France will wrap up their first international camp under Zinédine Zidane on Monday evening against Belgium at the Stade de France. For their fourth Nations League match in just eleven days, the head coach is once again expected to rotate his squad. Manu Koné and Esteban Lepaul could notably be handed starting roles.
Zidane is continuing to assess his options. Three days after the 1-1 draw with Italy, Les Bleus face Belgium on Monday at 8:45 p.m. at the Stade de France. France know their opponents well, having beaten the Red Devils 1-0 in Brussels just a week ago thanks to a Michael Olise goal, but the starting XI is expected to change again for this second meeting.
Koné and Lepaul Could Start for France
“There will be changes, that’s for sure,” Zidane confirmed at his press conference on Sunday. However, the France boss does not want to completely overhaul his team and has promised “intelligent changes” to keep the side competitive. According to the latest indications, Manu Koné should return to midfield, while Esteban Lepaul could be given another opportunity in attack. Zidane also has to manage fatigue after four matches in quick succession. There is even some uncertainty in goal: Mike Maignan remains the first choice, but Zidane has not completely ruled out handing Guillaume Restes his first cap after discussing the management of his goalkeepers with Fabien Barthez.
France will once again be without Kylian Mbappé. The captain left the squad after suffering a left knee injury while scoring against Turkey. Other key players could also be rested after the demanding schedule, with Zidane looking to test new combinations without completely reshaping his team. France’s predicted line-up is: Maignan (or Restes) – Koundé, Jacquet, Lacroix, Truffert – Koné, Camavinga, Da Cunha – Olise, Lepaul, Barcola. The XI could still change in the coming hours, with several media outlets reporting different possibilities, particularly in attack.
Belgium will also arrive at the Stade de France weakened, with Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans both suspended. Their absences represent a major blow in midfield, although Mark van Bommel’s side are coming off a 3-0 victory over Turkey, featuring a De Bruyne brace and another goal from Romelu Lukaku. One week after winning in Brussels, France will therefore look to end the first international camp of the Zidane era with another victory before the players return to their clubs.
