France vs Belgium: Preview, predictions and lineups

France’s inability to top Group D means that they now face a challenging clash with Belgium in the last 16 at Euro 2024.

Having drawn with already eliminated Poland in their final group game, Les Bleus could only finish runners-up to Austria. The tournament favourites have been largely underwhelming in Germany so far and have managed just two goals across their opening three matches, one of which was an own goal and the other a penalty.

Didier Deschamps’ side have the deepest and strongest squad in the competition but have struggled to find their way out of second gear yet. A clash against Belgium in the last 16 – a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final – could kickstart their tournament.

After all, Belgium have been similarly disappointing at Euro 2024. Following an opening game defeat to Slovakia, a win against Romania and a tame draw with Ukraine saw them also qualify in second place. Romelu Lukaku has been both unfortunate and unconvincing up top, while even Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t been able to paper over significant cracks across the Belgium team.

Here’s 90min’s guide to France vs Belgium at Euro 2024.

France vs Belgium H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Having broken his nose against Austria and missed the subsequent clash with the Netherlands, Kylian Mbappe returned for France’s final group game with Poland. He netted his first goal in any Euros with a well-taken penalty during a 1-1 draw.

Deschamps didn’t make many changes for France’s clash with Poland and shouldn’t make many for the meeting with Belgium either. Antoine Griezmann was only given half-an-hour, however, and will come back in to the starting lineup on Monday.

France predicted lineup vs Belgium (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Griezmann, Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe, Thuram.

Belgium have struggled…