France predicted lineup vs Belgium

France are yet to reach their potential at Euro 2024 and are looking to avoid another last 16 exit at the hands of lesser opposition this Monday.

Having bowed out to Switzerland at this stage of the competition at Euro 2020, France know that they can’t take a clash with an underwhelming Belgium side lightly. Les Bleus have struggled to thrill their fans in Germany with some tepid displays, but they still boast the strongest squad in the competition, and have now welcomed the masked Kylian Mbappe back into the fold.

Didier Deschamps is fortunate to have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, with a fully-fit squad heading into France’s first knockout match. However, the 2022 World Cup finalists have scored just twice in the competition so far, one of which was an own goal. They simply have to find their shooting boots against Belgium.

Here is how Deschamps could line his France side up for the Euro 2024 last 16 clash with their neighbours.

GK: Mike Maignan – One of France‘s strongest performers to date, Maignan is likely to be tested more frequently against Belgium than he has been in recent matches. However, up against a misfiring Romelu Lukaku, he may fancy a third clean sheet of the tournament.

RB: Jules Kounde – There have been doubts about Kounde’s capabilities as a right-back, but he has silenced the naysayers at Euro 2024. With Theo Hernandez bombing up the other wing from left-back, the Barcelona man can operate more cautiously on the right-hand side.

CB: Dayot Upamecano – The Bayern Munich defender made his first mistake of the tournament against Poland, with his late challenge handing Robert Lewandowski the chance to equalise. It proved costly in terms of topping the group, but Upamecano has enough credit in the bank to survive in the starting XI.

CB: William Saliba – As graceful in the blue of France as he is in the red of Arsenal, Saliba has firmly made that left-sided centre-back spot his own. Such a classy operator, he shouldn’t get drawn into a physical battle with Lukaku.

LB: Theo Hernandez – Hernandez is given free roam to fly up and down the left flank, and his pace and willingness to drive forward with the ball are his greatest strengths. He will need to be wary of either Leandro Trossard or Johan Bakayoko from a defensive standpoint.

CM: Antoine Griezmann – Having only made a half-hour cameo against Poland, Griezmann will be restored to the starting…