France aim to win it back-to-back in their opening games Euro 2024 campaign against the Netherlands on Friday evening.
However, they may have to do this without their captain Kylian Mbappe, who broke his nose when they opened Austria 1-0. Whether the masked Frenchman will be out of the field at the Red Bull Arena is unclear, his injury has left Didier Deschamps with a headache ahead of the upcoming battle with the Dutch.
France should have enough quality elsewhere to cover Mbappe’s absence if the Real Madrid star can be transferred fit, with the returning N’Golo Kante particularly impressive against Austria. Players like Theo Hernandez, Antoine Griezmann and William Saliba also caught the eye in Les Bleus’ first game.
Here’s how France could face the Netherlands on Friday.
GK: Mike Maignan – The Milan stopper got a clean sheet in France’s opener with a first-half save two minutes from time for his side. He was the controlling person in the box during the test night.
RB: Jules Kounde – One area of the pitch where France looks a little weak on paper is at right back, but Kounde has shown no doubt that they are wrong to show Austria’s strength.
CB: Dayot Upamecano – Although he didn’t make many appearances for Bayern Munich at the end of last season, Upamecano scored a goal for France. He didn’t put a bad foot in their door.
CB: William Saliba – The Arsenal defender is not regarded as a top player in France as he is in England, but he shone against Austria despite doubts over where he would start. Ibrahima Konate has his work cut out for him.
LB: Theo Hernandez – Attacking the left back doesn’t do Hernandez justice, the lung-busting Milan defender runs into the opposition half with alarming regularity. He looked sharp in France’s opener.
CM: Adrien Rabiot Following a successful season with Juventus, Rabiot was able to claim first place ahead of the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Warren Zaire-Emery.
CM: N’Golo Kante – Playing in the Saudi Pro League did not affect Kante’s performance at the top level, as the 33-year-old closed all the gaps in the Player of the Match display against Austria.
CM: Antoine Griezmann The attacking midfielder should be fit after picking up a head injury against Austria and the Frenchman is very important to his country.
RW: Ousmane Dembele – A prolific striker, Dembele often missed the mark against Austria. He didn’t play badly but he needs to improve as Bradley Barcola and Kingsley Coman are sitting on the bench.
ST: Olivier Giroud – France’s top goalscorer, Mbappe’s injury could give Giroud a start against the Netherlands. He missed out on the bench against Austria but is always in the minority.
LW: Marcus Thuram – The Inter star has been used on the left side by Deschamps in recent games and had a positive impact last time out. The burden of goals can fall on him as Mbappe could be there.
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