plans. Deciding Giroud’s future is in the best interest of all parties, especially seeing as it’d allow Chelsea to formulate a transfer strategy.

The hit to Kante’s Ballon d’Or campaign stings a bit, but overall, France’s loss should be viewed as a positive to Blues supporters. It’ll hopefully boost the spirits of some of Chelsea’s most important players as they prepare to return to Cobham in a number of weeks for preseason preparations.

The field is getting smaller as we crawl toward the tournament’s finale. Tuesday’s England versus Germany game will also benefit the Blues as they see three of their players depart the competition regardless of the result.