At a Glance:
- How France’s media rated William Saliba’s performance against Northern Ireland.
- Saliba was taken off at half-time.
- Stats against Northern Ireland.
Having recently returned from a back injury, William Saliba would have been hoping not to pick up another knock in France’s 3-1 victory against Northern Ireland just days before the 2026 World Cup.
Saliba played through his injury against Paris Saint-Germain but it seems like he is finally fully fit and ready to help Didier Deschamps’ side lift the World Cup for the first time since 2018.
The Arsenal defender is coming off the back of yet another world-class season and he has the chance to lift more silverware with Les Bleus, who are one of the favourites to taste glory in North America.
Considering Saliba’s defensive excellence, he would have been disappointed not to keep a clean sheet against Northern Ireland but the verdict about his performance has been positive.
- READ MORE: ‘He’s the man’: William Saliba names the leader at Arsenal who always tells him what to do
France’s media claim William Saliba was ‘solid’ against Northern Ireland
Maxifoot claimed Saliba looked as fit as a fiddle against Northern Ireland and was solid as ever for France, giving him a 6/10 match rating, as they wrote: “Having suffered from back pain in recent weeks, the Arsenal center-back doesn’t seem to be struggling. The Northern Irish side rarely tested him, but his neutralization of Donley and his excellent recovery tackle on Kelly prove that the Gunner is ready.
“He was replaced at half-time by Maxence Lacroix, who confirmed that he is a very good alternative. He used his strength and authority to his advantage in the tackle on [Patrick] Kelly. He could have scored, but his shot went well over the bar.”
Saliba remains key for France and Foot Mercato also handed him a 6/10 rating, claiming he was solid if not spectacular against Northern Ireland: “Positioned on the left side of the defense, he reassured everyone about his fitness, a question mark at the start of the French national team’s training camp.
2 défenseurs cèdent leur place pour cette 2e mi-temps !
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 8, 2026
🔴 Koundé ➡️ Gusto 🟢
🔴 Saliba ➡️ Lacroix 🟢
1-0 #FRANIR pic.twitter.com/c9ylp7ZTCl
“Alert, he was able to capitalise on the few dangerous situations in his area. Replaced by Lacroix at half-time, a decision made beforehand. A fairly decent, solid performance, consistent with his previous appearances. He even had a chance to score, but shot over the bar.”
William Saliba stats for France vs Northern Ireland
Saliba was tipped to be elite years ago and he seems to be fulfilling that potential for not just Arsenal but also France, showing once again versus Nothern Ireland why Didier Deschamps can rely on the defender.
The former Saint-Etienne colossus’ numbers from his latest showing further indicate why Les Bleus will need the Premier League winner to be on top form as they aim to become world champions again.
| William Saliba vs Nothern Ireland | Stats |
| Dribbled past | 0 |
| Duels won | 3/3 |
| Last man tackle | 1 |
| Accurate passes | 48/50 |
| Chances created | 1 |
Saliba was not dribbled past even once, won three out of his three contested duels and even made a last man tackle as he put in a typically rock-solid display.
In possession, the 25-year-old completed 48 out of his 50 passes and created one chance. Despite playing only played one half of football, Saliba made a serious impression in a French shirt yet again.
