Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how France could line up for Monday’s Euro 2024 last-16 clash with Belgium.
France head coach Didier Deschamps is facing an intriguing selection dilemma in the final third for Monday’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie with Belgium at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf.
Les Bleus were forced to accept second place in Group D behind Austria on account of their 1-1 draw with Poland on Tuesday, where Kylian Mbappe‘s spot kick preceded Robert Lewandowski‘s own penalty.
The former’s first goal of Euro 2024 came upon his return to the starting lineup from a broken nose, and as he came through the full 90 unscathed, he will no doubt be given the thumbs-up to continue in the final third.
The identity of the 25-year-old’s supporting cast remains a topic of uncertainty, though, as Antoine Griezmann should almost certainly return after being benched in the final group game, while Ousmane Dembele‘s spot on the right should not come under any threat.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola was given the nod on the left last week and looked lively, but Deschamps is expected to side with experience and deploy Adrien Rabiot in a wide role.
Rabiot should not be missed too much in the centre, as N’Golo Kante continues to roll back the years in midfield, where Aurelien Tchouameni is a key cog alongside him.
Deschamps’s backline has remained untouched throughout the tournament, and that theme should continue here, as Theo Hernandez, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde shield Mike Maignan, left vexed by Lewandowski’s retaken penalty on Tuesday after he was penalised for coming off his line.
France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni; Dembele, Griezmann, Rabiot; Mbappe
> Click here to see how Belgium could line up for this last-16 tie
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