Every time France meets Belgium, one expects a tremendous build-up towards the match because one is facing the best football teams in Europe. The two have world-class talent and a tactical approach that makes the match thrilling. We have an article here that walks us through the expected France National Football Team vs Belgium National Football Team Lineups, team news, predictions, and more preview of this thrilling clash.
France National Football Team vs Belgium National Football Team Lineups
France Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Didier Deschamps will play a strong lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation and rely on a solid defensive base, giving all freedom to his attackers to create. Here is how the probable lineup for France will look like:
Goalkeeper:
- Mike Maignan (GK) – Maignan has surely been a reliable shot-stopper for France. His reflexes and reading of the game have been reliable strengths.
Defenders:
- Jules Kounde (Right Back) – He has been one of those players who can play beyond his normal defensive role and really offer support in attack.
- Ibrahima Konaté (Center Back)- Expected to be physical in the air and punchy in defense, Konaté is certainly a challenge to oppose at times.
- William Saliba (Central Defender) – Although Saliba is less physical, his pace and keenness will complement this aspect of Konaté, although they make a fantastic central combination.
- Theo Hernandez (Left Back) – An attack-minded full-back, Hernandez hugs the touchline and his crossing is good.
Midfielders:
- Youssouf Fofana (Central Defensive Midfielder) – He’s a ball-winner who steadies things in midfield.
- N’Golo Kanté (Central Defensive Midfielder) – His energy levels and tackling make him a presence in midfield.
Attacking Midfielders:
- Ousmane Dembélé (Right Wing) – With his pace and ball control, always poses a problem to any defensive line.
- Antoine Griezmann (Attacking Midfielder) – Griezmann is fantastic with his vision and creativity to play a pass between midfield and forward.
- Bradley Barcola (Left Wing) – Young and very energetic, he can also cut inside to create an opportunity.
Forwards
- Kylian Mbappé (Striker) – In a single player, Mbappé presents all the characteristics to be one of the deadliest strikers in the planet, in view of his speed and finishing.
Belgium Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Belgium, under coach Roberto Martinez, is likely to stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation that can accommodate all his creative players. Here’s how Belgium could line up.
Goalkeeper:
- Koen Casteels (GK) – They probably will be the goalkeepers Belgium would select from the start. They rely on him with his excellent shot-stopping.
Defenders:
- Timothy Castagne (Right Back) – These are players with high work rates and can be valuable for both defense and attack.
- Wout Faes (Center Back) – A rather strong physically and in terms of his aerial capability for the Belgian rearguard.
- Zeno Debast (Center Back) – Young and agile, he’s very promising in the center back position with much sense for positioning.
- Maxim De Cuyper (Left Back) – De Cuyper provides width at left back and has a real knack for timing his runs into the attack to create crosses.
Midfielders:
- Amadou Onana (Defensive Midfielder) – Onana is an athletic midfielder who excels at centre-halve tackling.
- Youri Tielemans (Central Midfielder) – Tielemans is Belgium’s standout playmaker and his range of passing ability will come to the fore in central midfield.
- Johan Bakayoko (Right Wing) – Bakayoko speed and ball control make him a dynamic force at right wing
- Kevin De Bruyne (Attacking Midfielder) – De Bruyne’s vision and passing ability makes him an essential part of Belgium’s attacking play.
- Jeremy Doku (Left Wing) – Doku has enough agility as well as quick feet, placing him as one constant threat on the left wing.
Forward:
- Loïs Openda (Striker) – Openda’s movement and finishing make him a reliable goal-scorer for Belgium.
France vs Belgium Team News
France Team News
France will take to the field with a largely fit combination but without injured Kingsley Coman. Moreover, Marcus Thuram is also in wait on the benches to offer wider offensive depth from the French side. The defense line looks really rock-solid as Kounde and Hernandez can be used if any of them fails to deliver with the well performing midfielder Fofana and Kanté.
Belgium Team News
Belgium have some reservations, not least in Eden Hazard not starting. So it is Johan Bakayoko who stands out from the bunch, and Doku wide, giving an attacking width. It means probably Romelu Lukaku does not start, as Loïs Openda will lead the attack in what should be a very trying opening match for him.
Pre-Match Preview
This game promises a tactical battle of wits between two of the best midfield units in world football, Kanté and Fofana spearheading France against Belgium’s ball-playing midfielders in Tielemans and De Bruyne. French Mbappé will be matched against Belgium’s Openda, who will swing the game in one moment if given.
Main Matchups to Watch
- Kylian Mbappé vs. Wout Faes: The speed of Mbappé and the change of direction will test Faes and Belgian defense.
- Antoine Griezmann vs. Amadou Onana: Griezmann’s playmaking against Onana’s defensive solidity will be an important contest in the middle of the park.
- Kevin De Bruyne vs. N’Golo Kanté: De Bruyne’s passing prowess against Kanté’s tackling and interceptions skill will control the tempo of the match.
France National Football Team vs Belgium National Football Team Prediction
The talent is almost perfectly balanced, and it is hard to call this match. Still, with the home advantage and better form, France might just edge past Belgium in a nervy encounter.
Prediction: France 2 – 1 Belgium
Conclusion
The France National Football Team against Belgium National Football Team is going to be a testimony to tactical intelligence, technical ability, and amazing football. Whichever way it finishes up, a collision between two of the huge giants in Europe is going to be considered a highlight for all the football enthusiasts around the globe.
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