The Republic of Ireland get their EURO 2024 qualifying campaign back underway this week, with Stephen Kenny's men desperately needing to cause an upset against either France or the Netherlands (or both) if they are to stand any chance of qualifying automatically for next year's tournament in Germany.
The first of those crucial qualifiers takes place this week, with Ireland travelling to face World Cup finalists France. We have all the info you need on how to watch France v Ireland on TV.
When is France v Ireland?
France take on Ireland in the Parc des Princes in Paris on Thursday September 7th. Kick-off from the French capital is at 7:45pm Irish time.
READ HERE: Explained: The Play-Off Route That Could Get Ireland To EURO 2024
How to watch France v Ireland on TV
The game will be broadcast live on RTÉ Two, with coverage starting at 7pm Irish time. Des Curran will provide commentary from the Parc des Princes.
France v Ireland will also be broadcast on Premier Sports 1 in Ireland (channel 412 on a Sky box), with coverage getting underway at 7:45pm.
READ HERE: Here's The Ireland Team We Would Select To Pull Off A Shock in France
How to watch highlights of the game on TV
Virgin Media will carry highlights of France v Ireland at 10pm on Thursday night, immediately after their live coverage of the qualifier between Greece and the Netherlands in the same group ends.
Form guide and head-to-head
27 March 2023; France goalkeeper Mike Maignan dives to save the header from Nathan Collins of Republic of Ireland in the closing moments of the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and France at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Ireland were tantalisingly close to taking a famous point in their home fixture against France in March.
A costly defensive error led to Benjamin Pavard scoring the game's only goal for France, though Ireland's performance warranted a draw - and they nearly got it when Nathan Collins forced a world-class save from goalkeeper Mike Maignan in the dying moments.
Ireland have played three games thus far in the qualifying group, and also lost away to Greece after a dire performance. They went on to beat Gibraltar 3-0 at the Aviva Stadium three days later.
France have a flawless record thus far, running up 4-0, 3-0, and 1-0 wins against the Netherlands, Gibraltar, and Greece respectively.
Ireland and France have met seven times this century. France have won five of those games, with two draws - though Ireland did technically win in 90 minutes in the infamous 2009 play-off second leg which saw Thierry Henry deliberately handle the ball.
France v Ireland team news
France have selected a fiercely strong squad for Thursday's game. Established superstars Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé, and Olivier Giroud make their attack a frightening prospect, while they also have the likes of Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, and Theo Hernandez to call on at the back. The most notable absentee is perhaps midfielder Paul Pogba.
Ireland, on the other hand, were dealt a blow by the announcement on Thursday that rising force Evan Ferguson will not be available, having sustained an injury in Saturday's 3-1 win for Brighton over Newcastle - a Premier League game which saw Ferguson score an historic hat-trick at just 18 years of age.
READ HERE: England Comments After Evan Ferguson Injury News Show Big Issue In Psyche Of Ireland Fans
Given France only lost last year's World Cup final on penalties, it will be a tall order for Ireland to snatch a result in Paris, but it is also pivotal to their hopes of securing automatic qualification for EURO 2024.
The loss of Evan Ferguson does not help that quest, but fans can only hope that a famous result in the French capital can reinvigorate the Stephen Kenny era for Irish men's football.
Featured image: Sportsfile
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