Sports Mole looks at how Poland could line up for Tuesday’s Euro 2024 clash with France at Westfalenstadion
Barcelona striker and Poland captain Robert Lewandowski was only subbed on in the 60th minute against Austria on Friday after struggling with a thigh injury sustained during a pre-tournament friendly against Turkey.
However, he is almost certain to start against France given this could be his last ever game at a major international tournament, where he will hope to add to his national-record tally of 82 goals.
Indeed, the Eagles’ record appearance holder will be 36 in August and it remains to be seen whether he continues with the national team after the final group stage game.
Elsewhere, Wojciech Szczesny has already announced his intention to retire from international football after the conclusion of Euro 2024, and he will want to make one final appearance to add to his 84 caps.
Manager Michal Probierz has indicated that he will treat the match against France as preparation for the upcoming Nations League games and World Cup qualifiers, so expect a strong starting XI to be fielded.
Given the concerns about centre-back Bartosz Salamon‘s ankle injury, which saw him miss his side’s defeat to Austria, the Polish defence is unlikely to change from the previous group stage game.
As such, Jan Bednarek, Pawel Dawidowicz and Jakub Kiwior are probable candidates to form the back three, while Przemyslaw Frankowski and Nicola Zalewski will likely start as wing-backs.
In midfield, Jakub Moder could come in for Jakub Piotrowski after the latter was substituted after 45 minutes against Austria.
Moder is likely to be partnered by Bartosz Slisz and Piotr Zielinski, and Probierz will hope that this midfield can provide more defensive solidity after Poland conceded three goals on Friday.
In the forward line, Lewandowski could be paired with Karol Swiderski, who was brought on against Austria in the 60th minute alongside the Barcelona striker.
Poland possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Frankowski, Zielinski, Slisz, Moder, Zalewski; Swiderski, Lewandowski
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