The French team’s return to action did not go as hoped. For their first match since Euro 2024, Les Bleus lost to Italy (1-3) at the Parc des Princes (Paris), for the first day of the Nations League. Beyond the defeat, it was above all the content offered by Didier Deschamps’ players that greatly worried observers. In defense, the Ibrahima Konaté-William Saliba hinge did not reassure, while in midfield, Youssouf Fofana and N’Golo Kanté sank. Finally, Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann are still struggling to find the back of the net. To finally launch his new Nations League campaign, the French coach will make several changes and drop his 4-2-3-1 to return to a 4-3-3.
If Mike Maignan, who had a big rant in the locker room after Friday’s defeat, will keep his place, this will not be the case for Konaté. The Liverpool defender will be replaced by Dayot Upamecano, in order to recompose the starting hinge at the Euro with Saliba. Struggling in the wings, Théo Hernandez and Jonathan Clauss will leave their place to Lucas Digne and Jules Koundé. For the midfield, Deschamps will have to do without Warren Zaïre-Emery, who has a left calf injury and is out of this match against Belgium. This could be an opportunity for Manu Koné to make his first start in the senior team, and for Matteo Guendouzi to start his first official match with the Blues since the one against Tunisia during the 2022 World Cup. All alongside Youssouf Fofana.
Kylian Mbappé on the bench?
Up front, Randal Kolo Muani, who was initially supposed to start the match against Italy in place of Griezmann, is very likely to be lined up from the start. The Paris Saint-Germain player could be associated with his club teammate, Ousmane Dembélé, and Marcus Thuram. Les Bleus captain Kylian Mbappé, who has only scored twice in his last 11 games with France, and his vice-captain Antoine Griezmann, who has not been decisive in ten games with Les Bleus, should start on the bench. As should Bradley Barcola.
Opposite, the Belgians approach this match in a better way after their victory (3-1) against Israel. Domenico Tedesco will be able to count on all of his players for this rematch of the last eighth of the Euro. He should start with the same 4-2-3-1 as against the Israelis. Koen Casteels will remain in goal, while Arthur Theate and Wout Faes will be in central defense and Timothée Castagne and Meunier will liven up the wings. Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans will be lined up in midfield. Kevin De Bruyne, captain of this Belgian selection, will be behind Loïs Openda. Jeremy Doku and Dodi Lukebakio will liven up the wings.
