France predicted lineup for Belgium clash in Euro 2024 Round of 16

The biggest of all the Round of 16 Euro 2024 clashes.

France have locked their sights to win their third European Championship title, but their journey has been tumultuous. After drawing with the Netherlands and Poland, they secured second place in Group D.

Despite a controversial penalty situation involving Mike Maignan and Robert Lewandowski, Les Bleus settled for a 1-1 draw courtesy of Kylian Mbappe’s penalty, placing them as runners-up due to Austria’s surprising win over the Netherlands.

With a challenging road to the final, France’s first hurdle in the Round of 16 are the Red Devils – Belgium. Here’s the predicted lineup as Didier Deschamps aims to field his strongest XI.

France predicted lineup (Formation: 4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan

It was not until the unfortunate spot kick against Poland that Maignan conceded for the first time in the Euro 2024. The French custodian has been one of the heroes for Les Bleus so far and they will feel secure seeing him come out with the pair of gloves between the sticks against the Red Devils.

Right-Back: Jules Kounde

Having shone for Barcelona, Kounde has been rightly entrusted to do the job for his national team in the Euros. And he has repaid Deschamp’s trust and kind faith. Kounde has played all of the minutes so far for Les Bleus in the RB position but his versatility of playing in any defensive role makes him a key player.

Centre-Back: William Saliba

Saliba has been undroppable this year. Right from his exploits at Arsenal, as they posed a strong challenge to Man City for the Premier League title, to now at the world stage in the Euros. At just 23, he is leading the defence of his national side with calm and composure.

Also read: France vs Belgium Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | UEFA Euro 2024⁠

Centre-Back: Dayot Upamecano

Hardly anyone favoured him to start games for France in Euros. The pairing of Ibrahima Konaté and Saliba seemed inevitable but the French camp had something else in plan. Upamecano with Saliba was hitting perfectly up until the Bayern Munich defender showed his inconsistency. His sloppy foul in the box, costed France three points against Poland. However, he will be looking to shrug off the ‘one-off’ mistake and show why he is still the favourite to start the games.

Left-Back: Theo Hernandez

Having taken up his brother’s position at left-back for the rest of the tournament, Theo Hernandez wants to bring it home for his brother as well (ruptured cruciate ligament). He possesses speed, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability, making him a highly-regarded attacking fullback who will surely be keeping the Belgium defence on its toes.

Central Midfielder: N’Golo Kante

Despite moving to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia after a long injury spell, N’Golo Kante maintains high-performance levels. The 2018 World Cup winner has shown no loss of pace, agility, or fitness, at 33, creating the most chances for the French team and covering the third-longest distance in the Euros so far. He was even France’s second-quickest player in their first match, behind only Kylian Mbappe.

Central Midfielder: Aurelien Tchouameni

The Real Madrid’s French starboy loves operating from the back, away from all the eyes on him. He has slid into this French side with such smoothness that it was no longer a debate over his place in the starting XI. Tchouameni, 24, has exemplified the art of modern-day CDM’s role – from dispossessing and covering for the defence to changing the momentum of the game.

Also read: France vs Belgium: All-time head-to-head record | Euro 2024

Right Midfielder: Ousmane Dembele

The ex-Barcelona and current PSG star, Dembele is already under the radar of fans and experts for a slow start to the campaign. But the flashes of his glory days at Dortmund are visible, and he would love to replicate the same over the 90 minutes – what better game than to do it in the knockout stage against Belgium?

Central Attacking Midfielder: Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann has been a glue for the French squad under Deschamp’s reign. One knows that, even if the Atletico Madrid star is having an off-period in club football, he would still turn up for Les Bleus and perform better than the majority of the squad. Mr. Reliable! And this is exactly what he has been this summer. Fans hope the 33-year-old can maintain the same rhythm for the final stretch of games.

Left Midfielder: Bradley Barcola

Barcola got a call from Didier Deschamps for Euro 2024 despite never being selected before. He earned his ticket to Germany with a strong finish to the season with PSG. Quickly becoming a vital part of France’s attack, Barcola’s speed and footwork make him a threat on the wings. He is a ‘One to watch for’ type talent.

Striker: Kylian Mbappe

He does not need an introduction, but masked Kylian Mbappe? He just seems like an added pain to any defence. Mbappe has brought the heat to the Euros after an exciting club football time for him – got the Real Madrid deal sealed and a 44-goal season. Now, the question remains can he captain this star-studded French side to glory? If any team can it’s the class of ’24 Les Bleus.

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